{"title":"Alessandro Mendini","description":"\u003ch2\u003e Alessandro Mendini – a co-founder of Redesign\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBorn in Milan, Italy, in 1931, Alessandro Mendini played a central role in the development of Italian design. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 1960, just a year after completing his architecture degree in Milan, Mendini became a partner of Olivetti designer Marcello Nizzoli at \"Studio Nizzoli Associati\".\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMendini became a theorist of Italian avant-garde design and a driver of new trends through his work as founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of the magazines \"Casabella\" (1970–1976), \"Modo\" (founded 1977) and \"Domus\" (1979–1985).\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 1973, Mendini co-founded the alternative design school \"Global Tools\", and in 1978 he became one of the first members of the legendary Studio Alchimia, for which he created the Kandissi sofa and the Ondoso table (both 1979).\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTogether with other Italian designers, Mendini developed the concepts of Redesign and Banal Design, in which everyday objects are transformed into new, ironic objects through colour and form. His ironic, often even irreverent approach to conventional ideas of \"good taste\" and his reworking of historical masters and design classics frequently sparked lively debate. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Originality no longer exists today. The invention of new forms is being replaced by variations in decoration and surface. Design is redesign. Designing is decorating.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eObjects embellished – and thus transformed – with decoration and ornament, as he demonstrated on Thonet and Bauhaus chairs, met with incomprehension and harsh criticism, especially from advocates of functionalism. But Mendini's aim was precisely not to represent a one-dimensional or functional design style. He wanted to raise questions about the meaning and purpose of design and so encourage conversation about it.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor many years, Alessandro Mendini worked as art director and consultant for Swatch and Alessi. From 1989, he ran Atelier Mendini in Milan together with his brother Francesco, also an architect. The studio carried out theoretical studies as well as highly successful design and architecture commissions. In addition to more than a hundred Swatch shops worldwide, shops for Alessi and showrooms for Bisazza, Mendini created numerous influential design and architectural works.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMendini's well-known buildings include the Casa della Felicità built for Alberto Alessi (1983–1988), for which he commissioned architects such as Aldo Rossi, Ettore Sottsass and Riccardo Dalisi to each design a self-contained wing. At the Groninger Museum in Groningen in the Netherlands (1988–1994), he applied the same principle: he designed the entrance area himself and brought in international architects and designers such as Coop Himmelb(l)au, Michele De Lucchi and Philippe Starck for the individual departments, each a self-contained building. Other examples include the Paradise Tower in Hiroshima, Japan (1989, with Yumiko Kobayashi), the Scuola del Mosaico in Spilimbergo, Italy, and the sculptural Steintor tram stop in the centre of Hanover in Germany (1994), to name but a few. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMendini's well-known design objects include the distinctive Anna G. (1994) and Alessandro M. (2003) corkscrew figures for Alessi, the Poltrona di Proust and Vassilij armchairs (both 1978 for Alchimia, reissued by Cappellini in 1993), the Papilio table for Zanotta (1985), the Geo filter coffee maker for Alessi (2003), and the Kandissi sofa and Ondoso table (both 1979 for Alchimia).\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-di-alessi-moka-alessi-espressomaschine","title":"Alessi - Moka Alessi Espresso machine","description":"Alessi S\u003ch2\u003etylish stainless steel espresso pot\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\nItaly—the land of espresso. Designer Alessandro Mendini has created Moka Alessi an espresso machine that draws on the traditions of this great coffee-loving nation.\r\nWith this Moka Alessi an espresso machine featuring playful shapes. It reinterprets the archetypal form of the classic espresso maker in a modern way, while its inner workings remain as classic as ever. \u003cbr \/\u003e\r\nAs a classic-style espresso machine, it is Moka Alessi compact and portable, and thanks to its few parts, it’s easy to clean. A di Alessi manufactures the espresso machine from 18\/10 stainless steel, which is polished to a high shine and thus adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.\r\nAvailable in various sizes (1 cup, 3 cups, 5 cups).","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57394893357400,"sku":"125895","price":70.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/1760\/5208\/files\/Moka-Alessi-Espressomaschine-30cl.jpg?v=1780053430"},{"product_id":"alessi-alessandro-stick-essstabchen","title":"Alessi - Alessandro Stick Chopsticks","description":"\u003ch2\u003e Chopstick Set for Fine Dining\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\nThe Alessandro Chopstick Set from Alessi combines two elegant ebony chopsticks with an elegantly shaped holder made of highly polished stainless steel. Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the set blends Asian dining culture with Italian design sensibility and is suitable for both everyday use and stylish dinner parties.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChopstick Set with 18\/10 Stainless Steel Holder\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChopsticks made of fine, dark ebony\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57394897158488,"sku":"445390","price":45.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/1760\/5208\/files\/Alessi-Alessandro-Stick-Essstbchen-schwarz-Edelstahl.jpg?v=1780053480"},{"product_id":"alessi-alessini-kinderbesteck","title":"Alessi - Alessi ni Children's cutlery","description":"\u003ch2\u003e Children's Cutlery by Alessandro Mendini\r\n\u003c\/h2\u003eThe Alessi ni Alessi ’s children’s cutlery set consists of a spoon, fork, and knife and is suitable for children ages 3 and up. The cutlery is part of the Alessi ni children’s tableware series by Alessandro Mendini, who drew inspiration from children’s playful imagination and adapted the set to their needs. The cutlery blends perfectly with the existing adult tableware and complements a classically set table in a subtle and beautiful way.