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.
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
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
'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
Modular and Customizable Sofa 'Lapis' E017
By Amura Lab, Emanuel Gargano
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
$17,194
H 29.53 in W 78.35 in D 37.41 in
Rare Golden Lacquer and Brass Maison Jansen Bouclé Sofa, 1970s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, IDF
An exciting example of French design firm Maison Jansen’s commissioned pieces. This sofa is made from solid mahogany, lacquered in a rich dark brown and bronze–golden finish. The res...
Brass
$8,786
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
$8,941Sale 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
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
$7,450
H 23.63 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
Massimo Vignelli Black-on-Black Saratoga Sofa, Poltronova, Italy, 1964
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
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
$11,800
H 24.41 in W 59.06 in D 39.38 in
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
Rattan Trellis Sofa by Creel and Gow
By Creel and Gow
Located in New York, NY
Rattan Trellis sofa. Made for Creel and Gow in Morocco: Measures: 75" x 30" x 38" H- Seat Height with Cushion: 19". Introducing Creel and Gow's exclusive wicker and rattan collecti...
Rattan
$4,310Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.56 in W 59.06 in D 37.41 in
'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
Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Brass