Very rarely are we transfixed by a kitchenware collection. The newest venture by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for Alessi, however, left us hypnotised with its theatrical theme.
Wanders is of course known for putting on a show with his works, and this time he chose the magic and trickery of the big top as inspiration. Channeling the maximalist power of pattern he brings to Moooi, the whimsical collection consists of 29 objects in the tableware range, plus five limited-edition Officina Alessi ornamental pieces.
Described by Wanders himself as a ‘one-of-a-kind spectacle’, the striking stainless tableware is dressed in adventurous patterns, often diamonds or stripes in vivid red, yellow and blacks. ‘We explored how we could merge colour and stainless steel in fun, unexpected and unique ways,’ says Wanders. ‘With the concept of the circus, and the surprising display it’s known for, we were able to bring colourful delight and energy to what Alessi has built its reputation upon.'
For the five limited editions, Wanders has created different archetypal characters from the circus to create bespoke kitchen performances. These include the muscle-clad 'Strongman' (a nutcracker), the baby elephant 'Ballerina' (a musical box), the laughing 'Jester' (corkscrew), the classical 'Ringleader' (a call bell), and if you are brave enough, the clown 'Candyman' (sweets dispenser). It's hard not to appreciate Wander’s wild imagination through the fantastical nature of the pieces, which have been designed as lifelong collectables. ‘Our collection is unequivocally designed to bring smiles and delight,’ continues Gabriele Chiave, creative director at Marcel Wanders.
Delving into a new playful and energetic direction for Alessi, the venture took five years to master – just like any circus act, practice makes perfect.
The whimsical collection consists of 29 objects in the tableware range, plus five limited-edition Officina Alessi ornamental pieces that reflect archetypal characters from the big top. Right: the 'Strongman' nutcracker
Chanelling the maximalist power of pattern that Wanders brings to Moooi, this venture took five years to realise, delving into a new playful and energetic direction for Alessi. Pictured: the 'Ringman' call bell
'We explored how we could merge colour and stainless steel in fun, unexpected and unique ways,’ says Wanders. Pictured right: the 'Ballerina' musical box
'Our collection is unequivocally designed to bring smiles and delight,’ says Gabriele Chiave, creative director at Marcel Wanders. Pictured: the 'Candyman' sweet dispenser
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Alessi website
-
Naoto Fukasawa sparks children’s imaginations with play sculpturesThe Japanese designer creates an intuitive series of bold play sculptures, designed to spark children’s desire to play without thinking
-
Japan in Milan! See the highlights of Japanese design at Milan Design Week 2025At Milan Design Week 2025 Japanese craftsmanship was a front runner with an array of projects in the spotlight. Here are some of our highlights
-
Tour the best contemporary tea houses around the worldCelebrate the world’s most unique tea houses, from Melbourne to Stockholm, with a new book by Wallpaper’s Léa Teuscher
-
Hot metal: why shiny tableware is a holy grail of hostingFrom a silvery modernist coffee pot to a perfectly poised stainless-steel candleholder, bring glimmer to dinner with shiny metal tableware
-
Tokyo story: our series of illustrated interiors is blossoming -
Fantasy island: dream kitchens for creative chief cooks and brilliant bottle washers -
Bow belles: stay ahead of the curve with sensual velvets and geometric arcs -
Harrods comes home: the luxe department store launches first furniture line -
Breaking the mould: Stefano Giovannoni creates plastic furniture collection
