Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
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1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Metal
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Metal, Gold Leaf
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
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Aluminum
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Marble, Brass, Copper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Aluminum
1960s Italian Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Metal
1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Marble, Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli More Lighting
Murano Glass
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- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025Massimo Vignelli was perhaps most famous for the Handkerchief chair, a stackable office chair made of compression-molded plastic that has the look of a cloth floating in the air. It was created for Knoll in 1983. Vignelli and his wife, Lella Vignelli, are also legendary names in branding and were prolific creators of home furnishings, products and interiors. The duo’s modernist furniture collaborations, which spanned 50 years, also left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture. Furniture created by the couple is often labeled as Massimo Vignelli’s alone. However, he fought to have Lella recognized for her work, even throwing away magazines that neglected to give her due credit. Explore a range of Massimo Vignelli furniture on 1stDibs.