The Italian accessories brand Alessi has brought together a range of collaborators — from star architects to new talent — for their Spring/Summer 2017 collection of tabletop products. Below are a few of my favorites from the new collection.
Forma Grater by Zaha Hadid
The Forma Grater was the late Iraqi architect’s final project for Alessi. Like many of her works, its shape was inspired by organic, natural forms that have been smoothed over time by water and wind. It consists of two elements: a sculptural black melamine base holding a mirror-polished stainless steel grater. $80
Va Bene by Miriam Mirri
The Va Bene cooking utensil for testing pasta, vegetables, and other hot foods is produced via a complex sheet metal processing technique of molding, cutting, and welding to create a form that recalls part of a musical instrument. $45
T-Timepiece by Titus Wybenga
Inspired by the shape of an antique pocket watch, this infuser was a result of the “Life in Transition” workshop organized in collaboration with Dutch University TU Delft, with a mission of analyzing symbolic objects of daily life. I see it as a reminder to take the time to enjoy a cup of tea once in a while. $45
Virgula Divina by Frédéric Gooris
Named after the Latin term for a Y-shaped rod or “water diviner” used to find underground sources of water, this bottle opener offers a comfortable grip for those folks looking to quench their thirst. $40
Water Tower by Daniel Libeskind
Inspired by the legacy of Aldo Rossi, Libeskind has created a miniature work of architecture for the table that is an interpretation of the iconic American water tanks seen on New York City rooftops. The Water Tower’s mirror-finished cylinder of stainless steel sits atop a lattice-structure base, capped by a pointed lid. It can be used to store sugar cubes at the table, or other items on the nightstand or desktop. $210 (black base); $265 (all stainless steel)
Pizzico by Busetti, Garuti and Redaelli
This salt castor features a silicone body that allows the user to pinch the container and crush the salt crystals without making contact with the salt itself. The pliable material allows for easy control of flow without clogging. It’s offered in black, gray, light green (shown) and white, with a stainless steel base. $29
All images courtesy of Alessi.