'dressed' collection by marcel wanders for alessi

asked about whether the form and aesthetics of the pieces or their functional needs were the starting point for his design process,
wanders underscores the interconnectedness of the two. 'function is not the reason we love things,' he reflects: 'function is where
we start. [but] decorations play a role in understanding the object' and so the engravings and delicate profiles of the 'dressed'
collection, for example, are designed to suggest the objects' use in more ceremonial, special occasions.

in fact most of wanders's design process involves writing and conceptualizing, not sketching. only after developing the ideas
and design elements that he wants to include in a piece does he go to his studio to make drawings, seeing the object for the first time.


part of the 'dressed' collection by marcel wanders for alessi
image © marcel wanders



additional pieces from the 'dressed collection'
image © marcel wanders



close view of mug, saucer, and spoon
image © marcel wanders

marcel wanders:

'as a kid, I loved making gifts: finding the right thing, packaging them... and by doing so I learned that a good gift
has two very important qualities. one is that when you open it, and you see what you got, you think, 'of course;
I didn't even know that I needed this, but this is so [perfect for] me; this is something I would love to have.'
the other [thought] that happens at the same time is, 'oh yes, of course, this is something I can only get from this person.'
so in fact a good gift celebrates the relationship between two people: celebrates the relationship between someone
who gives something and someone who receives something. design for me is the same thing. in all the products
you have both parts, and they work together.'

full view of the silverware pieces
image courtesy of alessi



full view of the silver tray
image courtesy of alessi

closing up the conversation, wanders admits that one of his creative dreams is to design a mosque.
asked what would be inside, he responds:

'there would be people inside! objects have a story; they speak, and I think we all in our own way
are sensitive to their words. and that's a beautiful thing about design: it speaks about the normal things
in life. so you find it everywhere; everybody relates to it.

I think design is able to show the identity of people, but also how people can live together, share together;
how people can be brought together without problems. it's able to speak about life in a really simple and nearby way,
and therefore to pour a different light on things like different cultures who have blended together.  

I think it is important that design plays that role, that [designers] are able to show our respect for people by what we do.'

marcel wanders at alessi during new york design week 2011