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.
1 of 5 Club Chairs "Intervista" by Poltrona Frau in Chartreuse Leather, Italy
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 5 very rare postmodern club chairs model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau...
Leather
1 of 8 Club Chairs "Intercista" by Poltrona Frau in Pink Leather, Italy 1989
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern club chairs model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. ...
Leather
Loveseat "Intervista" by Poltrona Frau in Lime Green Leather, Italy 1989
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern loveseat, model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. This extremally comfortable piece is done in...
Leather
Loveseat "Intervista" by Poltrona Frau in Pink Leather, Italy 1989
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern loveseat, model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. This extremally comfortable piece is done in...
Leather
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 33.86 in
Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau Leather Lounge Chairs by, Italy 1970s
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Lounge chairs by Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau, Italy 1970s Magnific set of two lounge chairs manufactured by Poltr...
Leather
H 22 in W 63 in D 34 in
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Leather Sofa
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century two-seater sofa by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, distinguished by flared arm and backrests. In original leather upholstery. Two available, priced separately. Sourced i...
Leather
H 27 in W 43 in D 35 in
Pair Vintage Poltrona Frau Teal Leather Chairs
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this pair of sculptural leather covered chairs by Poltrona Frau date from the 1980s. Chairs have a cubist shape with dramatically flared arms and silver tone metal le...
Metal
H 20.08 in W 33.47 in D 33.47 in
Circular Club Chair in Pink Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Club chair, pink velvet and chromed metal, Italy, 1970s. This lounge chair has a gorgeous Hollywood Regency feel. The low seat features a circular shape with a thick shell around th...
Chrome
H 32.5 in W 22.5 in D 18.5 in
Italian Period Mid-Century Poltrona Frau Armchairs
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Austin, TX
Italian leather armchairs in the manner of Poltrona Frau, featuring elegant saddle-leather construction with fully wrapped legs and a suspended seat. Architectural winged arms and a ...
Leather
H 31.5 in W 25.2 in D 24.02 in
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau Pair of 'Movie' Armchairs in Saddle Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Mario Marenco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau, pair of armchairs model 'Movie', lacquered metal, leather, Italy, 1984 Italian furniture designer Mario Marenco drew inspiration from cinema seats, ...
Metal
H 32 in W 25.5 in D 22 in
Luxury Post Modern Leather Chairs Poltrona Frau Set of Four
By Poltrona Frau, Roberto Lazzeroni
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Stunning set of four Post-Modern “Ginger” chairs, designed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau. These elegant dining or side chairs feature a striking combination of saddle brown ...
Leather, Wood
H 35.44 in W 38.59 in D 40.16 in
Poltrona Frau Leather Armchairs Edoardo Italy 1970s Set of 2
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
This is a golden chance, and these chairs are a superb example of "Poltrona Frau." These pieces represent the pinnacle of contemporary European furniture design, are of unmatched qua...
Leather, Wood
H 14.57 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Italian Cognac Leather Cube Pouf or Side Table, Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1970s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, IT
Refined Italian cube-shaped pouf, ottoman or side table with wheels, entirely upholstered in soft cognac-colored Italian leather. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the ...
Metal
H 28 in W 32 in D 32 in
Pair of Dusty Pink Swivel Club Chairs
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of dusty rose swivel chairs. Fabulous golden girls style. Wooden construction. Nice wide and round shape with a low profile. Classic 1980's-90's Post...
Upholstery, Wood
H 28.35 in W 78.75 in D 31.89 in
Italian Modern Brown Leather Sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s
By Poltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Brown leather sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s Two seater sofa mod. Twice in brown leather. The seat is made up ...
Metal
H 30 in W 28.5 in D 27 in
Massimo Vignelli Pair of "Intervista" Chairs in Vermillion Leather (1989)
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltrona Frau
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1989 by husband and wife design team Massimo and Lela Vignelli for Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, the Intervista chair is the modernist designers' interpretation ...
Leather, Upholstery
H 24 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in
Pair of Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova Saratoga Lounge Chairs
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century modern pair of "Saratoga" lacquered cube lounge chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova circa 1960's. The lounge club chairs feature a thick lacquere...
Fabric, Wood