Alessi — Ercolino AB07 | Steel and birch bottle opener

Ercolino is an object that knows exactly what it is doing. Compact, sturdy, quiet in its function, yet capable of catching the eye on the kitchen counter or serving tray. The 18/10 stainless-steel lever - polished, cool to the touch, and resistant over time - merges with the birch wood handle, warm and slightly porous beneath the fingers, in a dialogue between materials reminiscent of certain artisan workshop tools elevated to the dignity of design. It is a bottle opener in the fullest sense of the term: made to be held, used, and returned to its place with satisfaction. The design bears the signature of Andrea Branzi, a pivotal figure in Italian design culture, co-founder of Archizoom and a critical voice in radical design at first, then a theorist and prolific author. Branzi always sought a form of everyday poetry in domestic design, a way to give objects of daily use an authentic presence. Ercolino was born within Officina Alessi, the research and experimentation workshop Alessi devoted to its most conceptual projects and most radical designers, and fully earns its place in the 100 Values Collection, the selection of pieces that express the deepest identity of the Crusinallo factory. At Stilmobili, we chose Ercolino because it represents exactly that borderline area that fascinates us: between a utensil and a tabletop sculpture, between necessity and pleasure. It is the ideal gift for anyone who appreciates thoughtful design even in the most discreet details, and for anyone who furnishes a kitchen with the same care they use when choosing a sofa. It works beautifully, and it shows. Design notes: 18/10 stainless steel, natural birch wood handle. Dimensions 7 × 4 × 19 cm. Weight 162 g. Officina Alessi / 100 Values Collection.