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 and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Two-Seater Sofa
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' two-seat sofa, polyester lacquered wood, leather, Italy, 1964. This two-seat sofa named 'Saratoga' is designed by Italian desig...
Leather, Polyester
Massimo Vignelli Black-on-Black Saratoga Sofa, Poltronova, Italy, 1964
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and rare black-on-black edition of the Saratoga sofa, designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova in 1964. A landmark of 20th-century design, the Saratoga co...
Leather, Wood
$4,296Sale Price|20% Off
'Saratoga' sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova, black, 2000s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Milano, IT
Two-seater sofa with black lacquered wooden frame, cushions with foam padding and black leather upholstery. The manufacture's trademark 'Poltronova Study Center' is present.
Leather, Wood
Italian modern white wood leather sofa Saratoga by Vignelli Poltronova 1980s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white wood and brown leather sofa Saratoga by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1980s Two seater sofa Saratoga with seat and backrest, composed of cushions in...
Leather, Wood
Italian modern white wood leather sofa Saratoga by Vignelli Poltronova 1980s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white wood and brown leather sofa Saratoga by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1980s Three seater sofa Saratoga with seat and backrest, composed of cushions ...
Leather, Wood
Saratoga Sofa by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s - New Upholstery
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Brussels, BE
Saratoga Sofa by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
$8,410Sale Price|20% Off
Sofa "Saratoga" Poltronova 70s White frame and light blue velvet cushions
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Saratoga Sofa was launched by Poltronova in 1964 from a design by Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Geometric wooden frame lacquered in white polyester with seats and backs reupholster...
Velvet, Wood
$8,913Sale Price / set|35% Off
Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Padova, IT
Exceptional Saratoga set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignella, produced by Poltronova, Italy 1960s. A beautiful living room set composed of two sofas (three-seater/two-seater) and...
Leather, Wood
$3,450
H 28 in W 81 in D 36.5 in
1980s Cognac Leather Piumotto 3 Seat Sofa by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli 1980s
By Busnelli, Arrigo Arrigoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cognac leather Piumotto 3S sofa designed by Italian architect Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli in the 1980s. Three generously scaled back cushions sit above three deep seat cushions, all...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 96 in D 34 in
1980s Stressless Tan Leather Teak Wood Reclining Sofa
By Ekornes Stressless
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, sculptural reclining leather sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful so...
Leather, Wood
1980s Post Modern Italian Leather Sofa
By Chateau d'Ax
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely Italian Post Modern Leather sofa. Literally looks like it was never sat on. Off white color. Perfect condition.
Leather
$17,900
H 37.41 in W 32.29 in D 88.98 in
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Sofa, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic example of Brazilian modern design, the Tonico sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the warmth, comfort, and sculptural presence that define his work. Designed in the 1960s, t...
Leather, Hardwood
Italian 3-Seat Sofa with Original Paisley Upholstery, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
This Italian three-seat sofa from the 1960s epitomizes mid-century design with its soft, sculptural form. The high, button-tufted backrest and gently sloped arms define the silhouett...
Upholstery
Sofa Area by Antonio Citterio for Vitra, 2000s
By Antonio Citterio
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
An exceptionally solid piece of furniture from the legendary Vitra brand. Good condition.
Metal
$8,913Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Padova, IT
Exceptional Saratoga set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignella, produced by Poltronova, Italy 1960s. A beautiful living room set composed of two sofas (three-seater/two-seater) and...
Leather, Wood
$8,779
H 24.01 in W 82.51 in D 35.51 in
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Three-Seater Sofa
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Corby, GB
I have for sale the striking silhouette that is the Saratoga sofa, or the 'case' or 'cube' sofa, designed by Massimo & Lella Vignelli, for Poltronova, in the early 1960s. All can...
Acrylic, Hardwood
Custom George Smith 2000s Black Tufted Leather Sofa
By George Smith
Located in New York, NY
An original custom made soft mottled black leather tufted with brass tacks and mahogany wood legs by famed bespoke British furniture maker, George Smith. Original label. Excellent co...
