Alessi

Born in Italy and raised in Switzerland, Glovanni Alessi began his company a few years after World War 1. His first products produced were tableware items made in nickel, chromium, and silver-plated brass. Carlo Alessi, his son, was named chief designer, and developed many of the products released by Alessi between 1935 to 1945. He stepped in as head of the company in 1969.

The idea to collaborate with external designers was first introduced 1955. This concept of partnering with designers would allow Alessi to extend their range of product designs, increase functionality, and create products for a wider customer base. This was taken a step further in 1970 under the leadership of Alberto Alessi, who sought out and collaborated with renowned design maestros that included Achille Castiglioni, Richard Sapper, Alessandro Mendini, and Ettore Sottsass. This business strategy helped to produce the popular Condiment Set by Sottsass and the Espressomaker by Sapper.

The 1980s were marked with new designers like Aldo Rossi, Michael Graves, and Philippe Starck, who were responsible for products that would go on to become some of Alessi's all time bestsellers. In the 1990s, Alessi’s designers found innovation and freedom as they were allowed to use plastic to create their products. Popular sellers included the Fruit Mama and the Anna G. designed by Stefano Giovannoni and Alessandro Mendini.

In 2006, Alessi decided to split its products under three different lines: Alessi, A di Alessi (products set in a lower price range of Alessi), and Officina Alessi (the more exclusive, innovative, and experimental line).

Today, Alessi continues to work with designers across the globe, focusing on producing quality collections for a variety of clientele. Their products are currently on display in museums worldwide including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Stedelijk Museum in Italy.