Iconic designer Philippe Starck and Alberto Alessi, President of Italian brand Alessi, have a storied history of teaming up together on a number of projects. The pair have partnered again, this time marking their first furniture collection, entitled the Poêle Collection, consisting of a chair, two stools, and a coat rack that utilize cold-pressed metal technology. This process, originally developed in the 50s, has been modernized to produce tasteful and inviting forms. Alessi has always been known for its expertise in technological metalwork – and it is exemplified beautifully here.
Taking visual, manufacturing, and style references from the humble steel skillet, the Poêle (meaning ‘pan’ in French) Collection gives nod to the brand’s history of creating items for the kitchen. “I have been trying to make a chair with Philippe Starck for around 20 years now and, finally, we did it. I asked him if it was possible to design a chair that is manufactured like a frying pan is made using the Alessi cold-press metal high-technology. As is always the case with Starck, it started with a subversion,” shares Alberto Alessi.
The language of this collection, which is made from mirror polished 18/10 stainless steel along with brown dye beech wood, is luxurious, yet familiar. The molten metal elements conform and relax into the seemingly more sturdy legs, lending the illusion of cling wrap or slowly moving glass. The details take on a culinary quality as well, with visible, sturdy hardware. The double rivets and even curvature that any good steel pan would receive, this collection does too.
“The Poêle Chair started as a serious joke, with a sketch of a pan with legs and the great idea of adapting an existing high-technology to different purposes. The seat and back inspired by a frying pan, legs as handles, the Poêle Chair elegantly incarnates the most beautiful symptoms of human intelligence: humor and technology. Very much like my relationship to Alberto and Alessi,” explains Starck.
Phillipe Starck is a prolific designer, having created more than 10,000 designs, released or otherwise, in his extensive career. From lemon squeezers to mega-yachts, Starck has his hands in design that demands attention. From his site: “Subversive, ethical, ecological, political, humorous… this is how I see my duty as a designer.”
The Poêle Hanger nestles comfortably within the collection, with signature double hardware and bent wood forms that appear to reach out, as if to offer a pan handle or take a hat.
Poêle Chair with Armrests
The Poêle Chair is shown above with optional armrests, a handle-like appendage extending supportively around the back of the seat, subverting our conventional ideas of material. Here, the wood is the strength and determinant of form. The steel, liquid in its give, drapes itself over the seat with the stretch and intensity of pulled fabric. The most luxurious definition of a fitted sheet, this polished homage to kitchenware could reside anywhere within the home, adding elegance to all interiors.
Poêle Chair
Poêle High Stool
Poêle Low Stool
Founded in 1921, Alessi specializes in kitchenware, tableware, and small appliances. The high quality and attention to detail helped start the young company on a fast track towards growth. In 1955, collaborations with industrial designers in the industry gained the brand international fame, with over 300 collaborations to date. Alessi extends to 150 countries and over 3,500 stores.
Poêle Hanger
Click through for more information on the Poêle Collection, Philippe Starck, and Alessi.
Photography by Alessandro Milani.
