Alessandro Stabile’s ethical and elegant innovations : DesignWanted

Exploring Alessandro Stabile’s Milan-based studio, where industrial design and art direction converge to create innovative, ethical, and elegant products.

Alessandro Stabile, a Milan-based designer, takes center stage in this episode of Behind. His work extends beyond traditional furniture design, exploring fields as varied as scissors, streetlights, smart pens, and air purifiers. This multidisciplinary approach embodies the versatility and innovation at the heart of his design philosophy.

“In my work, industrial design and art direction are in constant dialogue; I can’t separate one from the other,” Stabile explains (read also our interview about his OTO Chair here). This interplay allows him to understand the companies he collaborates with on a deeper level, addressing their challenges and integrating their identities into product design. For Stabile, art direction begins with the product—the cornerstone of a company’s narrative. High-quality, innovative products become the foundation for creating a cohesive identity through photography, graphics, and branding, ensuring companies stand out in competitive markets.

One striking example of this approach is the Tacito collection for Magis. Years of research culminated in a line of storage furniture that eliminates standard metal components like hinges and handles. The sideboards feature doors made from sound-absorbing material covered in felt, opening and closing seamlessly while maintaining a visually pure aesthetic.

Stabile’s commitment to innovation is also evident in the Way water bottle for Alessi. The design focuses on the cap, which incorporates a built-in clip that slides along the bottle’s side. This functional detail allows users to attach the bottle to a backpack, bike, or belt, catering to the needs of urban commuters.

Stabile describes his design ethos with three key principles: innovation, ethics, and elegance. Innovation, he asserts, is essential for every product. “The companies we work with are predisposed to research and exploration, and we strive to propose products that offer something extra—not just in form but in functionality or production technology.” This philosophy ensures that each design brings a unique contribution to its market.

Ethics, for Stabile, encompasses environmental sustainability and respect for materials, ensuring they are utilized to their fullest potential. It also means creating functional products that genuinely serve their intended purpose. This commitment to ethics extends to respecting the people who use the final product, making their experience intuitive and enjoyable.

Elegance, the final pillar of Stabile’s approach, emerged as a defining characteristic through years of reflection. Initially surprised by this description of his work, Stabile grew to embrace it. “Elegance, to me, is beauty that is never shouted or intimidating but instead welcomes,” he shares. This philosophy aligns with his pursuit of “honest beauty”—a concept that prioritizes timeless design over fleeting trends. By combining innovation, ethics, and elegance, Stabile ensures that his creations are inclusive and accessible, resonating with a broad audience.

The dynamic relationship between industrial design and art direction shapes the studio’s output. Stabile’s holistic approach enables him to align a company’s visual identity with its products, creating cohesive narratives that resonate with users. This synergy is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, where aesthetics and functionality merge seamlessly.

Through projects like the Tacito collection and the Way water bottle, Stabile’s studio exemplifies the potential of industrial design to challenge conventions and redefine everyday objects. By prioritizing innovation, respecting materials and users, and pursuing an inclusive elegance, Alessandro Stabile offers a blueprint for design that is both impactful and enduring.