Achille Castiglioni was born 100 years ago, but looking at the design world today, it's as if he never really died. One of Italy's most influential designers, over the course of his career the mastermind worked with design powerhouses such as Flos, Alessi, dePadova and Zanotta, and many of his iconic designs are still in production today, where they continue to influence the creative industry.
One of Castiglioni's design influences was the inspiration he drew from everyday objects. During his lifetime he amassed a huge collection of "anonymous design", including items as diverse as swimming goggles, a milking stool, a colander and galoshes.He pursued and recognised good design through these seemingly unremarkable items, appreciating the simplicity and functionality they represented. He often used these items in lectures to design students at the Milan Polytechnic University, and at conferences around the world.To celebrate his birth centenary, Fondazione Achille Castiglioni, a foundation run by his children to preserve his memory, came up with an ingenious exhibition. They asked 100 designers from around the world to send the late Castiglioni a birthday gift.
The rules? The gifts had to be anonymous, cheap, compact and accompanied by a greeting card.Achille Castiglione at a glance:
Born: February 26 1918, Milan
Died: December 2 2002, Milan
His iconic designs:..