Innovation Cultures - Thinking Innovation v2 | Page 14

Here are a few designs I fell in love with - and well, yes - may have spent more money than needed. Almost any product from Alessi is a good example of operating on several levels. Originally a metal craft factory from Northern Italy, Alessi5 keeps no designer on staff but commissions well-known architects and designers to turn their everyday kitchen accessories into whimsical, functional and attractive objects. The Anna G. corkscrew, by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, works smoothly and sits beautifully in my kitchen – and seemingly from her smile, getting on well with the bottles of wine with which she shares the shelf. It gets high points for both visceral and behavioral aspects. The Philips/Alessi toaster, also by Mendini, has a streamline influence of the early 1920’s and 30’s and what futurist doesn