2019 has been a year of huge losses for the contemporary art and design field. Alessandro Mendini (16 August 1931, Milan – 18 February 2019, Milan) was a talented Italian designer and architect. He played an important role in the evolution of Italian, Postmodern, and Radical design. He worked not only as an artist, but also for the magazines Casabella, Modo and Domus.

His unique designs were marked by his intense interest in merging different cultures and diverse forms of expression. He created graphics, furniture, interiors, paintings and architecture and even wrote several articles and books. He was well-known as an enthusiastic jury’s member in architectural competitions for young designers. He also taught at the University of Milan.

Mendini graduated from Politecnico di Milano in 1959 with a degree in architecture and worked as a designer with Marcello Nizzoli. He was the editor-in-chief of Domus magazine from 1979 to 1985 and changed the scenery of modern design through his iconic postmodernism’s works, such as the Proust Armchair and the Groninger Museum.

Just as works of the Renaissance period expressed human values and feelings, Mendini contributed to bringing into the heart of design those “morals” and “sensibilities” which were eclipsed by commercialism and functionalism. He collaborated with leading international brands including Cartier, Hermes, Swarovski, Venini, and Supreme.

His endless dedication and passion lasted until his death in 2019, he worked at his own workshop in Milan, the Atelier Mendini with his younger brother Francesco Mendini.

Stay with us to find out more about the best of contemporary design, art and craftsmanship.

See More Related Stories

Karl Lagarfeld Legacy: a Tribute to Métiers D’Art and Fine Crafts

Paul Evans: Mid-Century Furniture Design Talented Master Artisan