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Dec. 28 - Jan. 11, 2004 |
Serious And Playful Design Gifts
Italian designers offer variety of choices for those wanting to extend their wishes with style
By Mark Curtis
Originally Published: 2003-12-21
For the naughty ones among us who have yet to make a dent in their Christmas shopping list, here are a few gift suggestions from the world of Italian design which could impress friends and family alike.
Few things say "la dolce vita" better than the quintessentially Italian cup of espresso, and whether the drink is a daily ritual or for special occasions only for someone on your gift list, a home espresso maker could fit the bill this year. Bialetti has been cranking out its legendary Moka Express for 70 years, so if you're looking for a classic gift, this is it. Moka Express creator Alfonso Bialetti reportedly took his inspiration from washing machine parts to design the eight-sided icon known to generations of Italians. Bialetti the company has produced more than 200 million units of the stovetop espresso maker which, as always, features the "little man with the moustache" logo.
Swiss-based Bodum is well-known for its coffee makers and teapots and the company features a made-in-Italy product in its current product line-up. The Verona espresso maker is a tidy six-ounce aluminum and plastic container which is low on frills and epitomizes Bodum's consumer appeal to "give up bad design for good". If your gift goal is further up market, be sure to consider the Alessi 9090 espresso maker by Milan-based designer Richard Sapper. This classic stainless steel design took top honours in the prestigious Compasso d'Oro competition of 1979. Watch for a bit of sticker shock on this one, though. Alessi would no doubt tell us the Sapper design ensures many years of pleasing service. For the truly committed espresso drinker, a machine by Gaggia is a good bet. Relative newcomer Francis Francis! has also begun to make inroads in the home espresso machine market with funky and colourful designs by architect Luca Trazzi. If you're thinking stocking stuffer, a tin of cookies from D. Lazzaroni & C., in its classic red and orange graphic design, is the perfect complement to a daily espresso habit.
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