Marcel Wanders collaborates with Alessi on circus tableware

Left: the adventurous patterns of the tableware collection. Right: the 'Jester' corkscrew, one of the five character-based limited edition pieces

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders has collaborated with Alessi on a new kitchenware collection inspired by the circus. Pictured left: the adventurous patterns of the tableware collection. Right: the 'Jester' corkscrew, one of the five character-based limited edition pieces

(Image credit: Alessi)

By Sujata Burman

last updated 31 October 2022

in News

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

The 'Ringman' call bell — 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

The 'Ballerina' musical box — '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

Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.

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