Leading businessman representing the excellence of Made in Italy, Ettore Alessi, son of the founder of the iconic Italian kitchen and housewares company Alessi, died at the age of 84 in in his house in Omegna on Lake Orta two days ago.
Born in 1927 in Gravellona Toce, he was the second son of Giovanni Alessi, founder of the brand Alessi, which opened in 1921 to produce metal crafted kitchen and table accessories. In 1935, Carlo Alessi (born 1916), Giovanni’s first son, was named chief designer and in 1945 Ettore joined the company as a technician. Working side by side with his brother, Ettore led the family company to global success, transforming their products into symbols of Made in Italy. Some of the most popular models for Alessi are now on display at MoMA in New York.
Ettore Sottsass, Achille Castiglioni, Alessandro Mendini e Philippe Starck are just some of the most famous designers who have worked with the company over the years, under the guidance of Ettore Alessi. Ettore leaves his wife Anna and his sons Stefano, who followed his father's footsteps in the company since 1980, and Andrea.
