Design is One: Massimo and Lella Vignelli (2012)

By Dan Clendenin

           This 79-minute documentary examines the work of the husband-wife Italian designers Lella and Massimo Vignelli , who collaborated for over 50 years in almost every medium imaginable. Their legacy of clients and projects makes for a long list of household names and objects, including corporate brand logos for American Airlines and Ford, public signage like their famous NYC subway and National Parks maps, art, clothing, housewares, jewelry, and architecture. The Vignelli's signature style was simple, classic, traditional and minimalist. They brought the now ubiquitous Helvetica font to the United States. On screen the Vignellis appear winsome, modest, and grateful people with a knowing sense of humor. Massimo's favorite project, he says, is their interior design of St. Peter's Church in Manhattan: "It makes me so happy to know I will be here forever. It's a great feeling!" I watched this film on Netflix Streaming.