Former BMW designer Chris Bangle to open own studio?
For those who have been wondering when and where lightning-rod designer Chris Bangle will surface again, Automotive News has some scuttlebutt for you. According to the industry publication, the controversial BMW stylist has some plans of his own – for a new design studio.
While Bangle has not yet gone on record as saying anything, BMW's development head, Klaus Draeger has reportedly spilled the flame-surfaced beans, saying: "He's going to make his own dream come true. He's going to open his own design studio."
It isn't yet clear whether Bangle's next project will have an automotive focus or take his talents to other disciplines, but early reports (and a likely non-compete clause in his Bavarian contract) would probably indicate that he will move on to other things. If Bangle does make room for automotive consulting at some point, his design influence could well spread beyond BMW.
[Automotive News - subs req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
RGS 1:43PM (2/13/2009)
"If Bangle does make room for automotive consulting at some point, his design influence could well spread beyond BMW."
As has already been pointed out here and many other places, his design influence already has spread beyond BMW.
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Jared 3:54PM (2/13/2009)
Unfortunately true.
Mazda FTW! 1:44PM (2/13/2009)
"USS Kitty Hawk this is recon team Alpha. Request air-strike on target BAngle Studio, over"
"Alpha team this is Kitty Hawk, we copy. In-bound, strike team. Transmit co-ordinates and clear the area ASAP"
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Kaveh 2:03PM (2/13/2009)
well, it would be really easy to spot his new work
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RIck C. 2:02PM (2/13/2009)
NO!!!! The evil must not be allowed to spread.
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Joe K. 2:08PM (2/13/2009)
Hurray! Bangle-butts for all!
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Farris 2:12PM (2/13/2009)
"It isn't yet clear whether Bangle's next project will have an automotive focus or take his talents to other disciplines, but early reports (and a likely non-compete clause in his Bavarian contract) would probably indicate that he will move on to other things."
Bangle-ized airplanes?
Bangle-ized buildings?
Bangle-ized boats?
Actually, I could see myself buying a Bangle-ized computer.
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kz1000ps 10:36PM (2/13/2009)
Bangle-ized buildings already exist in the form of Frank Gehry's work.. Frank is a big influence on Bangle.
jim 2:23PM (2/13/2009)
Horror of horrors, Bangleized bikinis
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means98 2:25PM (2/13/2009)
I think that the bangle treatment could actually work pretty well on electronics or appliances.....just definitely no more cars
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TORONTO 2:29PM (2/13/2009)
Now that's a cool name.... Axel... Axel Ganz
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Big Rocket 3:08PM (2/13/2009)
I have always been heavily critical of the flame-surfacing fad at BMW, which was largely the doing of Chris Bangle and his proteges. His supporters argued BMW vehicles sold better than ever under Bangle's guidance, to which I countered they would have sold even better if not for Bangle's interference. If Chris Bangle ends up with his own design studio, we can settle this once and for all: Let the man succeed on his own merits, or fail due to lack thereof.
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MajorGeek 3:09PM (2/13/2009)
As a thought, how could it be cars? You could not even expect the auto industry to be in such termoil, nonetheless leave your job during it. Be curious to see what he does, one thought I had was designing aftermarket accessories so his styles could be on countless cars or opposite direction of painting. Oh well, hes doing the press hype well.
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tom 5:01PM (2/13/2009)
Why do all Germans wear their sweaters around their shoulders like that?
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Big Rocket 5:29PM (2/13/2009)
@tom: Chris Bangle, the guy wearing his sweater around his shoulders, is American.
John P. 3:22PM (2/13/2009)
I think this is really cool. I wouldn't mind working for the guy.
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indimini 3:49PM (2/13/2009)
Can't wait for the flame-surfaced iPhone
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lorincdm 5:16PM (2/13/2009)
NBL, Apple prefers to do all their design in-house. Besides, Jobs is a Merc man.
Nobody Special 4:28PM (2/13/2009)
"His design influence may spread elsewhere,,,,,,,,". What? Like the Plague? Lord help us.
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Fast Eddie 7:10PM (2/13/2009)
Say what you will about Bangle, but BMW hired him to do a job; move BMW's styling in a new direction. At first I did not particularly care for his designs, but they were different. Now BMWs look pretty sweet and Bangle's touch is still visible. I say give the guy a break.
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