Cherry Saratoga 3-Seater Sofa attributed to Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s-1970s

Thanks to a scholarship obtained in 1958, Lella studied Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology school of architecture and worked as a junior designer in the prestigious Skidmore, Owings & Merrill studio, before returning to Italy and graduating in Architecture from the IUAV University of Venice in 1962. In 1957 she married the designer Massimo Vignelli, with whom she founded the Lella and Massimo Vignelli Office of Design and Architecture studio in Milan, a studio that deals with product design, interior design ‘interior and graphic design.

In 1971, after settling permanently in the United States and after an international experience with the Unimark International studio, Massimo and Lella founded the Vignelli Associates studio in New York, where Lella would hold the position of Chief Executive Officer. In 1985, to accommodate growing needs, the studio moved to a larger space on 10th Avenue. Throughout this period Massimo and Lella continue to carry out an intense activity ranging from graphic design to exhibitions up to product and furniture design, a sector in which Lella will be particularly brilliant, designing seats for brands such as Poltrona Frau, Poltronova and Acerbis International.

Lella and Massimo will work together throughout their lives in various branches of design, winning countless awards and becoming an icon of twentieth century design. from their marriage two children were born: Luca (1963), a photographer, and Valentina (1966), an expert in fabrics and textiles.

The Poltronova company, founded in Agliana in 1957 by Sergio Cammilli supported by a partner named Bonacchi. In 1958 Cammilli met Sottsass, who at that time was working as a ceramist for Bitossi, and they became great friends. They began a professional collaboration which was decisive for the creation of the vision of the brand. Sottsass will hold the role of artistic director of the company until 1973.