Massimo Vignelli and Lella Vignelli’s legacy can be seen everywhere in the logos of Bloomingdale’s, Ford and American Airlines, among others. In addition to their work in branding, they were prolific creators of modernist home furnishings, products and interiors, and the duo’s collaborations, which span 50 years, have left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture.
After meeting in Italy, Lella (1934–2016) and Massimo (1931–2014) began working together in 1961 and a decade later formed Vignelli Associates in New York. A self-described “information architect,” Massimo was committed to streamlining complex ideas into clear, visually arresting forms. (Witness the graphic identity that he cocreated with Bob Noorda for the New York City Transit Authority as well as his influential 1972 subway map.) The Vignellis’ most recognizable piece, for example, may be the Handkerchief chair, a stackable office chair made of compression-molded plastic that has the look of a cloth floating in air. It was created for Knoll in 1983 after they designed the brand’s logo.
Evidence of the couple’s influence can also be found in their Saratoga line (1964), the first collection of lacquered furniture, which helped herald in the trendy “glossy” look of the decade (and beyond). When the Vignellis created the Poltrona Frau Interview chair in 1988 for an Italian television station, it became widely sought after, “which goes to show you the power of the TV media,” the couple once said. Much like their elemental graphic designs, the Kono (1984) and Pisa tables (1985) — both created for Casigliani — cull the form of the table down to geometric shapes.
Vignelli furniture is often labeled as Massimo Vignelli’s alone, though he fought to have Lella recognized for her work, even throwing away magazines that neglected to give her due credit. As he wrote of their lifelong collaboration in his book Designed By: Lella Vignelli: “It is not holding a pencil with four hands that makes a partnership; it is sharing the creative act and exercising creative criticism which is reflected in the end result.”
Find vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli seating, tables and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Massimo Vignelli for Heller Mid Century Modern Plates and Mugs for Six
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Heller
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Iconic sixties design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli of stacking plates and mugs manufactured by Heller. This set consists of 6 dinner plates and 6 mugs in a sunshine yellow color. Al...
Plastic
1979 Box of 6 Lella&Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani Design Kyoto Cup&Saucer Set
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Kyoto Cup & Saucer set, initially designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani in 1979. These particular examples were produced in Italy and date to 1979. Thei...
Laminate
Massimo Vignelli for Venini Yellow Onion Glass Uplighter Wall Sconce
By Venini, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Hanover, MA
Since yellow Murano glass wall lamp designed by Massimo Vignelli for Venini, mid-1950s. Original hefty brass wall bracket. Porcelain socket for single standard Edison screw lightbulb...
Brass
$1,708 / set
H 9.06 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Colorful Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Glass Decanters by Empoli
By Empoli
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Very colorful and decorative set of six Italian glass decanters. There is one white decanter, one red, two brown and two blue ones. All carafes have a ...
Glass
Haviland Limoges Porcelain Demitasse Cups and Saucers, Set of 6
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A delicate set of six Haviland Limoges porcelain demitasse cups and matching saucers, made in France and decorated with soft pink floral sprays, pale green foliage, and refined gilt accents. Each cup has a graceful small-scale form with a curved handle finished in gold, paired with a scalloped saucer that echoes the same romantic floral decoration. The porcelain body is luminous white, giving the soft rose and green pattern a light, elegant, and distinctly French presence. This set is designed for demitasse service, espresso, after-dinner coffee, tea, or decorative display. The smaller scale gives the pieces a refined table quality, ideal for formal coffee service, dessert courses, afternoon tea, or a collected cabinet arrangement. The floral decoration feels romantic without being heavy, and the gilt detail adds just enough refinement to make the set feel special. Haviland Limoges is one of the most recognized names in French porcelain, admired for its fine white porcelain body, delicate decoration, and long association with elegant domestic entertaining. This set reflects that tradition beautifully, with graceful proportions, soft floral ornament, and the quiet sophistication associated with early twentieth-century Limoges tableware. This offering is for six demitasse cups and six matching saucers only. Spoons are not included. The set displays beautifully on open shelving, in a china cabinet, on a tea table, or layered with silver plate, linen, crystal, floral porcelain, and other collected French tableware. Presented in antique to early vintage condition consistent with age and use, with light wear appropriate to porcelain tableware of this period, including possible minor gilt wear and natural surface marks from use. A lovely and collectible Haviland Limoges demitasse...
