Alessandro Mendini was born in Milan in 1931. Through his work as an architect, designer, journalist, theorist and publisher, Mendini helped establish the Italian design sensibility on a global scale with a particular focus on neo-modern, avant-garde design as well as the crossover between art, design and architecture.
Mendini’s influential work spanned the arenas of graphics, furniture, interiors, architecture, stage design, writing and painting. He graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1959, and he began his career at the studio of artist-designer Marcello Nizzoli. He went on to become the publisher of the popular magazines Casabella (1970–76), Modo and Domus (each 1979–85).
In 1979, Mendini joined Ettore Sottsass and Michele de Lucchi as a partner at Studio Alchimia, a harbinger of the Memphis Group before he cofounded Domus Academy in 1982. In 1989, he and his brother Francesco established their architectural practice, Atelier Mendini, in Milan, where he worked until his death in February 2019. In recognition of his outstanding body of work, Mendini was awarded the Compasso d’Oro twice, in 1979 and 1981. He was also honored by the Architectural League of New York, made Chevalier des Arts et Lettres in France, and, in 2014, he was awarded the European Prize for Architecture.
Mendini’s work is included in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, among others.
Find vintage Alessandro Mendini chairs, vases, table lamps and other furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by STUDIO CADMIUM)
Postmodern Rare Corkscrew, Wine Opener, Alessi, Alessandro Mendini, 2003, Italy
By Alessandro Mendini, Alessi
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - practical - marked
Metal, Chrome
Alessandro Mendini Collectable Postmodern Wine Opener by Alessi Signed & Number
By Alessandro Mendini, Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Alessandro Mendini wine bottle opener series made for Alessi in 2006 dated and numbered as shown great condition.
Metal
$575
H 11 in Dm 6.5 in
Michael Graves for Alessi "Bird" Wine Decanter with Mahogany Stand, Italy, 1980s
By Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical yet sophisticated, this sculptural wine decanter was designed by celebrated American architect and designer Michael Graves for Alessi, Italy, and exemplifies Graves' signat...
Glass, Wood, Cork
Christofle Corkscrew Bottle Opener
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
French Corkscrew bottle opener manufactured by Christofle in the 1970s. Silverpalted with very elegant handle. Very good condition.
Metal
Set of Eight Hand-Painted Frog White Wine Glasses, 1980s
Located in Stamford, CT
From the Mrs Henry Ford II estate- a whimsical set of colorful frog decorated white wine glasses.
Glass, Art Glass
$404 / item
H 0.79 in Dm 4.73 in
Round Wine Bottle Coaster in Corno Italiano and Lacquered Wood, Mod. 223
By Arcahorn Srl.
Located in Recanati, Macerata
Handcrafted from natural Corno Italiano and lacquered wood with cream-colored gloss finish, this stunning wine coaster will add organic beauty to any table setting, courtesy of its u...
Wood
$345
H 1.58 in W 22.84 in D 13.39 in
Italian Large Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s
By Alessi
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an Italian mid–20th-century tray—modern in spirit yet clearly inspired by the 18th century. Made in Italy between the 1960s and 1970s by the historic...
Stainless Steel
$294Sale Price|40% Off
H 2.5 in W 9.5 in D 0.5 in
Carl Auböck Neptune Fish Bottle Opener, Leather & Steel by Amboss Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful fish-shaped mid-century bottle opener, made of stainless steel, covered with dark-brown tan leather. Model #4687, designed in 1995 by Carl Auböck, Vienna. Executed by Amb...
Stainless Steel
Pepper mill created by Alessandro Mendini in 1998 for Alessi.
By Alessandro Mendini, Alessi
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Pepper mill created by Alessandro Mendini in 1998 for Alessi. Part of the Anna G collection, an ironic tribute to an authentic woman whose small smiling face has gained cult status o...
Steel
Alessandro M. Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, Italy
By Alessi
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT As ironic, humorous and elegant as you could wish for, the Alessandro M Corkscrew is somewhat of a self-portrait of its designer Alessandro Mendini and joins the successful An...
Chrome
Solid Brass Italian wine opener.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic wine and bottle opener for those beer and wine bottles - this piece is solid bras and made in Italy. A lovely addition to any bar. A compliment to the kitchen or minibar ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
By Bent Falk
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
Metal
$350
H 5.5 in W 2.625 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Solid Brass Hammer Corkscrew Wine Opener Italy 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Stylized modern brass hammer corkscrew Made in Italy circa 1970's Twist off hidden corkscrew wine opener with a solid brass hammer head handle Stamped Made in Italy and in original ...
Brass
$165Sale Price|40% Off
H 0.1 in W 3.25 in D 1.5 in
Carl Aubock Brass Maria Theresia Coin Bottle Opener, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass coin bottle opener, designed and executed by Carl Aubock in the 1950s. In good condition with nice patina.
Brass
Alessi Anna Timer By Alessandro Mendini Kitchen Timer in Blue
By Alessi, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Alessi Anna Timer By Alessandro Mendini Kitchen Timer in Blue color. Vintage mechanical Alessi blue, red and chrome "Anna G" timer designed by Alessandro...
Chrome
Post-Modern Wine Opener by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi
By Alessi, Alessandro Mendini
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic post-modern wine opener by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, circa 2000s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 3"D x 9.5"H. #3423
Metal
Alessandro Mendini Collectable Postmodern Wine Opener by Alessi Signed & Number
By Alessandro Mendini, Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Alessandro Mendini wine bottle opener series made for Alessi in 2005 dated and numbered as shown original box and manual great condition.
Metal