Bangle to Open Own Design Studio

All automotive fans know by now that BMW lost its chief designer at the beginning of the month. For some, the news came as a relief, for others as a low blow. But both sides must have wondered what is to become of the man that stirred all that controversy over the years. The answer is as simple as it was predictable: Bangle will most likely open his own design studio.

The rumor does not come from Bangle directly, but was relayed by Klaus Draeger, BMW's development chief: "He's going to make his own dream come true. He's going to open his own design studio," Draeger was quoted as saying by Autonews. As predicted, no comment was made by Bangle himself. He only said he would remain for some time in Germany and that he couldn't talk about his plans yet.

When the story of Bangle's departure first broke, BMW's officials said the designer left the automotive industry all together “to pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry.” Today's news comes as a confirmation of that statement, but it does not make it any clearer.

But we all know where this is going. As the saying goes, “once a thief, always a thief.” Designing is what Bangle does best. And designing cars is what he does even better. It is for this reason we doubt Bangle's future design career will part ways with the automotive industry.

In one form or another, his detractors will still have cause for discontent. Who knows, maybe in the near future, we will see Bangle's designs wearing Ford, Kia or Porsche badges. Because we all know it is far more profitable to sell each design separately, than to get a salary for a month's worth of great ideas.