Born in Milan, Vico Magistretti studied architecture at the Polytechnic of Milan, graduating in 1945. From 1946, he has worked independently for among others, Cassina, O-Luce, Artemide, Knoll International and Olivetti. He was a commission member for the 1960 and 1964 Milan Triennales and also for the 1959 and 1960 Compasso d'Oro awards. Since 1980, he has been a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art, London. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including two Grand Prix and a Gold Medal at the 1948 and 1954 Milan Triennales and the Compasso d'Oro in 1967 and 1969.