Born in Innsbruck, Austria, in 1917, Ettore Sottsass studied architecture in Turin, Italy, and opened his first studio in Milan in 1947. He worked as a design consultant for Olivetti from 1958 to 1980, creating the Elea 9003 calculator and the popular portable red typewriter, released on Valentine’s Day in 1969. In the 1970s, Alessi hired Mr. Sottsass, who designed various items for the company, like ice condiment sets, soup plates and coasters. He also designed a decanter for Baccarat; a chair for Knoll; and carpet for Namastre. In the 1980s, he was one of the founders and the leading figure of Memphis, the Milan design group. His studio Sottsass Associati was established in 1980 and designed showrooms for Esprit, identities for Alessi, exhibitions, interiors, consumer electronics and furniture. Ettore Sottsass died 2007 in Milan.