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.
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
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
$2,057Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti for Cassina "Maralunga" Sofa in Blue Fabric
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for the Cassina factory in the 1970s. The two-seater sofa is entirely upholstered in original fabric of the time in perfect condition, no rips or da...
Fabric, Cotton, Plastic
Modular 4-seater Fiandra sofa in cream fabric by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in amstelveen, NL
Fiandra sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, 1975 This elegant and understated sofa was designed by renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (1920–2006) for Cassina. Comprising four m...
Wool, Cotton, Linen, Jute
'Veranda' 3-Seater Fabric Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Almelo, NL
This multicolored and adjustable sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, circa 1980s. This smart and highly desirable Italian design features seats that are upholstered wi...
Steel
Vico Magistretti for Cassina 'Fiandra' Modular Sofa in Brown Leather
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, ‘Fiandra’ sectional sofa, leather, plastic, Italy, 1975 This elegant and understated sofa was designed by renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (...
Leather, Plastic
Modern 'Veranda' Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, in Original Fabric, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Almelo, NL
Modern 'Veranda' Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, in Original Fabric, Italy Designed by acclaimed Italian architect Vico Magistretti for Cassina, the Veranda modular sofa is a ...
Wood
Mid Century Modern Blue Three Seat Veranda Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Blue Three Seat Veranda Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina - Pair This beautiful original deep blue adjustable 3-seat "Veranda" sofa designed by Vico Magistrett...
Upholstery
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Davis' Sofa in Camel Beige Upholstery
By ICF De Padova, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for ICF De Padova, ‘Davis’ sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1977 This distinctive sofa is designed by the innovative and renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (1920-...
Fabric, Wood
Corner Modular Sofa 4 Seats Light Blue Cassina Fiandra - Magistretti 80s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, MI
Large modular sofa 4 modules model "Fiandra" designed in 1975 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. wooden frame with shaped polyurethane foam padding. This specimen was produced in the e...
Velvet, Wood
Corner Sofa "Cardigan" designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, red leather
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and exceptionally rare sofa designed by Vico Magistretti. Apart from a stanning tone of red leather this sofa is upholstered with, what ma...
Leather
$5,366
H 38.59 in W 94.49 in D 34.26 in
Cassina Maralunga Dreisitzer Sofa Couch Vico Magistretti Leder
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Maralunga Dreisitzer Sofa von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt vom renommierten italienischen Designer Vico Magistretti, erfreut sich bi...
Leather
1970s 2-Seater Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
Wool
Modular Sofa and Ottomans for Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Fully upholstered modular seating system with slab sides, tight seats, and ‘saddle bag’ style back and end cushions. Labeled Cassina under the seats on its metal frame as well as lab...
Metal
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 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in creamy white fabric designed by Vico Magistretti, Model: Maralunga. Seat height: 44 cm. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Fabric
$4,969
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 31.5 in
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-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 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Bouclé, Fabric
$5,378
H 29.53 in W 110.24 in D 39.38 in
Fiandra modular black leather sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, circa 1980
By Vico Magistretti
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Fiandra modular sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Developed in the late 1970s, this iconic seating system is composed of independent modules that can be freely assemble...
Leather
$5,197
H 27.56 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-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 3-seater Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions t...
Fabric, Bouclé
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa for Cassina – 1 Piece Designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this Maralunga sofa is ...
Metal
Maralunga Sofa in Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A “Maralunga” sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Original caramel leather upholstery. Sourced in Northern Italy. The Maralunga sofa, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1...
Leather
$4,087
H 27.56 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
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
"675 MARALUNGA" Sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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...
Textile
Vico Magistretti for Cassina "Fiandra" Sofa
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning "Fiandra" sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in the 1970s. The sofa comes in the extraordinary dark brown suede-lined version in excellent original co...
Suede
Sold
H 25.6 in W 114.18 in D 77.17 in
Vico Magistretti Fiandra corner modular sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1975
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in London, GB
A titan of Italian mid-century design, Vico Magistretti (1920–2006) was determined to pull the nation into a utopian future after the devastation of the Second World War. The approac...
Canvas, Foam
Sold
H 26.78 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa, three-seater sofa, in 70s leather, by Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa, Maralunga sofa, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italian manufacture dating back to the seven...
Leather
Sold
H 27.56 in W 143.71 in D 108.27 in
Vico Magistretti for Cassina ‘Fiandra’ Sectional Sofa with Ottoman
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, ‘Fiandra’ sectional sofa, leather, plastic, Italy, 1970s This subtle and modest sofa is designed by the Italian designer Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) ...
Leather
Sold
H 27.56 in W 89.77 in D 29.93 in
Leather "Maralunga" Three Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1976
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic design model "Maralunga" three-seater in thick brown original leather with a fantastic comfort. The sofa designed in the seventies by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina. The backrests can be raised or lowered for total comfort. This sofa won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. It is upholstered with the original thick soft light-brown leather and it is in great condition. It is an original version of the seventies. Labeled.B6. Dimensions: sofa-height 70/100cm-width-228cm-depth-76cm Cassina was founded in 1927 by Umberto Cassina in the Italian village of Meda. The center for Italian design. In the 1950s, Cassina introduced industrial design to Italy. Cassina managed to attract the most talented designers such as Le Corbusier, Frank LIoyd Wright and Gerrit Rietveld. This group of designers is called by Cassina I Maestri...
Leather
Sold
H 42.92 in W 98.43 in D 31.5 in
Vico Magistretti Veranda Sofa for Cassina, Italian Design, Leather, 1970's
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vico Magistretti; Cassina; Italy; Italian design; 1970's; Sofa; three-seater sofa; This remarkable 'Veranda' three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina is quite a unique p...
Leather, Wood
Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in Fabric blue
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milano, IT
Sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for the Cassina factory in the 1970s. The two-seater sofa is entirely upholstered in original fabric of the time in perfect condition, no rips or da...
Fabric, Cotton, Plastic
Sold
H 27.56 in W 89.77 in D 29.93 in
"Maralunga" Sitting Group by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1976
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
This "Maralunga" sitting group consists of one lounge chair ,one two-seater and one three-seater in thick brown original leather. The sofa set was designed by Vico Magistretti and p...
Leather
Sold
H 30.7 in W 100.8 in D 24.8 in
1980s 'Veranda' 3-Seater Burgundy Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A Veranda model 3-seater sofa, designed by renowned Italian Industrial designer Vivo Magistretti for Cassina in the 1980s. Three seats, upholstered in bright burgundy leather, swivel...
Metal
Fiandra Modular Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
Fiandra sectional sofa designed by Vico Magistretti in 1975 and produced by Cassina, Italy. Can be used as separate modules as well, coupling pieces included. Reupholstered in ele...
Wool, Foam, Plywood, Plastic
Fiandra Two-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
Fiandra sectional sofa designed by Vico Magistretti in 1975 and produced by Cassina, Italy. Upholstered in the original Cassina very dark brown leather. Marked with Cassina label. ...
Foam, Plywood, Leather
Vico Magistretti Fiandra Sofa by Cassina, Italy, 1975
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice and very comfortable modular 'Fiandra' lounge sofa designed by Vico Magistretti, manufactured by Cassina, Italy, 1975. This sofa has very elegant off-white cotton upholstery and...
Cotton, Plastic