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Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

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.

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Creator: Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 19 Avail
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1989 Set of Six Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Handkerchief Dining Chairs
By Knoll, David Law, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Set of Six Handkerchief stacking dining chairs, initially designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli and David Law for Knoll in 1985. This set dates to 1989, and the listed pri...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

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Set of 4 Vintage Knoll Black Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli
By Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in New York, NY
Vintage knoll set of 4 black Handkerchief Chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli. The ergonomic seat made of molded fiberglass resembles a handkerchief in the wind . Very comf...
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20th Century American Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

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Steel

Modern Handkerchief Chair
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A durable, wide chair with an undulating seat and back.
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Massimo And Lella Vignelli side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Massimo and Lella Vignelli side chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of steel and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Massimo and Lella Vignelli side chairs, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side chairs by and Driade. Prices for Massimo and Lella Vignelli side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $360 and can go as high as $4,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $485.
Questions About Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025
    Massimo 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.

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