In 1921, Giovanni Alessi founded the Italian company Alessi. Since 1929, the company has focussed on producing nickel- or silver-plated copper tableware. When Carlo Alessi, Giovanni's son, was appointed design director in 1935, handcrafting methods were replaced by industrial manufacturing. In 1955, the company began collaborating with world-renowned architects and designers such as Richard Sapper, Ettore Sottsass, and later, Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. Alessi makes design accessible by focussing on useful, humorous and visually appealing home accessories. Most of its products have become design classics that are sold and exhibited around the world.