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' Cabinet
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga', cabinet, polyester lacquered wood, Italy, 1964. Chest of drawers made in a reflective polyester lacquer. The Vignelli's were kn...
Wood, Lacquer
Granpiano mobile container of Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Bernini 2005
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Misinto, IT
Granpiano is a piece of furniture that comes from the hand of the couple Lella & Massimo Vignelli and formally summarizes the whole philosophy of the Vignellis, pure geometric shapes...
Ebony
H 33 in W 33 in D 18 in
Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful green marble and burl cabinet, believed to be an Ed Wormly piece for Dunbar. Beautiful condition. Same era as: Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouve, Pierre Pauline, Serge Moui...
Marble
H 45.75 in W 52 in D 18.25 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Bar Cabinet
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Bar Cabinet This bar cabinet measures: 52 wide x 18.25 deep x 45.75 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Cane Front is in ...
Cane, Walnut
H 72 in W 60 in D 20 in
Futura Bar Cabinet by Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen for Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in West Chester, PA
A rare and exquisite Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen "Futura Bar Cabinet" for Romweber Furniture Co. circa 1959. The unique deep relief propeller sculpted so...
Brass
H 27.25 in W 38 in D 22 in
Barbara Barry for Henredon Modern Walnut and Cream Lacquered Console Cabinet
By Barbara Barry, Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern console table, buffet server, or media cabinet By Barbara Barry for Henredon Philippines, Early 21st Century Walnut, with cream lacquered case, and original bras...
Brass
H 26.5 in W 27.5 in D 16.75 in
1960s Tambour door Cabinet by Poul Hundevad for Hundevad and Co
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Victoria, BC
This cabinet was designed by Poul Hundevad and produced by Hundevad & Co in Denmark during the 1960s. It is crafted in rosewood, with a compact and well-proportioned form defined by ...
Wood
H 82.5 in W 33.25 in D 22 in
Jay Spectre for Century Oak Media Cabinet
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Astoria, NY
Jay Spectre for Century Oak and Chrome Media Cabinet, with power strip, three drawers, and metal plaque label to drawer interior. 82.5" H x 33.25" W x 22" D. Provenance: From an U...
Metal, Chrome
H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 23.23 in
360 Container 5 Drawers by Konstantin Grcic for MAGIS
By Konstantin Grcic, Magis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The 360° collection consists of a chair, a stool, a table and two containers on wheels, which open the way to a new concept of office work. The stool 360° (and also the chair) is unc...
Plastic
H 33 in W 40.25 in D 19 in
Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather and Suede Wrapped Marble Topped Cabinets
By Guido Faleschini, i4 Mariani
Located in Culver City, CA
This pair of cabinet / drybar pair are absolutely stunning! Designed by Guido Faleschini for Mariani in the late 60's, the front of these cabinets is wrapped in a chocolate leather, with chrome drawer and door pulls, with shiny chrome accents; while the sides and the finished backs of the cabinets are wrapped in a slightly lighter chocolate suede (actual leather and suede). The icing on the cake are the marble tops, almost onyx looking, a cream and yellow, heavily veined marble with bullnose finish. These cabinets absolutely ooze Italian mid century modern luxury down to every detail. These cabinets can be placed together to create a wonderful dry bar area that feature an abundance of storage for your every need. These cabinets can be seen in our Fall Palm Springs Modernism booth alongside a Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa, a pair of Pierre Paulin Groovy chairs...
Marble, Chrome
H 39.5 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson BSC cabinet for Herman Miller, c.1950's, USA. The design features a two door walnut cabinet with interior shelves. Each cabinet door has a polished aluminum pull. The c...
Aluminum, Steel
H 56.7 in W 76.78 in D 14.18 in
Angelo Mangiarotti Aluminium Cabinet Multiuse by Poltronova 1965
By Poltronova, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare Aluminum cabinet from the Multiuse series, which can be also used as a bookcase, was designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in 1965 and was produce...
Aluminum
H 47.64 in W 36.23 in D 17.72 in
17th-century Italian Baroque Cabinet - Bernini's baldachin, St. Peter's Basilica
Located in Porto, PT
A rare and exceptional Italian Baroque cabinet-on-stand, dating to the 17th century, of outstanding architectural conception and remarkable richness of materials. The Cabinet: The fr...
Agate, Lapis Lazuli
H 32.25 in W 105.5 in D 22 in
George Nakashima Walnut and Brass Monumental Cabinet for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
A very rare Monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection, USA, 1950s. Made with sculpted walnut, with original ...
Brass