As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico ...
Leather, Beech
Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Red Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Novetrenta Rope Armchair by Vico Magistretti – Red Outdoor Lounge Chair for Cassina, 2025 Elegant outdoor armchair from the Novetrenta collection...
Wood
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chair in Leather & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chair, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico Ma...
Leather, Beech
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s Bench model Carimate in black lacquered wood with a glossy finish and a straw seat. The armrests and backrest ar...
Straw, Wood
Vigo Magistretti for Cassina Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, two-seater sofa, model 'Veranda', fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1983. Beautiful esthetically balanced two-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassi...
Aluminum
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Bern, CH
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina, Italy in the late 1980's. Based on the Maralunga Sofa with fold down back rest. Adjustable three seater des...
Metal, Steel
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
Cassina - Vico Magistretti Maralunga 2 Seater Leather Sofa
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Bern, CH
Vico Magistretti Maralunga two seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With two adjustable backrests for variable sitt...
Leather
Set of 8 "Model 122" Dining Room Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant set of eight Model 122 chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s, a refined example of Italian modernist design where sculptural clarity meets everyday fun...
Leather, Foam, Ash
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
Leather
Set of 4 Vico Magistretti 905 Armchairs for Cassina 1964
By Casina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Designed by the visionary Italian architect and designer Vico Magistretti, this exclusive set of four Model 905 armchairs is an exceptional collection that combines history, art, and...
Leather, Wood
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico M...
Leather, Beech
Vico Magistretti For Cassina Italian Red Dining Chairs Carimate Ser, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design set of two dining chairs with armrests Carimate serie designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina from 1960s with an analine-stained beech w...
Straw, Beech
Cassina Veranda Longue Chair By Vico Magistretti Italy 1980s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Čelinac, BA
CASSINA Veranda Longue Chair By Vico Magistretti Italy 1980s
Fabric
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
Maralunga sofa/armchair/pouf set designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Set consisting of a pair of sofas, an armchair with ottoman, model "Maralunga" designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italia1973. Iconic Maralunga seating set for Cassina, designe...
Velvet
Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Beige Linen, Cassina 1970s Italian
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features beige linen. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look that never ...
Linen
Maralunga armchair and footstool by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Iconic Maralunga seating set for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, consisting of an armchair and a footstool (pouf). The pieces feature wrap-around shapes, curved armres...
Velvet
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Two-seater Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" two-seater sofa for Cassina, green Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973 ...
Velvet
20thC Italian Maralunga Lounge Suite By Vico Magistretti For Cassina c.1980
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An iconic Italian Maralunga lounge suite by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, dating from the late 20th century. Comprising a matched pair of lounge chairs and a coordinating ottoman, th...
Leather
675 MARALUNGA Sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, vintage
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Neuss, NW
"675 MARALUNGA" Sofa based on the design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from the early 1970s. Original cover made of high-quality black-grey striped fabric. The backrests of the two...
Fabric
Vintage Red 1970s Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Accent Armchair Chair for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Basel, BS
For sale is a single sleek RED vintage Vico Magistretti beauty, the "Carimate" chair by Cassina. The chair model originated in the 1960s in Italy. This here is an original 1960s Car...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Set of 4 "Carimate" Chairs
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Forest, BE
An icon of Italian design, the Carimate chair combines a lacquered solid wood frame with a handwoven straw seat. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1960s, it stands out ...
Straw, Wood, Lacquer
Cassina Portovenere Sofa Designklassiker Couch Vico Magistretti
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Zweisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Cassina zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Vico Magistretti, wurde bekannt u...
Leather
Vico Magistretti Veranda Lounge Chair for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
By Vico Magistretti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Veranda adjustable lounge chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1980.
Metal
Vico Magistretti Pair of Red Carimate Armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961
By Vico Magistretti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Vico Magistrett pair of red carimate armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961 Original red lacquer. Original straw seats.
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Chairs for Cassina, Red Lacquered, 1960, Set of 10
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" chairs for Cassina, red lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of ten (8 side chairs, 2 armchairs) . The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistr...
Straw, Wood
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967 Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967 for Cassina, this set of six Model 122 chairs is a refined example of Ita...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vicario armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy 1970s.
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Athens, Attiki
Vicario armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy 1970s. In production from 1970 until the mid-70s. Made of fiber glass, this armchair is characterized by fluid shape...
