Massimo Vignelli and Lella Vignelli are legendary names in branding and were prolific creators of home furnishings, products and interiors. The duo’s modernist furniture collaborations, which span 50 years, have also left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture. Furniture created by the couple 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 Massimo 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.”
After meeting in Italy, Lella (1934–2016) and Massimo 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.
Many of the Vignellis’ designs are considered modern masterpieces and are included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and other important institutions.
Find vintage Massimo Vignelli furniture today on 1stDibs.
$2,400Sale Price / set|38% Off
Vintage Set of Six Handkerchief Armchairs by Vignelli for Knoll
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage set of (8) eight Knoll Handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli Inspired by the lightness and organic ease of a handkerchief drifting ...
Chrome
$465Sale Price / item|28% Off
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...
Steel
MASSIMO VIGNELLI Mod. Saratoga White and Red Sofa, 1964
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Roma, Lazio
Historic sofa mod. Saratoga in white lacquered wood with cushions in beautiful red-purple fabric. If you can design one thing, you can design everything...
Wood, Fabric
20th Century Two-Seater Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely two seater sofa designed by the Italian designer couple Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Produced by Poltronova of Florence, the sofa is a design classic with a wonderful off-white and red combination for the frame and cushions respectively. Although the original cushions show some signs of distress, they are still supple and have no rips and tears, ready to be enjoyed by the new owner for many years still. CONDITION In Good Condition - Some wear and tear to the leather consummate with age. However no rips or tears, a good distressed look which has plenty of use still...
Leather
Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern a Pair
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Iconic design by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. These ethereal chairs, seeming floating in air are fully labeled with an embossed Knoll, Vignelli design and a paper Knoll Label. This...
Fiberglass
Single Handkerchief Chair Designed by Vignelli for Knoll Studio
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli
Located in San Diego, CA
Single iconic chair designed by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll, circa 1996, for Knoll studio great condition complete with rubbers, the seats are very clean this chair is nice and comfy....
Metal
Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Stacking Chairs, Set of 4 Knoll Chairs
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 Knoll Handkerchief Chairs, Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs Introduced in 1983, these chairs are very resilient wit...
Steel
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 19 Available
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chair By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat, with powder coated steel base. Measures: 23.5"W ...
Steel
Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Steel, Chrome
Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Iconic design by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. These ethereal chairs, seeming floating in air are fully labeled with an embossed Knoll, Vignelli design and a paper Knoll Label.
Fiberglass
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 7 Available
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chair By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat, with powder coated steel base. Measures: 23.5"W ...
Steel
Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Steel, Chrome
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International Postmodern Handkerchief Chairs, Twelve
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish set of twelve Postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chairs By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat...
Steel
Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 8 Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Handkerchief Chairs
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in New Orleans, LA
These curvy monochrome chairs add sophistication and contemporary charm. All items offered are antique, vintage, or mid-century and sold as-is. Expect natural wear, patina, and impe...
Metal
Pair of Postmodern Tub Chairs by Massimo Vignelli
By Massimo Vignelli, Sunar
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage pair of postmodern Rotonda tub chairs by Massimo Vignelli for Sunar Hauserman , 1979. These feature a gently curved back and sides with floating seat fully upholstered in lig...
Upholstery, Foam
$9,468Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27.56 in W 33.86 in D 35.44 in
20th Century Italian Design Velvet Modular Sofa by Busnelli, 1970s
By Busnelli
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare Italian design modular sofa, 1970s in brown velvet. The sofa is modular and made up of four armchairs. Busnelli brand present on each armchair. The measurements indicated are fo...
Velvet
Donald Knorr Chair for Knoll Associates, 1948
By Donald Knorr, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration to of six Knorr chairs. Comprised of sheet metal bolted to steel rod legs. This chair is exceptionally rare (a set of six in simply unheard of) Model #132 cha...
Metal
$3,000Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 30.5 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...
Metal
Post Modern Knoll Swivel Desk, Office, Chairs 11 Available
By Knoll, Don Chadwick
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Knoll swivel desk chair(s) from the 1970's, in rich brown formed foam upholstery, on five star base. The chair swivels a full 360, and the base is on double wheel coaster...
Plastic
Modular and Customizable Sofa 'Lapis' E019
By Emanuel Gargano, Amura Lab
Located in Paris, IDF
'Lapis' is a collection of sofas and seats with very organic and Minimalist shapes. Designer: Emanuel Gargano Maker: Amura Lab 'Lapis' can be made in several dimension and comb...
