Vico Magistretti was born and grew up in Milan, graduated in architecture in 1945, and launched his professional career. Working chiefly in the fields of architecture, town planning and industrial design, the first recognition of his work came in 1948, when he won the Gran Premio at the 8th Triennale. After that came almost 40 years of activity with other prizes and awards in recognition of Magistretti's work in various sectors in different countries. Furniture, lamps and other objects that he designed may be found all over the world and the most important design museums have given exhibitions in his honour and kept examples of his work in their permanent collections. He started designing for Cassina in 1960, and from that date his signature is to be found on many products. The Maralunga sofa of 1973 and the Nuvola Rossa bookcase designed in 1977, remain international best-sellers and have provoked hordes of imitations never able to echo the success of his originals.