Massimo Vignelli and Lella Vignelli’s legacy can be seen everywhere in the logos of Bloomingdale’s, Ford and American Airlines, among others. In addition to their work in branding, they were prolific creators of modernist home furnishings, products and interiors, and the duo’s collaborations, which span 50 years, have left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture.
After meeting in Italy, Lella (1934–2016) and Massimo (1931–2014) 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.
Vignelli furniture 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 he 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.”
Find vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli seating, tables and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Cabinet
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga', cabinet, polyester lacquered wood, Italy, 1964. Chest of drawers made in a reflective polyester lacquer. The Vignelli's were kn...
Wood, Lacquer
Granpiano mobile container of Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Bernini 2005
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Misinto, IT
Granpiano is a piece of furniture that comes from the hand of the couple Lella & Massimo Vignelli and formally summarizes the whole philosophy of the Vignellis, pure geometric shapes...
Ebony
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 33 in D 18 in
Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful green marble and burl cabinet, believed to be an Ed Wormly piece for Dunbar. Beautiful condition. Same era as: Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouve, Pierre Pauline, Serge Moui...
Marble
$9,000 / set
H 33 in W 40.25 in D 19 in
Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather and Suede Wrapped Marble Topped Cabinets
By Guido Faleschini, i4 Mariani
Located in Culver City, CA
This pair of cabinet / drybar pair are absolutely stunning! Designed by Guido Faleschini for Mariani in the late 60's, the front of these cabinets is wrapped in a chocolate leather, with chrome drawer and door pulls, with shiny chrome accents; while the sides and the finished backs of the cabinets are wrapped in a slightly lighter chocolate suede (actual leather and suede). The icing on the cake are the marble tops, almost onyx looking, a cream and yellow, heavily veined marble with bullnose finish. These cabinets absolutely ooze Italian mid century modern luxury down to every detail. These cabinets can be placed together to create a wonderful dry bar area that feature an abundance of storage for your every need. These cabinets can be seen in our Fall Palm Springs Modernism booth alongside a Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa, a pair of Pierre Paulin Groovy chairs...
Marble, Chrome
Futura Bar Cabinet by Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen for Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in West Chester, PA
A rare and exquisite Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen "Futura Bar Cabinet" for Romweber Furniture Co. circa 1959. The unique deep relief propeller sculpted so...
Brass
$2,595
H 27.25 in W 38 in D 22 in
Barbara Barry for Henredon Modern Walnut and Cream Lacquered Console Cabinet
By Barbara Barry, Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern console table, buffet server, or media cabinet By Barbara Barry for Henredon Philippines, Early 21st Century Walnut, with cream lacquered case, and original bras...
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini Highboard Model 504 Bernini, Italy 1960
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare high credenza in Brazilian rosewood by Gianfranco Frattini Model 504 made by Bernini, Italy around 1961. Vertical rolling curtain doors Good condition
Wood, Rosewood
Jay Spectre for Century Oak Media Cabinet
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Astoria, NY
Jay Spectre for Century Oak and Chrome Media Cabinet, with power strip, three drawers, and metal plaque label to drawer interior. 82.5" H x 33.25" W x 22" D. Provenance: From an U...
Metal, Chrome
360 Container 5 Drawers by Konstantin Grcic for MAGIS
By Konstantin Grcic, Magis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The 360° collection consists of a chair, a stool, a table and two containers on wheels, which open the way to a new concept of office work. The stool 360° (and also the chair) is unc...
Plastic
Torbecchia sideboard by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Ravenna, IT
Furniture designed by Michelucci and manufactured by Poltronova. The cabinet consists of two lower hinged doors, which can be opened by a handle, and two upper hinged doors, which ca...
Walnut
$12,837
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 25.6 in
20th Century, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Cabinet with Desk mod. 804
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Frattini graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic in 1953. He opened his professional studio in Milan, after working in the studio of his teacher and mentor Gio Ponti. Hi...
Glass, Wood
Bertrand Cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis, Milano, 1987
By Massimo Iosa Ghini, Memphis Group
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Bertrand cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis, Milano, 1987. Original condition with very few blemishes. This can be used as a bar cabinet, sideboard, or general storage.
Steel, Chrome
$26,000
H 32.25 in W 105.5 in D 22 in
George Nakashima Walnut and Brass Monumental Cabinet for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
A very rare Monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection, USA, 1950s. Made with sculpted walnut, with original ...
Brass
$7,500
H 56.7 in W 76.78 in D 14.18 in
Angelo Mangiarotti Aluminium Cabinet Multiuse by Poltronova 1965
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Poltronova
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare Aluminum cabinet from the Multiuse series, which can be also used as a bookcase, was designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in 1965 and was produce...
Aluminum
Sold
H 46.07 in W 82.68 in D 22.84 in
Massimo and Lella Vignelli 'Saratoga' Sideboard in Black High Gloss Lacquer
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, Saratoga sideboard, black lacquered wood, Italy, 1964. This sideboard is part of the 'Sartoga' livingroom collection, designed by Italian...
Wood
Sold
H 24.02 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Cassettiera Saratoga - Massimo e Lella Vignelli per Poltronova - Italia Anni '60
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Milano, IT
Questa elegante cassettiera fa parte della storica linea Saratoga, un’iconica collezione di mobili moderni progettata negli anni ‘60 dai designer Massimo e Lella...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 35.44 in W 82.68 in D 23.63 in
Lella & Massimo Vignelli Saratoga Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A beautiful living room set composed of two sofas (three-seater/two-seater) one armchair and a chest of drawers model Saratoga. The sofas and the armchair present a black lacquered w...
Leather, Wood