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.
$6,033Sale Price|20% Off
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
$6,033Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Two-Seater Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
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
$9,516Sale 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
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
$11,366Sale Price / set|35% Off
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 Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid living room with sofa and pair of armchairs, "zelda" model, designed by sergio asti for poltronova in 1962 The sofa measures 210 cm in length, 80 cm in depth and 60 cm in...
Leather, Wood
$4,639
H 29.93 in W 84.65 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B. Project from 1960s The sofa can come as a living room set together with its pair ...
Velvet, Wood
Unavailable|$9,278
H 31.89 in W 62.21 in D 31.5 in
Børge Mogensen Two Seater Sofa for Fredericia Furniture
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen freestanding two seater sofa mounted on walnut legs. Sides, back and loose cushions upholstered with natural tanned leather. Manufactured by Fredericia Furniture in 1974.
Leather, Walnut
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas. Frame of mahogany. Sides, seat and back upholstered with fabric. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Leather, Mahogany
Unavailable|$5,709
H 33.08 in W 50.4 in D 32.29 in
Børge Mogensen Two Seater Sofa for Fredericia Furniture
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Freestanding two seater sofa with legs of oak. Sides, back and loose cushions upholstered with natural tanned ox-hide. Model 2208. Manufactured and marked by Fredericia Stolefabrik.
Leather, Oak
$12,222Sale Price|25% Off
H 26.38 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Leather Two-Seater Soriana Sofa for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana two-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. It features its original brown leather upholstery. Winner of t...
Chrome
$9,278Sale 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
$4,472Sale 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
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofa on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with patinated leather. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen. ...
Leather, Mahogany
Unavailable|$20,460 / set
H 33.86 in W 52.76 in D 31.89 in
Kaare Klint Pair of Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint pair of freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with patinated leather. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Cop...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 25.6 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Italian Saratoga Sofa Set in Leather by Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova 1970s
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Poltronova set by Massimo Vignelli in orange leather 1970s two armchairs and one three seater sofa in excellent condition, reupholstery by Poltronova in Italy.
Leather, Wood