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.
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
$3,483
H 27.96 in W 66.93 in D 33.47 in
Maralunga Two-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
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
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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
$2,702Sale Price|20% Off
H 39.38 in W 38.59 in D 37.41 in
Vico Magistretti — Maralunga Armchairs — Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Armchairs for Cassina – Set of 2 Designed by the legendary Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this pair of Maralung...
Metal
$4,934
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
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
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
$2,902
H 28.75 in W 64.97 in D 35.44 in
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
$4,063
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
$4,893Sale Price|30% Off
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 33.86 in
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
$6,269
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 15.36 in
"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
$2,890
H 28.75 in W 66.93 in D 34.26 in
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Couch Vico Magistretti Leder
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt vom renommierten italienischen Designer Vico Magistretti, erfreut sich bi...
Leather
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 Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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” Loveseat
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s for Cassina, Italy. This piece has been professionally cleaned but has some wear - reupholstery is recommended but not needed
Fabric
Maralunga Love Seat by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Austin, TX
Love seat sofa from Italy made with the original Italian tan leather. This piece was designed as part of the Maralunga line by Vico Magistretti and crafted by Cassina. Originally des...
Leather
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Black Leather Loveseat for Cassina, 1980s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Miami, FL
Maralunga two-seat sofa / loveseat with the defining adjustable head rests designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Original black leather. The Maralunga was originally designed in the 1973 and this example was produced by Cassina circa 1980s. See other listings for single lounge chair. Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) was born in Italy into a family of architects. Magistretti worked at his father’s firm and later expanded into industrial and furniture design, particularly seating and lighting. He has worked with Artemide, Cassina, De Padova and Kartell International, among others. Magistretti was awarded the ”Compasso d’Oro” for the Artemide Eclisse lamp in 1967, the Cassina Maralunga sofa and the Oluce...
Steel
Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Maralunga Loveseat by Vico Magistretti. Original velvet fabric. Labeled.
Velvet
Sold
H 39.38 in W 65.36 in D 37.41 in
Maralunga two-seater by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1970s.
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Maralunga two-seater by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1970s. This loveseat features the original velvet upholstery and still remains in a very well presented condition. This so...
Velvet
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Leather Loveseat for Cassina, 1980s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Miami, FL
Maralunga two-seat sofa with the defining adjustable head rests designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Original yellowish tan leather. The Maralunga was originally designed in the 1973 and this example was produced by Cassina circa 1980s. See other listings for full set or single lounge chair: Lounge chair LU5392229949712 Lounge chair and Loveseat LU5392229949802 Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) was born in Italy into a family of architects. Magistretti worked at his father’s firm and later expanded into industrial and furniture design, particularly seating and lighting. He has worked with Artemide, Cassina, De Padova and Kartell International, among others. Magistretti was awarded the ”Compasso d’Oro” for the Artemide Eclisse lamp in 1967, the Cassina Maralunga sofa and the Oluce Atollo...
Steel
Maralunga Vintage Leather Armchairs by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning pair of vintage Maralunga armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for the fine Italian manufacturer Cassina in the 1970s. There are two vintage armchairs, with one seat each...
Leather
Sold
H 27.56 in W 66.93 in D 31.5 in
Avant Garde "Maralunga" Two-Seater Designed by Vico Magistretti, Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two seat sofa “Maralunga”designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy. Chocolate brown leather in excellent condition. This avant-garde mechanism, patented by Cassina, makes the b...
Leather
Sold
H 27.56 in W 94.89 in D 31.5 in
Avant Garde "Maralunga" Sofa, Vico Magistretti Designed by Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Antwerp, BE
“Maralunga” sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy. The back cushions can be raised or lowered for desired back or neck support. Chocolate brown leather in excellent co...
Leather
Leather Cassina Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Like a floating leather blanket. The high back Sinbad sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Photographed with Florence Knoll table, Eames chairs and C. Jer...
Leather, Wood
Cassina Maralunga Corduroy Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cassina Maralunga striped velour loveseat by Vico Magistretti. Award winning innovation and comfort focused design with an ingenious design allowing ...
Upholstery
Maralunga Sofa Midcentury by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
The structure of the Cassina Maralunga sofa is in steel, the padding and cushions are in polyurethane foam and polyester wadding. The individual elements are covered manually and then, with the help of an air machine...
Leather