\u003ch3\u003e\r\nMade of stainless steel with rounded shapes\r\n\u003c\/h3\u003eThe stainless steel makes the cutlery durable and sturdy, while the rounded shapes create a successful blend of a pleasant feel and functionality. The shape of the handle makes it easy even for the youngest children to grip the cutlery and ensures a secure hold in their small hands. The blade of the knife and the tines of the fork are also rounded so that children can handle the cutlery safely and without risk. A clever detail is the slight indentation in the handles of the cutlery, which adds a playful element.\r\nThe cutlery is dishwasher-safe and matches perfectly with the other products in the Alessi ni series.","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57394897224024,"sku":"153021","price":32.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/1760\/5208\/files\/Alessi-Alessini-Kinderbesteck-Edelstahl.jpg?v=1780053481"},{"product_id":"alessi-anna-stick-essstabchen","title":"Alessi - Anna Stick Chopsticks","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Chopstick Set in Perfect Harmony\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\nThe Anna Stick Set from Alessi consists of two elegant chopsticks made of high-quality ebony and a stylish holder made of polished stainless steel. Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the set combines sophisticated design with Asian table culture—ideal for stylish moments of enjoyment at home.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTwo chopsticks made of dark ebony\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e18\/10 stainless steel holder, mirror-polished\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57394897518936,"sku":"445386","price":45.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/1760\/5208\/files\/Alessi-Anna-Stick-Essstbchen-schwarz-Edelstahl.jpg?v=1780053488"},{"product_id":"alessi-anna-stop-2-flaschenverschluss","title":"Alessi - Anna Stop 2 Bottle Cap","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDesigner Bottle Stopper\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\nThe Anna Stop 2 bottle stopper, designed by Alessandro Mendini, combines playful design with practical function. Its iconic silhouette is inspired by the famous “Anna G.” corkscrew figurine and adds a charming touch to any bottle.\u003cbr \/\u003e\r\nCrafted from black thermoplastic resin and chrome-plated zamak, the stopper not only ensures a secure hold but also adds a stylish detail to wine, sparkling wine, or oil bottles. An ideal gift for design enthusiasts and a decorative element on any set table.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Thermoplastic resin \u0026 \u0026 chrome-plated Zamak\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIconic design by Alessandro Mendini\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for wine and champagne bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57394897617240,"sku":"227413","price":28.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/1760\/5208\/files\/Alessi-Anna-Stop-2-Flaschenverschluss-schwarz.jpg?v=1780053489"},{"product_id":"a-di-alessi-korkenzieher-alessandro-m","title":"Alessi - Alessandro M Corkscrew","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCorkscrew by Alessandro Mendini\r\n\u003c\/h2\u003ePerhaps it was out of jealousy over the huge success of “Anna G.” that Alessandro Mendini decided to delight us with the character “Alessandro M.” As is undoubtedly easy to see, this corkscrew is a self-portrait of the designer. Even though it looks so simple, in reality it was anything but easy to bring a new character to life that could fit both into the designer’s autobiographical story and into the international design scene.\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAlessandro M. in Fashionable Attire\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\nDesigner Alessandro Mendini developed the project and gave his creation a distinct, different, yet complementary identity compared to his now-renowned companion, Anna G. In addition to the standard version, Alessandro M. is available in other color combinations. In addition, there is a series of haute couture seasonal collections. The custom-made garments follow the latest trends and are produced in limited editions. They are intended for collectors and follow the seasonal rhythm of fashion design.","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"pink\/blue \/ Alessandro M.","offer_id":57571231793496,"sku":"273348","price":50.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"yellow\/black \/ Alessandro M.","offer_id":57571231826264,"sku":"273353","price":50.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"light blue\/black \/ Alessandro M.","offer_id":57571231859032,"sku":"366056","price":50.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"yellow\/black \/ Alessandro M. 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A variety of striking colors underscore the individual style of any interior.\r\n\r\nThoughtful details transform the act of opening fine bottles into a stylish ritual, while the ergonomically designed mechanism ensures comfortable use. As a decorative element on open kitchen shelves, in home bars, or during a convivial dinner, the corkscrew lends every living and dining area an inspiring, modern atmosphere—a piece of design history that stylishly bridges everyday life and special occasions. The iconic original is the {b} corkscrew Anna G. {\/b} from {b} Alessi {\/b} .\r\n\r\n- Legendary design piece with a unique silhouette\r\n- Ergonomic mechanism for comfortable handling\r\n- Available in a variety of stylish color options","brand":"Alessi","offers":[{"title":"black","offer_id":58283636228440,"sku":"114645","price":60.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"pink","offer_id":58283636261208,"sku":"273343","price":60.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"blue","offer_id":58283636293976,"sku":"273345","price":60.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"yellow","offer_id":58283636326744,"sku":"273346","price":60.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"white\/blue","offer_id":58283636359512,"sku":"445598","price":95.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"chrome","offer_id":58283636392280,"sku":"102769","price":95.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/1760\/5208\/files\/AM01Z_2200.jpg?v=1787800462"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.connox.com\/collections\/alessandro-mendini.oembed","provider":"Connox","version":"1.0","type":"link"}