Alessi Reveals Cutlery Range Designed by Virgil Abloh
“Occasional Object” reimagines conventional tableware.
Italian design brand Alessi has unveiled “Occasional Object” — a collection of tableware designed by Virgil Abloh and his London-based studio Alaska Alaska.
“Virgil thought of Alessi as the best in class, not only in terms of its design history but also because of the caliber of the artists and designers it had worked with in the past. This provided Virgil with the perfect context to actualize this project amongst great company,” Tawanda Chiweshe, the creative director of Alaska Alaska, spoke of the collaboration, which happened about a year ago after Abloh had reached out to Alberto Alessi.
Reminiscent of the late fashion creative’s perforated designs for Off-White™, the collection features spoons, knives and forks with cut-out shapes in their bodies. The pieces are complete with Alessi and Abloh’s branding.
Alessi further commented on the partnership: “I found that Virgil had a completely different way to look at things and objects, so when he looked at the world of Alessi, it was through the eyes of one who loved the idea of a mechanical workshop. I remember the first reference he showed me was a wrench, very far from what we habitually think of design — it was almost brutalist.” He continued: “Alas, we had very little time to make our collection with Virgil, but I am so glad we did.”
“Occasional Object” will be displayed within the upcoming “100-01” exhibition, which will explore the past 100 years of Alessi’s history. The show is open until June 12 at Salone de Mobile.
