Smart thinking

Sometimes the simplest designs make the most impact. Take the Alessi Marli bottle opener (below; $150) by Australian designer Steven Blaess. Made of stainless steel, it heralds a new way of removing bottle caps: it apparently requires less physical energy compared with traditional lever-action openers. Instead of employing the forearm and shoulder, the Marli makes use of a vertical or horizontal twisting action of the wrist. The design is so smart, Alessi says it can also be used as a belt buckle. Little wonder it has been shortlisted for an Australian Design Award (www.designawards.com.au) to be announced on May 19. Alessi, 7/F, Sogo, Causeway Bay, tel: 2968 6377.