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
$1,784 / 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
$325
H 12 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Gorham Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Hinged Lid Ice Bucket w Glass Liner
By Gorham
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gorham Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Hinged Lid Ice Bucket with Glass Liner. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 12" H x 7.5" Diameter.
Silver Plate
Vintage Cute Mid-Century Modern Napkin Rings Set of Six, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of six napkin rings, circa 1970s, from an unknown maker. A nice addition to any table decoration. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg Germany.
Metal
$594 / set
H 11.42 in Dm 11.42 in
Mid-Century Modern Punch Bowl Set - Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Porcelain
By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful porcelain punch bowl set, made by the German brand Rosenthal. This is a design by the Danish designer Björn Wiinblad, who has had many collaborations with Rosenthal. The ...
Porcelain
$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, Heller, Massimo 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
$250 / set
H 1 in W 11 in D 11 in
Multicolor Massimo Vignelli for Heller Dinnerware - Service for Four
By Massimo and Lella 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
$2,450 / set
H 8.25 in W 0.5 in D 0.25 in
Carl Aubock for Amboss 35 Piece Flatware Set Mid Century Modern
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Carl Aubock for Amboss, Austria, circa 1960s. This is a 5 piece set for 7 guests, 35 pieces total. The largest piece measures 8.25...
Stainless Steel
Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics coffee set with a mug and two plates in shades of purple and pink. Late 20th century. Mug measures H 7.5 cm. x D 10.5 cm. including handle Largest pl...
Porcelain
$624Sale Price|34% Off
H 2.25 in Dm 5 in
Massimo Vignelli x Supreme x Heller Bowls, Red, White, 1964, Spring 2023
By Supreme, Heller, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Massimo Vignelli x Supreme x Heller Bowls, Red, White, 1964, Spring 2023. New in original boxes. Set of 12. 6 red + 6 white (as pictured). Made exclusively for Supreme. Spring Summer 2023. This iconic dinnerware design was originally released in 1964 by designer Massimo Vignelli in Italy and won that year’s Compasso d’Oro award for good design. It swiftly became a touchstone of modern design and has been called an “icon of sixties utilitarian chic.” It was introduced to the United States in 1971 and has never been out of production, with the manufacturer still using its original molds. According to Vignelli, the inspiration for Hellerware came from seeing a client using plastic molds...
Plastic
$1,195 / set
H 1 in Dm 9.75 in
Massimo Vignelli for Heller Dinnerware 20 Large Plates and 20 Small Plates Light
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful set of 20 large 10-inch dinner plates and 20 smaller 8-inch salad plates in light yellow by Massimo Vignelli for Heller. Beautiful conditio...
Plastic
$275 / set
H 1 in Dm 10 in
Space Age 1970s Heller by Massimo Vignelli Mixed set 4 plates, 5 cups, 2bowls
By Heller, Massimo Vignelli
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
$295 / set
H 1 in W 11 in D 11 in
Black, White and Yellow Massimo Vignelli for Heller Dishes - Set of 24
By Heller, 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
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 L 1 in
Heller Dinnerware by Lella & Massimo Vignelli in Kelly Green 58 Pieces & Napkins
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Heller
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