Heller by Massimo Vignelli 46-Piece Dinnerware Set — Mid-Century Modern

A vibrant and iconic 46-piece dinnerware set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Heller, circa 1970s. This set represents a hallmark of mid-century modern design — minimalist, functional, and joyfully colorful. Molded from durable melamine, each piece bears the embossed marks “Heller” and “Design by Massimo Vignelli.”

Included are:
• (13) 10-inch dinner plates
• (14) 7½-inch salad plates
• (3) 13-inch serving platters
• (8) bowls (2” H × 5” diameter)
• (8) mugs (4” H)
Total: 46 pieces

Design Legacy & Significance

• Originally created in 1964 in Italy, this stackable dinnerware earned the Compasso d’Oro, one of design’s highest honors.
• The Vignellis’ belief that “design is one” — that the same principles apply across graphics, furniture, and tableware — is beautifully realized in this collection.
• The ingenious stacking system allows plates, bowls, and mugs to nest securely, conserving space while creating a sculptural display.
• Featured in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) collection, this set exemplifies the Vignellis’ modernist ideals of clarity, color, and purpose.
• The vivid palette — red, yellow, green, and ivory — reflects the optimism and functional aesthetics of 1970s design.
• Still in production today, these early examples remain highly collectible and beloved among mid-century enthusiasts.

Condition

Good overall with visible signs of use. A few pieces show discoloration and surface wear, consistent with age and everyday use. One plate is chipped, and a few have areas of fading or staining. Despite cosmetic wear, the set remains structurally sound, complete, and display-worthy, with bold color and sheen throughout.

Dimensions

• Dinner Plates: 10" diameter
• Salad Plates: 7½" diameter
• Platters: 13" diameter
• Bowls: 2" H × 5" diameter
• Mugs: 4" H
• Total: 46-piece lot

All pieces are marked Heller or Design by Massimo Vignelli.
A celebrated icon of 20th-century design — ideal for collectors, design historians, or those seeking a statement set for modern living.