Vico Magistretti was born in Milan, Italy, on October 6, 1920, into a family of architects. He studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating in 1945 after spending part of World War II in Switzerland where he encountered influential architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Returning to Milan after the war, he began his career in his father’s architectural studio before establishing his own practice and contributing to the rebuilding and cultural renewal of postwar Italy.
Magistretti became one of the most respected figures in Italian modern design, creating furniture and lighting that combined simplicity, clarity, and innovation. He collaborated with major manufacturers including Cassina, Artemide, Oluce, and Kartell, producing iconic pieces such as the Eclisse lamp, the Atollo lamp, and the Maralunga sofa. Over his career he received numerous honors including two Compasso d’Oro awards and taught for many years at the Royal College of Art in London. His work is represented in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