Leather, Hardwood
$685Sale Price|50% Off
H 33.08 in W 48.43 in D 20.87 in
Two-seater sofa in wood and skai by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Catania, IT
Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1960s. Wooden frame, wooden inserts with skai seat.
Wood
Vladimir Kagan Restored "Fiftyish" Sofa for American Leather, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
"Fiftyish" sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by American leather in the 2000s. This contemporary design was influenced by Kagan's winged barrel chairs of the 1950s. This e...
Stainless Steel
Massimo and Lella Vignelli 'Saratoga' Living Room Set
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, Saratoga living room set, wood and red leather, Italy, 1964. This living room set named 'Sartoga' is designed by Italian designer couple ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 25.99 in W 118.12 in D 94.49 in
'Saratoga' Living Room Set by Lella and Massimo Vignelli Poltronova 1970s-80s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of sofas, one two-seater and one three-seater, 'Saratoga' model with black lacquered wooden frame, newly reupholstered cushions with foam padding and fabric upholstery in shades...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 23.63 in W 106.3 in D 37.41 in
Huge “Saratoga” 4 seater sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 60s
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Padova, IT
Thanks to a scholarship obtained in 1958, Lella studied Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology school of architecture and worked as a junior designer in the presti...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 106.7 in
Saratoga living room set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Piacenza, Italy
The Saratoga living room set, designed by Massimo and Lella Vignella and produced by Poltronova, Italy, in the 1960s, is an iconic example of modular and modern design. The set inclu...
Leather, Wood
Massimo & Lella Vignelli Circolo Sofa for Sunar
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Greensboro, NC
Scarce Vignelli Circolo Sofa, produced by Sunar. Retains original tag. Via the Vignelli Center: "This comfy lounge chair was designed by Lella Vignelli. Although officially marketed...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 26.5 in W 106.5 in D 37 in
4-Seat 'Saratoga' Sofa by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning "Saratoga" sofa designed by Massimo & Lella Vignelli and manufactured by Poltronova in the 1960s. This example is particularly special as it is a very rare, custom 4-seat ...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Sold
H 24.02 in W 58.67 in D 35.44 in
Italian modern wood leather Saratoga sofa Massimo Lella Vignelli Poltronova 1980
By Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern glossy black lacquered wood and brown leather Saratoga sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli, for Poltronova, 1980s. Wide two-seater sofa, Saratoga model, with a square s...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 24.02 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
Divano "Saratoga" - Massimo e Lella Vignelli per Poltronova - Italia - Anni '60
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Milano, IT
Il divano 2 posti proposto è un esemplare del celebre modello “Saratoga” progettato da Massimo e Lella Vignelli nel 1964. Questo pezzo iconico di desig...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 24.02 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Divano "Saratoga" - Massimo e Lella Vignelli per Poltronova - Italia - Anni '60
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Milano, IT
Il divano proposto è un esemplare del celebre modello “Saratoga” progettato da Massimo e Lella Vignelli nel 1964. Questo pezzo iconico di design italia...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 28 in W 83 in D 35.5 in
Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova, Mid-Century Modern Saratoga Sofas, Lacquer, Fabric
By Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Stamford, CT
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, pair of 'Saratoga' three-seat sofas, Polyester Lacquer and Fabric, Italy, 1964 Priced per the pair. You may purchase one if only one is ne...
Lacquer
Sold
H 23.63 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
divano vintage anni 60 Saratoga design Lella & Massimo Vignanelli Poltronova
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Divano a due posti con struttura in legno nero lucido e seduta in pelle arancione. Modello Saratoga, design Lella & massimo Vignanelli per Poltronova, anni 60. CONDIZIONI: In buone ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 23.63 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
Black “Saratoga” sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 60s, 70s
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Padova, IT
Thanks to a scholarship obtained in 1958, Lella studied Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology school of architecture and worked as a junior designer in the presti...
Leather, Wood