Milanese architect, designer, artist and critic Alessandro Mendini (1931–2019) was a defining voice in the evolution of Italian design. As editor of the influential magazines Casabella, Modo and Domus, he helped shape the cultural conversation surrounding architecture and design from the late 20th century onward.

Mendini’s visionary practice encompassed furniture, objects, interiors, paintings and architecture, distinguished by bold color, expressive form and an unmistakable sense of wit. The recipient of three Compasso d’Oro awards, he was also named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and received the 2014 European Prize for Architecture. Together with his brother, architect Francesco Mendini, he designed Alessi’s factories in Omegna, as well as notable museums and buildings around the world.

Founded by Giovanni Alessi in 1921, Alessi has built its legacy on transforming everyday essentials into enduring design icons. Created in collaboration with celebrated architects and industrial designers, its functional yet sculptural objects feel equally at home on a kitchen counter or gallery pedestal. Today, many are held in prestigious museum collections worldwide.