guido venturini

moka alessi | alfonso mendini | click > enlarge

Only a glimpse of the Spring/Summer 2012 line and our focus ( not Alessi’s ) will be the theme of duality. Let’s start with “old and new” via the “Moka Alessi” by architect Alessandro Mendini’s homage to Alberto Alessi’s maternal grandfather, Alfonso Bialetti, creator of the indispensable Bialetti Moka Express that is a mainstay in many Italian kitchens. [ bialetti moka express ]

all-time | guido venturini

‘All-time’ represents both “formal and casual” with minimal flowing smooth classic lines but designed for daily use and includes all the basic elements of flatware, bone china, and glasses. A re-design of the “Pluto” collection designed by Guido Venturini.”I immediately knew I didn’t want to do anything too different. I’ve got a strong bond with the formal style – for me, it’s a real necessity. The language of shapes has its own priorities, and it draws me into it in a way that I can only control up to a certain point.”

is01 | inga sempé 2012

This spoon serves up both “Italy and France” and designed for a competition organized with the magazine “Domus” to celebrate the anniversary of the “Cucchiaio d’Argento” (in English “Silver Spoon”) – the historic recipe book with its 12,000 recipes and as a star of Italian kitchens for the past 50 years. For this special occasion five international designers were asked to come up with a new serving spoon. The winner, Inga Sempé, for her ability to design a very simple, rigorous and yet highly expressive tool which, thanks to its precise details, well fulfills the practical need to gather up and serve risotto. France? The designer is of course French.

Be alert for other examples of duality in the Alessi Spring/Summer 2012 line.