The late Michael Graves created a best-selling '9093 Kettle' three decades ago and for its 30th anniversary he designed another version just before his passing. The original kettle had a small delicate bird on the end of the spout which acted as the whistle. The updated version replaces the bird with an iconic dragon as Graves liked that it was simultaneously "prehistoric, mythological and futuristic."
The dragon represents an evolution of the 9093 kettle's design. Like the bird did, the dragon whistles when the steam passes through, signifying the hot water has boiled. Italian design brand 'Alessi' features the kettle-topping whistle in green, copper or limited-edition brass. Alberto Alessi himself describes Graves as in tune with "popular taste," as his 9093 kettle has sold over 1.5 million copies since 1985.
Iconic Anniversary Kettles
The '9093' Kettle Celebrates 30 Years with a Unique Whistling Dragon
Trend Themes
1. Evolution of Design - The replacement of the bird with a dragon in the 9093 kettle represents an evolution in design that can inspire new innovative creations.
2. Iconic Limited-edition Products - The introduction of limited-edition brass kettle whistles by Alessi creates a sense of exclusivity and drives demand for collectible products.
3. Celebrating Milestones - Creating anniversary editions of popular products, such as the 9093 kettle, provides an opportunity to attract new customers and generate excitement around the brand.
Industry Implications
1. Kitchen Appliances - The 9093 kettle and its innovative design can inspire advancements in the kitchen appliance industry, such as incorporating unique and functional features in other products.
2. Home Decor and Accessories - The introduction of limited-edition brass kettle whistles opens up opportunities for the home decor and accessories industry to create collectible and customizable items.
3. Design and Retail - The success of the 9093 kettle and its anniversary editions highlights the potential for innovation and customer appeal in the design and retail industry.