Alessandro Mendini Armchairs

The creative genius of Alessandro Mendini

Alessandro Mendini, an iconic figure in the world of contemporary design, has left an indelible mark on the Italian artistic and cultural panorama. Born in 1931 in Milan, Mendini undertook a path of study and research that led him to become one of the most successful designers in the world. influential figures of the 20th century. His architectural training, enriched by an infinite curiosity & agrave; for visual arts and design, has shaped his creative vision, transforming everyday objects into functional works of art. His career is has been characterized by continuous experimentation and innovation, which has contributed to redefining the aesthetic canons of contemporary design.

An icon of contemporary design

The vast range of Alessandro Mendini's creations ranges from architecture to furniture, from graphics to industrial design. His career is dotted with collaborations with prestigious brands, establishing himself as a master in interpreting and reinterpreting the design object. Among its most important partnerships significant we remember:

• Alessi: A long-lasting and prolific union has led to the creation of design icons such as the "Anna G." corkscrew, the "Practica" kettle and the "Dry" cutlery series. Mendini has infused a touch of irony and color into Alessi objects, reinterpreting them with playful shapes and lively patterns.
• Magis: The collaboration with Magis gave life to revolutionary chairs such as the "Sella Perpetua" (1979) and the "Taj Mahal" (1986), which have become symbols of Postmodernism. Mendini experimented with materials and shapes, challenging design conventions and shaping objects with a bold and non-conformist character.
• Swatch: Mendini also left his mark in the world of watches with Swatch, creating extravagant and pop models such as the "Swatch Big Bang" (1987) and the "Swatch Camouflage" (1988) . His designs have contributed to the success of the brand, mixing art and design in a playful and accessible way
• Venini: In the field of artistic glass, the collaboration with Venini has produced masterpieces such as the "Prato" vase (1989) and the "Tokio" series (1991). Mendini explored the potential of glass, mixing bright colors and eclectic patterns to create unique and precious objects.
• Philips: Mendini revolutionized the world of lighting with Philips, designing iconic lamps such as the "Pite Lamp" (1983) and the "Random Light" (1986). His lamps stand out for their bold shapes and use of bright colors, challenging the traditional conception of lighting and transforming the lamps into true works of art

In addition to design brands, Mendini has left an indelible mark on  following fields:

• Architecture: he designed innovative buildings and interiors, such as the "Villa Tetama" in Manerba del Garda (1985) and the "Forum des Halles" in Paris (1986).
• Fashion: He created clothing and accessories for brands such as Hermès and Fiorucci, bringing his creative flair to the world of fashion.
• Art: He has collaborated with artists such as Mimmo Paladino and Krzysztof Wodiczko, creating works of art that blend design and visual arts

Alessandro Mendini's collaborations have profoundly marked the design panorama, demonstrating his inexhaustible creativity and its ability to reinvent any object. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of designers, leaving an indelible mark in the history of Italian and international design.

In the Ciat Design catalog it is It is possible to find a selection of Mendini's best works, which embody his bold and visionary vision of contemporary design. Thanks to his extraordinary creativity and its ability to combine functionality and aesthetics, Alessandro Mendini has left an indelible mark on the world of design, inspiring generations of designers and art and furniture enthusiasts.