Leather, Wool, Cotton
$7,338 / set
H 31.89 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
Set of 5 Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
The Tulip chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1956 for Knoll International, is a key piece of mid-century modern design. Saarinen aimed to create a chair that removed the clutter of ...
Steel
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black horsehair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Leather, Mahogany
Otto Zapf for Knoll Swivel Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Otto Zapf for Knoll International, desk chair, leather, lacquered metal, United States, design 1974 When Bobby Cadwallader, the former president of Knoll, encountered the German des...
Metal
Don Albinson Stacking Side Chairs by Knoll Set of 14
By Knoll, Don Albinson
Located in Highland, IN
Important industrial designer Don Albinson, a Cranbrook peer of Charles and Ray Eames, Ralph Rapson, Harry Bertoia and Eero Saarinen worked in the Eames office as head designer for 1...
Aluminum
$4,142 / set
H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Complete Living Room Sofa and Armchairs Design Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1962
By Poltronova, Sergio Asti
Located in taranto, IT
Designed by Sergio Asti and produced by Poltronova in 1962, the "Zelda" living room set—comprising a three-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs—is one of the finest expressions of Ita...
Leather, Wood
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair, Mid-Century Modern
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair on wheels. Very nice original condition. Four Chairs currently available. These are all ...
Metal
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam, Wool
Sold
H 29.25 in W 22 in D 20.5 in
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Set w Unique Provenance, Signed
By David Law, Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
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) year labels. Great for stacking when you need more open space in the room and easy to unstack when you have guests. Perfect for those who require versatility in their space. Priced as a set of five (5). Unique provenance on this set - as it was ordered by David Law who worked with Vignelli Associates and participated in many of the designs they created for Knoll and Acerbis including the Serenissimo Table...
Steel
Sold
H 24.81 in W 153.94 in D 94.89 in
'Saratoga' Seating Set by Lella and Massimo Vignelli Poltronova 80s
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Milano, IT
Set consisting of 1 3-seater sofa and 2 2-seater sofas, corner connecting tables, one of which can be used as storage by taking advantage of its drawers. Black lacquered wooden frame...
Leather
Sold
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova Pair of "Saratoga" Cube Armchairs, Italy 1960s
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Naples, IT
Pair of armchairs mod. Saratoga in white lacquered wood with cushions in beautiful purple-red fabric. If you can design one thing, you can design everything, said Massimo Vignelli (1...
Fabric, 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 Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Massimo Vignelli
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 29 in W 26 in D 22.5 in
Pair of Handkerchief Armchairs Designed by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Studio
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli
Located in San Diego, CA
A great pair of armchairs designed by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll, circa 1983, for Knoll studio in great condition, black on black the seats are very clean these chairs are nice and c...
Metal
Sold
H 28 in W 83 in D 35.5 in
Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova, Mid-Century Modern Saratoga Sofas, Lacquer, Fabric
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Massimo 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
Postmodern Sunar Hauserman Rotunda Tub Chair by Massimo Vignelli 1979
By Massimo Vignelli, Sunar
Located in Baltimore, MD
Captivating Postmodern Rotunda vintage barrel back "guest" armchair by Massimo Vignelli for Sunar Hauserman,1979. It features a gently curved back and sides with floating seat fully ...
Steel
Sold
H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
20th Century Three-Seater Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely three seater sofa designed by the Italian designer couple Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Produced by Poltronova of Florence, the sofa is a design classic with a wonderful black...
Leather
Sold
H 23.63 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
20th Century Two-Seater Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely two seater sofa designed by the Italian designer couple Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Produced by Poltronova of Florence, the sofa is a design classic with a wonderful black a...
Leather
Sold
H 29 in W 26 in D 22.5 in
Set Handkerchief 4 Chairs in Black &Chrome Designed by Vignelli for Knoll Studio
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
A great set of 4 chairs designed by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll, circa 1983, for Knoll studio great condition complete with rubbers chrome has been polished, the seats are very clean ...
Chrome
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll "Handkerchief Chairs" 4
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Astoria, NY
Massimo Vignelli (Italian 1931 -2014) for Knoll, four (4) stacking Handkerchief chairs (designed 1983) with fibreglass-reinforced polyester seats on...
Fiberglass
Saratoga Massimo and Lella Vignelli Poltronova, 1964
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sofa and armchair designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1964.
Animal Skin, Laminate, Lacquer