Always aware of ecological issues and natural forms, Andrea Branzi is one of the designers who is most aware of the potential of turned wood, a material that in his opinion is one of the best available for making "objects with which we can establish relationships, not just of use and functionality but also of a psychological, symbolic, and poetic nature.”

Fatman by Alessi was designed by Marcel Wanders who focused his attention on the object’s decoration, creating a kind of colourful suit in which to dress the cake stand. This aspect makes the object versatile: closed, it is a table sculpture; open it becomes a multi-tier cake stand for table service.

In this sense Fatman is not just a folding object, because when you close it up it doesn’t simply stop being a container, it transforms into a beautiful object to be admired. The colourful decoration designed by Wanders, combined with the round shape, tends to emphasise the formal perception of the object. Fatman, as the name suggests, presents the features of a man with a robust body, dressed in an outfit reminiscent of a clown.

Dressed butter dish by Alessi. For those who love their breakfast (and not only), Marcel Wanders has created a series of additional articles for the “Dressed” service. This big collection reveals one of the typical traits of Wanders’ language, where ancient shapes and style features are echoed in a totally contemporary interpretation.

Andrea Branzi has designed the Nutcracker Scoiattolo (squirrel) and is very attentive to the environment and to natural forms.

Mami Fondue Set by Alessi. Fondue sets are on another planet in the complex universe of kitchen utensils. There are lots of types of fondue, quite different from each other and rooted in quite different culinary cultures. All fondues share the same cooking method (which varies from simmering to slow frying or melting) that is achieved with a casserole or a pot placed over a heat source that is taken directly to the table.

On the basis of these differing needs, the aim in the project of the Mami fondue set was to create a truly complete system of objects for all aspects of this type of cooking. In fact, the small tray base and stand with diffuser plate complete with burner (which operates both with paste and with alcohol) may be combined with the classic, long-handled steel casserole, with heat-diffusing base (which functions on all types of heat sources, including induction plates), typical of the Bourguignonne fondue, as well as the traditional stove-top ceramic casserole, ideal for cheese and for chocolate fondues. There are also forks with three prongs and widened palms for cheeses, chocolate and whatever else needs to be put together each time, even for just a part of the sauce. The system is completed by a “Lazy Susan”, a huge, wood revolving container for the complete set, with small stainless steel and ceramic sauce bowls.

Part of the Mami Collection of kitcheware and tableware that includes oven dishes and frying pans in pressure-cast aluminium with a non-stick coating, a pasta-set and a pressure cooker, as well as a cutlery service and superb kitchen knives.

Cactus! Tea And Sugar Bag Holder by Alessi. Designed by Marta Sansoni, the delicate Cactus hole motif has graced a particularly pleasing and successful series of products and it has become one of Alessi's iconic patterns, symbolising its mastery of laser-cut steel.

Dressed Egg Cup with Spoon by Alessi. For those who love their breakfast (and not only), Marcel Wanders has created a series of additional articles for the “Dressed” service. This big collection reveals one of the typical traits of Wanders’ language, where ancient shapes and style features are echoed in a totally contemporary interpretation.

Produced in stainless steel, this round tray establishes a perfect dialogue between linear design and vibrant decoration. Marcel Wanders proposes a fresh take on the traditional multicoloured diamond pattern synonymous with the circus, offering us a colourful and versatile piece, suited to a range of different uses and settings: a stylish valet tray, a colourful accessory for serving at the table or an original decorative element to display in the home, depending on personal tastes and requirements.

Alessi Circus Collection is part of the Officina Alessi range, which includes the brand's most exclusive, innovative and experimental products.


 

A stylish table object, Kaleidos by Alessi was designed by Naoko Shintani. The designer took her inspiration from the Japanese tradition of origami with the aim of reproducing the dynamism of folded paper in metal. The result is an object which, as the name suggests, recalls a kaleidoscope which reflects and multiplies its content in an infinite series of cross-references. Its reduced size makes it suitable for use as a basket, a fruit holder or a generic container.

Anna Gong by Alessi is designer Mendini’s tribute to the legendary folding cake stand “art. 898” that was one of Alessi’s best seller for quite some time in the 60s. Anna Gong has, like its predecessor, two aspects and two uses: when closed, it’s a table-top scultpture; when open, it becomes a multi-tier Cake stand that can be used at the table.

MGVASS tray by Alessi, a round tray part of the collection of products designed by Michael Graves for Alessi, which include the famous 9093 bird kettle.

Graves's personal formal language combines ideas taken from European tradition, Art Deco, American Pop Art and memories of pre-Colombian cultures. The American designer also has an ability to bewitch the general public like few other designers in the Alessi catalogue.

Alessini Cutlery Set by Alessi. The curvy, flowing shape of the cutlery is inspired by the playful imagination of young children while also serving their needs. Functionality is complemented by a pleasing rounded shape.

Alessini is Alessi's collection of tableware for children, made to transform meal times into moments of pleasure and fun. Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the pieces in the collection provide everything young children could possibly need at table. Shapes, decorations and colours are inspired by the happy world of the very young, without forgetting functionality and style.

The set includes table knife, fork and spoon.

 

Opus by Alessi. Opus is metal open-work, an elegant centrepiece reminiscent of fabric lace. It was precisely lace and tatting that inspired Guido Venturini in his design of this sophisticated article. Opus is a large centrepiece whose shape conveys lightness thanks to its unusual open-work pattern.

As with La Conica espresso maker, the link between the shape of Aldo Rossi's kettle and its name is clear. The cones, a constant presence in his architectural designs, are transformed into real objects to be touched and used, becoming real icons.

The two or three-dish cake stand is the ideal accessory for serving sweets or savoury hors d'oeuvres with a stylish, sophisticated table setting. The top tier, featuring a smooth and unadorned surface, is in contrast with the lower plate, decorated on both sides. The design of the ring knob, meanwhile, cleverly incorporates one of the distinguishing traits of the Dressed collection: the angel's halo, a recurring element that Wanders proposes, in stylised form, in various items created for Christmas table settings.

Available in 18/10 stainless steel or white steel.

La Rosa Fruit Basket by Alessi. A rose is the inspiration behind this intricate fruit bowl - the shape of the iconic flower is used to create a beautiful perforated design. The rose flower symbolises femininity, grace, love. An alchemic symbol of universal harmony: flower of Venus, an image of regeneration. Loved and revered since ancient times, here she is transformed into a delicate steel bowl.  

Roost Egg Cup by Alessi comes from a childhood memory: early-morning egg gathering. The geometric and proportioned shape of the egg. A dual purpose object, just like the very structure of eggs. the sense of surprise and anticipation you feel when you open it are the inspiring concepts behind this double egg cup. Ideal for eating soft-boiled eggs alone or in company: once the two parts have been separated, they can contain two eggs or one egg and its top shell once you’ve cut it off. An object with a fascinating geometry just like the structure of the eggs the designer has taken inspiration from.

 
PZ06 Pepper Castor by Alessi. Nature provides the inspiration for a new interpretation of the classic containers for condiments. This pepper castor cruet created by Peter Zumthor proposes a completely new approach to this typology, surprising us once again with his formal rigor and linguistic effectiveness. The faceted volumes immediately bring to mind the shapes and forms of the elements we have in nature such as crystals, stalagmites, stalactites. The result is a collection of six glass containers with silver plated steel covers, whose design demonstrates a successful balance between form, function and quality.