Who needs that kooky Dyson Root 6 handheld vacuum, or even the whimsical Electrolux vacuum shoes when you can have this sleek Alessi handheld vacuum? Finally available with the proper plug for use in the United States, this porpoise-shaped domestic device has been available in Europe for the past three years.

It's designed by Stefano Giovanonni, no stranger to creating elegant electronics, so it's no surprise that his handheld rechargeable sucka puts clunky Dustbusters to shame on both sides of the Atlantic. This elegant Italian design doesn't come cheap, though, you'll drop $139 for such a streamlined appliance. — Charlie White

Retromodern, via bb Gadgets