Porcelain
Set of Bing & Grondahl Blue Fluted Hotel Coffee Cup with Saucer
Located in København, Copenhagen
Set of Bing & Grondahl blue fluted hotel coffee cup with saucer. 35 sets are available. Model number 744. The cup measures: 7.5 x 6.5 cm Saucer diamet...
Porcelain
Set of Six Vintage Fire-King Jadeite Coffee Mugs, 1940s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A classic set of six vintage Fire-King Jadeite coffee mugs by Anchor Hocking, one of the most iconic names in twentieth-century American glassmaking. Produced in the signature soft j...
Glass
$275 / set
H 1 in Dm 10 in
Space Age 1970s Heller by Massimo Vignelli Mixed set 4 plates, 5 cups, 2bowls
By Massimo Vignelli, Heller
Located in San Diego, CA
Colorful set of 4 dinner plates, 5 cups and 2 bowls, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Heller circa 1970s, in a navy blue color, yellow, pink, and purple. 11 pcs set total.
Plastic
$450 / set
H 1 in W 11 in D 11 in
Green, Yellow and White Dinnerware by Vignelli for Heller, Set of 32
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Massimo Vignelli, Heller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award for Good Design in 1964, Massimo Vignelli's iconic dinnerware for Heller (likely designed with his equally talented wife Lella) has bee...
Plastic
$360 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 7.88 in
Arthur Percy for Upsala Ekeby. Set of six ceramic "Safir" plates. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arthur Percy for Upsala Ekeby, Safir plates. Set of six glazed ceramic plates in the distinctive Safir design, finished in a light sapphire-blue glaze with gilded edging. An elegant...
Ceramic
Gien, "Savane". Set of four large morning cups with matching saucers.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gien "Savane", set of four large morning cups with matching saucers. Set of four large faience morning cups with matching saucers in the Savane pattern. Decorated with colourful natu...
Faience
Mid-Century Modern Asparagus Ceramic Serving Set for Six, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern asparagus design glazed ceramic serving set, Spain, 1950s-1960s A set of 6 asparagus plates, a server with lid and a salt and pepper shakers set. The asparagus tureen...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
$225 / set
H 1.5 in Dm 13.25 in
Rare Early Production Pair of Large Platers by Massimo Vignelli for Heller
By Heller, Massimo Vignelli
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Large set of platers rare color early production very collectible, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Heller in excellent condition.
Plastic
$320 / set
H 2.37 in Dm 3.15 in
Rosenthal, a Set of Four Coffee Cups and Matching Saucers, Christmas Motifs
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rosenthal, a set of four pairs of coffee cups and matching saucers with Christmas motifs. Late 1900s. Marked. In perfect condition. The cup measures: D 8.3 x H 6.0 cm. Saucer: D...
Porcelain
$360 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 7.88 in
Arthur Percy for Upsala Ekeby. Set of six ceramic "Safir" plates. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arthur Percy for Upsala Ekeby, Safir plates. Set of six glazed ceramic plates in the distinctive Safir design, finished in a light sapphire-blue glaze with gilded edging. An elegant ...
Ceramic
$3,416 / set
H 3.15 in Dm 8.67 in
1970s by Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani Marble Smoking Ashtray, Set of 3
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Brescia, IT
Marble smoking set Rare series Perfect condition Measures: Ashtray: Height 8 cm / diameter 22 cm Ashtray: Height 9 cm / diameter 13 cm Ashtray: Height 8 cm / diameter 10 cm.
Marble
Wedgwood Pale Blue Jasperware Coffee Cup and Saucer Set
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperwar...
Ceramic
Red & White Supreme Bowls by Vignelli for Heller, Set of 12
By Heller, Supreme, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award for Good Design in 1964, Massimo Vignelli's iconic dinnerware for Heller (likely designed with his equally talented wife Lella) has bee...
Plastic
Sold
H 1 in Dm 13.25 in
Heller Dinnerware by Lella & Massimo Vignelli in Kelly Green 58 Pieces & Napkins
By Heller, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Topeka, KS
Large beautiful 58-piece set of Melamine dinnerware designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Heller in Kelly green. Plus, matching green and whit...
Plastic