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The Dream Factory: Alessi Since 1921

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A comprehensive look at one of the most influential brands in design, which, for decades, has epitomized ingenious styling of objects for everyday use. This beautifully illustrated book details the emergence and success of designs that have since become authentic icons of the domestic landscape, presenting works by notable figures in the design world.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Lorenzo Diaz campos.
158 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2017
De primera mano Alberto Alessi comparte las memorias de 40 años de trabajo, la historia revela secretos y anécdotas que dejan ver la genialidad de este editor de diseño.
Alessi, fundado en 1921, se ha convertido a lo largo de los últimos 30 años en un referente del diseño mundial. Esta ejemplar empresa es aun comandada por miembros de la familia fundadora y su historia es tanto fascinante como ejemplar. De Alessi se ha escrito mucho, pero ahora toca el turno al creador de la historia de contar los hechos en primera persona.
Es así como Alberto crea un volumen delicioso, una crónica imperdible. Aunque nostálgico el libro no resulta ni cursi ni sentimental, los hechos son aderezados con la dosis correcta de sentimientos y anécdotas pero se concentra en revisar y observar lo acontecido. Alberto deja al lector llegar a sus propias conclusiones, las que a juicio mío son más que evidentes.
Más allá de la crónica el libro contiene una gran cantidad de fotos e imágenes de primerísimo nivel, muchas de ellas inéditas, que hacen de su lectura un gozo. Alessi es una historia de éxito de la que hay que aprender mucho, este libro se convierte en la llave al secreto, en la clave para leer lo acontecido desde el punto de vista más protagónico, el de su creador.
Profile Image for Allan.
234 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2021
The Dream Factory.
A reread (of the English translation of this edition), but a nice little book charting the history of this Italian design house. Potted biographies of the designers and pictures of some of their iconic products.
Certainly explains their ethos and their products make you smile. Whether you like their "toilet brush shaped like a cactus" or not their influence is undeniable.
Profile Image for Oskar Ledeboer Gill.
10 reviews
Read
January 3, 2026
I remember having a Anna G in our kitchen growing up wich was cool to see again. I also liked Aldo Rossi’s designs.
Profile Image for Maurizio Codogno.
Author 75 books150 followers
March 8, 2021
Più che un catalogo, una visione di cos'è il design in pratica

La cosa buffa dell'edizione di questo libro che ho preso direttamente dallo spaccio Alessi di Omegna è che non ha un ISBN ma un EAN da prodotto vero e proprio. Se non ho capito male, dopo l'edizione hardback di Electa il signor Alessi si è fatto stampare un'edizione di dimensioni ridotte da offrire ai suoi clienti. Diciamo che il testo è molto piacione, ma oltre a vedere il catalogo Alessi dello scorso millennio si riesce anche ad avere un'idea di come pensino i designer.
Profile Image for Ralph Zoontjens.
260 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2014
Story of the famous company of the Alessi family in the Italian hills. They were one of the first to bring a childlike fantasy and joy to industrially produced products, while often (but not always) keeping them stylish enough to fit into modern homes.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews