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)
Morning Dream - Design Kilim Rug Ouwen Mori Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Warm
Located in MILANO, ML
Morning Dream - Design Rug Ouwen Mori Kilim Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Warm Morning Dream On this carpet geometry is recomposed into an irregular perspective of architectural form...
Wool, Cotton
Morning Dream - Design Kilim Rug Ouwen Mori Wool Carpet Cotton Handwoven Warm
Located in MILANO, ML
Morning Dream - Design Rug Ouwen Mori Kilim Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Warm Morning Dream On this carpet geometry is recomposed into an irregular perspective of architectural form...
Wool, Cotton
Afternoon Dream - Design Kilim Rug Ouwen Mori Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Warm
Located in MILANO, ML
Afternoon Dream - Design Rug Ouwen Mori Kilim Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Warm Afternoon Dream On this carpet geometry is recomposed into an irregula...
Wool, Cotton
Kilim Hatch I - Modern Design Rug Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Paolo Giordano
By Paolo Giordano
Located in MILANO, ML
Kilim Hatch I The new I+I Kilims approach contemporary geometry. Constructed as a flatweave in the manner of traditional dhurrie floor coverings, these rugs are a remarkable examp...
Wool, Cotton
Kilim Hatch I - Modern Design Rug Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Paolo Giordano
By Paolo Giordano
Located in MILANO, ML
Kilim Hatch I The new I+I Kilims approach contemporary geometry. Constructed as a flatweave in the manner of traditional dhurrie floor coverings, these rugs are a remarkable examp...
Wool, Cotton
Afternoon Dream - Design Kilim Rug Ouwen Mori Wool Carpet Cotton Handwoven Warm
Located in MILANO, ML
Afternoon Dream - Design Rug Ouwen Mori Kilim Carpet Wool Cotton Handwoven Warm Afternoon Dream On this carpet geometry is recomposed into an irregula...
Wool, Cotton
Post-Modern Memphis Design Silk Carpet by Alessandro Mendini x Joseph Carini
By Alessandro Mendini, Carini Carpets
Located in New York, NY
Toto is a product of Alessandro Mendini and Joseph Carini's four piece limited edition collection: the Earthquake Collection. In the style of the Memphis Movement, which blends Art Deco with Pop Art, this incredible Alessandro Mendini design features bold geometric forms and daring color juxtapositions. Here, Mendini and Carini played with warm tones of pink, gold, and maroon against accents of cooler pinks and blues. Handwoven in our exclusive workshop in Nepal, this high knot count (150 knot) rug exudes luxury and elegance. Shown in 3' (W) x 6' (L) size, this fine handmade carpet is silky soft to the touch and has a beautiful sheen. It makes a fabulous throw rug at the foot of a bed, or in a luxury bathroom, it is the perfect versatile accessory bringing a pop of color and pattern into any room. This Alessandro Mendini x Joseph Carini limited edition carpet stems from the Memphis Design Movement, led by Ettore Sottsass and other Italian designers and architects of the 1980s. Mendini was a prominent personality of the Radical design movement and Postmodernism Movement. Carini’s design philosophy is heavily influenced by historical contexts and nature, merging his graphic and organic design interests with his considerable knowledge of decorative arts, architecture, and industrial design history. His expertise in exotic natural dyes and hand-processed materials has become a cornerstone of his work. Joseph Carini is known for his innovative approach, constantly experimenting with design concepts and natural materials. He works closely with designers and clients, offering his expertise to help realize their visions while ensuring practical and aesthetic success. His emphasis on quality and longevity means that each carpet is crafted to last a lifetime, using the most environmentally friendly dyes and processes. Since founding Carini in 1997, Joseph Carini has worked with diverse clients, from A-list celebrities to high-end projects. His creations appeal to design aficionados and art collectors who value unique, authentic pieces. Carini’s rugs...
Silk
Forme celate Rug abstract motif Agostino Goccione, Paracchi
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Forme Celate carpet with abstract carpet motif designed by Agostino Goccione for Paracchi, characterized by the artist's typical pictorial language. Fluid geometries and chromatic ba...
Textile, Cotton
Modern Bamako Custom Wool Rug with Allover Pattern By Apadana
By Apadana Fine Rugs
Located in Norwalk, CT
Laura Gottwald for Apadana Collection Bamako’s irregular carved-wood look is inspired by the same West African art that profoundly influenced early 20th-century Western design and a...
Wool
Abstract Dadaist Contemporary Rug Inspired by Sophie Taeuber Arp
Located in Geneve, CH
Abstract Dadaist Contemporary rug inspired by Sophie Taeuber Arp Artist: Sophie Taeuber Arp Dimensions: W 170 x D 240 cm New Zealand wool and silk Ja...
Wool
Marx Rug Inspired by Burle Marx
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Marx rug is Inspired by Burle Marx beautiful landscapes conceived like paintings Sizes and colors are customizable.
Acrylic
Pazzo Rug by Form Design Studio, Baci Collection from Mehraban
By FORM Design Studio, Mehraban Rugs
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
'Pazzo' is an interpretation of an Italian Bauhaus pattern. Sensuous, honest, and crazy in the best possible way. Handwoven of luxurious wool. The Baci collection by FORM Design ...
Wool
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.
