Saratoga sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s-70s. Structure in white wood and upholstery in burgundy leather. The lower wooden parts have some small and inevitable chips due to handling; the leather has signs of time but is not torn. Thanks to a scholarship obtained in 1958, Lella studied Architecture at the School of Architecture of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked as a junior designer in the prestigious studio Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, before returning to Italy and graduating in Architecture from the University IUAV of Venice in 1962. In 1957 she married the designer Massimo Vignelli, with whom she founded the Lella studio in Milan and the Massimo Vignelli Office of Design and Architecture, a studio that dealt with product design, interior design and graphic design. In 1971, after settling definitively 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 held the position of Chief Executive Officer. In 1985, to meet growing needs, the studio moved to a larger space on 10th Avenue. Throughout this period Massimo and Lella continued to carry out an intense activity ranging from graphic design to exhibitions up to product and furniture design, a sector in which Lella was particularly brilliant, designing seats for brands such as Poltrona Frau, Poltronova and Acerbis International. Lella and Massimo worked together throughout their lives in various branches of design, winning countless awards and becoming an icon of the 20th century. The Poltronova company was founded in Agliana in 1957 by Sergio Cammilli. In 1958 Cammilli met Sottsass, who at that time worked as a ceramist for Bitossi, and became great friends. A professional collaboration began which was decisive for the creation of the brand vision. Sottsass held the position of Artistic Director of the company until 1973.
.png)
SILVER Seller in Padova, Italy
