Raymond Loewy

Raymond Loewy (1893-1986) was a prolific French-born American industrial designer, earning acclaim for his wide-ranging design work spanning numerous industries. He is often dubbed as the "Father of Industrial Design." After moving to the United States in 1919, Loewy's design career soared as he started working on notable projects, including the redesign of the Pennsylvania Railroad's GG1 locomotive, the creation of the iconic Coca-Cola contour bottle, and the Shell, Exxon, and the former BP logos.

Designed by Raymond Loewy, the 1962 Studebaker Avanti seems to have been the first off-set production car. The Avanti featured an asymmetrical hump on the hood and cowl, almost like an off-set racing stripe. Marketed as "America's Only 4 Passenger High-Performance Personal Car," less than 6000 cars were manufactured between June 1962 and December 1963. Photo courtesy of Studebaker Corporation.

Streamliner: Raymond Loewy and Image-making in the Age of American Industrial Design by John Wall - The true story of Raymond Loewy, whose designs are still celebrated for their unerring ability to advance American consumer taste. Click here to check price and availability on Amazon.com.

Studebaker: The Complete History by Patrick Foster - The Studebaker history is a short one, and a sad one at that, but inside Studebaker, you'll find a meticulously crafted history of the early automobile. Click here to check price and availability on Amazon.com.

Raymond Loewy (1893-1986) was a prolific French-born American industrial designer, earning acclaim for his wide-ranging design work spanning numerous industries. He is often dubbed as the "Father of Industrial Design." After moving to the United States in 1919, Loewy's design career soared as he started working on notable projects, including the redesign of the Pennsylvania Railroad's GG1 locomotive, the creation of the iconic Coca-Cola contour bottle, and the Shell, Exxon, and the former BP logos.

Loewy's influence extended to automotive design as well, where he led teams that conceptualized designs for Studebaker vehicles, among others. His design philosophy of "simplicity through design" resonated through his works, making him a lasting figure in the realm of industrial design. Through his consultancy, Raymond Loewy Associates, he continued to make significant design contributions to various sectors including aerospace, consumer goods, and interior design until his retirement.