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
$17,719
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
Modular and Customizable Sofa 'Lapis' E017
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
$9,214Sale 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
$8,975
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
$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 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
19th Century Carved and Painted Sofa Frame
Located in New Orleans, LA
This sofa frame was carved and painted by hand in 19th century, France. The frame is sold ready to be upholstered, allowing the customer to coordinate matching the material to a colo...
Wood
$4,441Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.56 in W 59.06 in D 37.41 in
Divano 'Saratoga' di Lella e Massimo Vignelli per Poltronova, nero, Anni 2000
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Milano, IT
Divano a due posti con struttura in legno laccato nero, cuscini con imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in pelle nera. Presente il marchio della manifattura 'Centro Studi Poltronov...
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 Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
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
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 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
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
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
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
Pair of Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova Lacquered Sofas
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional black lacquered sofas by Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova, circa 1968. Newly lacquered and upholstered in Maharam Frank Lloyd Wright fabric.
Upholstery, Wood