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)
Andrea Casella for Alessi – “Narciso” Sculpture, 1974
By Alessi D'Après
Located in Weesp, NL
Andrea Casella for Alessi – “Narciso” Sculpture, 1974 From the “D’Après” Collection – Alessi Arte Designer: Andrea Casella Title: Narciso Manufacturer: Alessi Series: D’Après, 1...
Stainless Steel
Italian Wooden XXL Sculpture by Gianni Pinna, 1981
By Gianni Pinna
Located in Weesp, NL
"Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Gianni Pinna's stunning wooden sculpture, Documento No.7. This one-of-a-kind piece was created in Italy in 198...
Hardwood, Paint
" Omni " Wooden Sculpture Italy 1990
Located in Weesp, NL
Embrace the Bold Elegance of Italian Artistry Introducing "Omni," a striking wooden sculpture crafted in Italy during the 1990s. Painted in a deep, elegant black, this piece stands ...
Wood
Italian Post Modern Alessandro Mendini Multi Color Leather Lounge Chair
By Alessandro Mendini
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the ultimate in luxury and style: the limited edition San Leonardo lounge chair designed by Alessandro Mendini in 1986 for Matteo Grassi Italy. Numbered 14/100 and comple...
Leather
Papilio Side Table by Alessandro Mendini 1985
By Alessandro Mendini
Located in Weesp, NL
Elevate your space with these exquisite postmodern two-tier glass side tables, a rare and iconic design by Alessandro Mendini, one of the most influential figures in modern design. T...
Steel
“Frammenti III” — Abstract totemic sculpture by Alberto Cabiddu
Located in Weesp, NL
Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check “Frammenti III” — Abstract totemic sculpture by Alberto Cabiddu, Pietra di Vicenza, 1998 C...
Limestone
Alessandro Mendini Model Stoa 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini Model Prònao 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini Model Elgin 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini Model Criso 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego Editions. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessandro Mendini was born in Milan ...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini Model Metopa 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini Model Triglifo 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.
Aided by photos taken of the maestro in his Milan studio, we honor the influential design talent who died last month at 87.
