Thursday, October 6, 2016

Adam Whittaker / Achille Castiglioni


Achille Castiglioni

Achille was one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, and definitely one of the most important designers hailing from Italy. But unfortunately I don't hear is name nearly enough. Many of his products for Alessi and Flos are still in production today but few ever mention him. I think this is a huge disservice to someone who's work is still imitated to this day. His aesthetic was visually simplistic but technically brilliant. He somehow managed to continually fuse innovative wit with beautifully pleasing forms over and over again. Not only has his work been praised for its technical innovation, but he was also on the leading edge of re-contextualizing products for a new purpose. Something that very few designers have yet to do quite as successfully. I think the most impressive thing about Achille's work is that it's so simple at first glance. But if you take the time to really look it becomes apparent that no detail is overlooked. And everything about it works to make the piece whole, any addition or subtraction from the design would completely ruin it. Achille Castiglioni managed to create a timeless aesthetic that struck a beautiful harmony between simplicity and embellishment. He is truly one of the greatest designers of all time in my opinion.

By Adam Whittaker

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