Jesse James
The Italian design brand Alessi returns to reveal a new collection of cutlery designed by Virgil Abloh and his London-based studio Alaska Alaska. The new range, entitled “Occasional Object,” includes a knife, fork, and spoon fastened together with a carabiner. The tableware offers a new perspective on the utensils we use to eat. The collaboration between Abloh and Alessi came about just over a year ago when the late designer reached out to Alberto Alessi.
Tawanda Chiweshe, the creative director of Alaska Alaska, spoke about the collaboration and its inspiration. Tawanda stated: “Virgil thought of Alessi as the best in class, not only in terms of its design history but also because of the calibre 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.”
Each piece features cutouts on the body and was made in Italy. The spoon features a squared-off edge while the fork’s prongs are split into two sets of two. The Occasional Object collection resembles cutlery found in camping packs but designed on purpose as something Abloh wanted to represent.
Alberto Alessi stated: “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. Alas, we had very little time to make our collection with Virgil, but I am so glad we did.”
The collection will be presented with the 100-001 exhibition, which represents the past 100 years of Alessia’s history. Michele De Lucchi’s studio AMDL CIRCLE designed the exhibition, instead the rooms dedicated to the Alessi Occasional Objects by Virgil Abloh were designed and curated by Studio Temp. Alberto added, “Alessi today is the result of the collaborations we have done with so many design minds, like Sottsass, Starck, Mendini, and Castiglioni. Each of them has left an important mark and contributed to what the company has become. Virgil Abloom is the latest name to add to that list, and I cannot think of anyone better to express our desire to remain relevant and contemporary.”
Alessi 100-001 takes place during this year’s Salone del Mobile fair in Milan and will run until June 12th. Take a closer look at the new collection in the images and head over to Alessi to find out more. In the meantime, keep it locked with The Culture Curators for more outstanding designs and more from Virgil Abloh coming soon.
Photos via Alessi
