Vico Magistretti, born in Milan in 1920, remains one of the defining figures of Italian design. Renowned for his minimalist yet poetic approach, Magistretti excelled in architecture, lighting, and furniture design, crafting timeless works for brands such as Artemide, Cassina, and Oluce. His Atollo lamp, designed in 1977, epitomises his philosophy of blending geometric simplicity with functionality and has earned a place in museum collections worldwide, including MoMA and the Pompidou Centre. Magistretti’s work transcended trends, becoming a cornerstone of 20th-century design.
In addition to his prolific design career, Magistretti influenced future generations as a professor at the Royal College of Art in London. His commitment to innovation and craftsmanship ensured that his designs were not only aesthetically striking but also enduringly practical, shaping the global perception of Italian design.
"To be truly contemporary, one must always have a hand in the past and a hand in the future." - Vico Magistretti