To launch its first furniture collection, Alessi called on the “pope of design”: Philippe Starck. The “Poêle” collection combines the limitless creativity of Starck with the historic know-how of Alessi in working with steel. This project was born from the subversive and humorous idea of designing a chair inspired by a frying pan, both from a manufacturing and aesthetic point of view. Cold-pressed metal technology, traditionally used by Alessi since the 1950s to produce kitchenware, has been reimagined to create a collection of chairs, stools and coat racks. For Alberto Alessi, who has run the company since 1970, it’s about celebrating 100 years of working with metal and more than 30 years of collaboration with Philippe Starck, whom he considers a prodigious visionary. Alberto Alessi: “I’ve been trying to make a chair with Philippe Starck for about twenty years, and finally, we’ve created it. I asked him if it was possible to design a chair that was made like a frying pan, using Alessi’s high-tech cold-pressed metal. And, as is always the case with Starck, it started with a repurposing.’’ Philippe Starck: “The starting point of the Poêle (Pan) chair was a very serious joke, with a sketch of a pan with legs and the excellent idea of adapting existing high technology for different purposes. The seat and back are inspired by a frying pan, the feet making up the handles. The Poêle chair elegantly embodies the finest proof of human intelligence: humour and technology. Exactly like my relationship with Alberto and Alessi.” In its literal reference to the “frying pan”, this collection pays homage to the identity of Alessi, which has been manufacturing table and kitchen utensils of the highest quality for more than a century. “Poêle Collection” explores the expressive potential of metalwork through the vision of Philippe Starck. The result is a family of small furnishings where the metal element acquires a surprisingly fluid materiality, enveloping the wooden elements with an unexpected harmony. Wood and steel: two opposing materials that combine perfectly for a high-end effect. Combining tradition and innovation, industry and craftsmanship, these exceptional pieces are made in Italy. They illustrate the exceptional know-how of Alessi’s metallurgical artisans. Possessing a strong contemporary identity, this collection is sure to become a new classic of rooted, enduring design. A collection capable of integrating into all spaces, at home and in the office or in high-end hotel projects.

In detail:

Variation : Satin steel / Brown stained beech

Brand : Alessi

Designer : Philippe Starck

Type : Chair

Colour : Satin steel – Structure: brown stained beech

Material : Monocoque in 18/10 stainless steel, satin finish – Structure in brown stained beech wood

Dimensions : L 53.5 x Depth 53.5 cm x H 81 cm

Weight : 13.2 lb

Characteristics : Project date: 2023 – Made in Italy – Opening at the bottom of the backrest