Fiberglass
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
Maralunga sofa and 2 armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 2 armchairs and 2 seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973. The project won the Compasso d' Oro in 1979 and is one of the most widely sold pieces of Italian design. "With Maralunga...
Steel
Italian modern burgundy fabric sofa Maralunga Vico Magistretti Cassina 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern burgundy fabric sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s Two-seater sofa model Maralunga in burgundy-purple fabric. The couch features independent fold-do...
Fabric
Maralunga Sofa Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This nice and comfortable two-seat sofa “Maralunga” was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. Maralunga is one of the most famous Italian design sofas, a landmark that ha...
Leather
Vico Magistretti, Carimate, Pair of Chairs, Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Carimate A pair of red lacquered beech wood and straw chairs, each with four cylindrical feet and conforming back, with a square seat covered with stra...
Beech
"Maralunga" Two Seater Blue Leather Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage "Maralunga" Two Seater Blue Leather Sofa realized by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1970s. Adjustable headrests. Cassina label and mark o...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Reupholstered Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1980s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in The Hague, NL
Maralunga lounge chair with the defining adjustable head rest designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. New Fabric. The Maralunga was originally designed in the 1973 and this example...
Leather
Maralunga armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 2 armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973. Tubular steel frame structure, polyurethane, leather. Excellent condition, restored. The project won the Compasso ...
Steel
Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Novetrenta Rope Armchair by Vico Magistretti – Red Outdoor Lounge Chair for Cassina, 2025 Elegant outdoor armchair from the Novetrenta collection...
Wood
Maralunga Sofa Lounge Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1980s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Wien, AT
The Maralunga sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti in the 1970s for Cassina and is certainly one of the most iconic sofas in Italian design. The backrests are equipped with a foldab...
Fabric
3 seater 'Maralunga' Sofa by Vico magistrate for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Brussels, BE
An iconic design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this 1970s Maralunga sofa is upholstered in rich navy leather and features the model’s celebrated adjustable headrests, seamlessly s...
Leather
Italian ‘Maralunga’ Brown Velvet Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian ‘Maralunga’ armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s. Upholstered in rich brown velvet, the chair sits low to the ground with soft, folded arms and a...
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina- New Upholstery
Fabric
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Chairs, 1960's, a pair
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Vico Magistretti “Carimate” chairs, designed in 1959 for the Carimate Golf Club north of Milan. Striking yet comfortable, the Carima...
Linen, Wood
Black Leather Incisa Office Chair by Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 1992
By ICF De Padova, Vico Magistretti
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy in 1992 and designed by Vico Magistretti for De Padova. This revolving office chair features a metal frame and its original high-quality leather upholstery. This chair ...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Navy / Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina Italy 80s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Basel, BS
Original Loveseat sofa "Maralunga," designed by Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy during the late circa late 1970s/1980s. This e...
Fabric
Vicario Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Sculptural Italian Design A striking set of Vicario chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in the 1970s. Crafted from moulded fibreglass-reinforced plastic, the Vicario is...
Plastic
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Bouclé, Fabric
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater and footstool re-upholstered For Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Fabric, Bouclé
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 2 and a half-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 2 and a half-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests c...
Fabric, Bouclé
Carimate bench red Vico Magistretti Cassina 1958 mid-century
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Bench from the Carimate series designed by Vico Magistretti for the Club House of the Golf Club of Carimate (Como). The design blends references to the Scandinavian tradition with el...
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti “Carimate” Chair for Cassina, Taupe Alpaca Wool, 1960, Set of 6
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, black lacquered wood and taupe alpaca wool seat, Italy, 1960, set of six Magistretti designed the "Carimate" in 1959 for the g...
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
Leather, Fabric
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Beige Velvet, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Sand Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973...
Velvet
Two Cassina Maralunga two-seat sofas in blue leather by Vico Magistretti, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Iconic set of two Maralunga two-seat sofas designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, one of the most celebrated Italian seating designs of the late 20th century. Introduced in 1973, ...
Leather
Vico Magistretti Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina, Italy, 80s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Basel, BS
Original Loveseat sofa "Maralunga," designed by Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy during the late circa late 1970s/1980s. This e...
Fabric
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chairs in White Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ dining chairs, model '892', stained beech, fabric, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistre...
Fabric, Beech