21 October 2010

Washington, D.C. (October, 2010) —Alessi, the leading Italian company known for innovative housewares and iconic design objects, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its Washington, D.C. shop, located in Cady’s Alley at the center of Georgetown’s design district.  Alessio Alessi, C.E.O. of Alessi S.p.a., will be present for the official October 21 opening celebration.

The Alessi D.C. store will be owned and operated by Deborah Kalkstein, owner of Contemporaria (also located in Cady’s Alley) and a prominent member of the Washington, D.C. design community. In business since 1999, Contemporaria showcases some of the most important names in modern and contemporary design, and is often involved with local art openings and architectural lectures.

Alessi’s D.C. location will feature products from the company’s vast assortment of over 2,000 design objects for the home, table, kitchen, office and more. The new store showcases products from all three divisions of Alessi (AdiAlessi, Alessi and Officina Alessi) with particular emphasis on displaying pieces that highlight the commitment to design innovation that has long been synonymous with the Alessi name. The D.C. location will also be the first store to open in the U.S. that will debut Alessi’s new store concept, including fixtures from long-time Alessi collaborator Stefano Giovannoni. A Bridal Registry and Corporate Gift Services will be offered as well.

“I was always fascinated by Alessi. I grew up admiring the company’s extraordinary pieces and admired all the famous architects and designers that were committed to the concept, so I always thought that both my world and the Alessi world were totally connected. The odd and peculiar object that becomes a design icon, the simple piece that is a marvel in the market; it all comes together in good design. I think of Alessi as small scale objects but with large scale reach, so why not bring it to D.C.?” said Kalkstein of opening the Alessi D.C. store.

Paolo Cravedi, Managing Director of Alessi US said, “Georgetown residents and visitors are stylish, savvy, and design-forward – the ideal audience for Alessi’s products. We are very much looking forward to the opening of this new store, and Deborah is the perfect partner to ensure that Alessi’s D.C. location will be a great success.”

Alessi D.C. is located at 3319A Cady’s Alley and will be open at the following times:

Tuesday – Wednesday: 11 am – 6 pm

Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Sunday: 12 am – 5 pm

The store will be closed on Monday.