The Untold Story: 5 Ways Jackie Kennedy And Raymond Loewy Created The Most Iconic Design In American History

In the world of design, few collaborations possess the enduring, timeless elegance of the partnership between First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and the legendary industrial designer, Raymond Loewy. Their joint effort, initiated in the early 1960s, didn't focus on the White House or fashion, but on a much more visible and symbolic piece of American iconography: the exterior and interior of the presidential jet, Air Force One. The design they ultimately unveiled in 1962 remains the signature look of the President’s aircraft to this day, a testament to their shared vision of modern, dignified American style. As of December 16, 2025, the story of this collaboration continues to be a fascinating study in how personal taste and political vision can merge to create a lasting legacy. It reveals how Jackie Kennedy, known for her meticulous attention to detail and appreciation for history, was instrumental in moving the presidential plane's aesthetic from a dated, garish orange and red scheme to the now-iconic, sophisticated blue and white livery. This decision not only defined a presidential symbol but also cemented Loewy’s place as the 'Father of Industrial Design' with his most prominent public work.

The Architects of Modern Symbolism: Raymond Loewy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

The unique synergy between Loewy and Kennedy was rooted in their mutual appreciation for clean lines, modernism, and a deep respect for historical context. Their backgrounds, though distinct, paved the way for a design partnership that transcended mere aesthetics to become a powerful symbol of the Kennedy administration's "Camelot" era.

Raymond Loewy: A Biographical Profile

• Born: November 5, 1893, in Paris, France.
• Died: July 14, 1986, in Monaco.
• Nationality: French-born American.
• Career Highlight: Widely considered the "Father of Industrial Design."
• Key Designs: Shell, Exxon, and TWA logos, the Greyhound Scenicruiser bus, the Coca-Cola vending machine and bottle redesign, Studebaker cars (Avanti, Champion), and the Pennsylvania Railroad's S1 locomotive.
• Firm: Formed Raymond Loewy Associates in 1945, which became the largest industrial design firm in the world.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Biographical Profile

• Born: July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, U.S.
• Died: May 19, 1994, in New York City.
• Role: First Lady of the United States (1961–1963).
• Education: Attended Vassar College and graduated from George Washington University.
• Key Initiatives: Led the historic restoration of the White House and established the White House Historical Association.
• Later Career: Worked as a book editor at Viking Press and Doubleday after her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis.

5 Key Details of the Air Force One Livery Revolution

The project to redesign the presidential aircraft, a Boeing 707 designated VC-137C SAM 26000, was not merely a cosmetic update. It was a conscious effort by the Kennedys to project a modern, powerful, and distinctly American image to the world. The previous design was deemed too commercial and outdated.

1. Jackie Kennedy’s Pivotal Role as Design Curator

It was First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy who suggested that President John F. Kennedy enlist the expertise of Raymond Loewy. She recognized that the presidential plane, which would carry the leader of the free world, needed a "timeless" design that was both elegant and understated, moving away from the "less than elegant" flight-line scheme that was in use. Her involvement was crucial, transforming the initiative from a technical update into a major design statement.

2. The Rejection of Orange and Gold

Before Loewy's involvement, the presidential aircraft featured a rather garish, dated livery that included orange and gold lettering and accents. This scheme lacked the dignity and gravitas the Kennedys felt was necessary for a globally recognized symbol of the United States. Loewy's brief, heavily influenced by Jackie Kennedy’s aesthetic, was to create something that would not look dated within a decade.

3. The Inspiration: A Presidential Book and the Federal Style

Loewy's final, approved design was a masterful blend of modernism and historical American reference. The iconic two-tone blue—a deep, presidential blue and a lighter, cyan shade—was chosen to evoke a sense of authority and calm. Crucially, Loewy decided to use the typeface Caslon for the aircraft’s lettering, specifically the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." He drew inspiration for this typeface from the heading of a presidential document, a copy of the Declaration of Independence, found in the National Archives. This subtle nod to the Federal Style instantly imbued the design with historical resonance.

4. The Signature Elements: Presidential Seal and Natural Metal

Two other elements solidified the design’s success: the placement of the Presidential Seal near the forward door and the decision to leave the underside of the fuselage in polished aluminum. This exposed metal, a modernist touch, provided a shimmering contrast to the deep blue and white, reflecting light and giving the plane a sleek, high-speed appearance. The combination of historical type, clean color blocks, and natural metal created a look that was both distinctly American and universally modern.

5. A Design That Endures for Over Six Decades

The blue and white Air Force One livery, which debuted in 1962, has become one of the most recognizable and enduring examples of industrial design in American history. It successfully achieved the goal of timelessness. Every subsequent presidential aircraft, including the current VC-25 (a modified Boeing 747), has maintained the core elements of Loewy’s original scheme. The only major potential change in over 60 years was a proposed, but ultimately rejected, redesign by a later administration, which would have reverted to a more commercial, less elegant look. The public and design community's strong defense of the Loewy/Kennedy design underscored its status as a sacred piece of American iconography.

The Broader Impact on American Modernism

The partnership between Raymond Loewy and Jackie Kennedy, though focused on a single aircraft, had a ripple effect on the perception of American design during the 1960s. It demonstrated the power of good design to communicate national identity. Loewy, the French-American industrial design titan who had previously streamlined everything from refrigerators to space stations (he consulted for NASA), brought his "Most Advanced Yet Acceptable" (MAYA) philosophy to the highest level of government. The Air Force One livery was the perfect embodiment of MAYA—it was modern enough to be forward-looking but familiar enough to be immediately accepted and revered by the American public. Jackie Kennedy's involvement, much like her White House restoration project, showcased her ability to elevate public taste and apply a sophisticated, historically informed aesthetic to government symbols. She understood that the design of the aircraft was an extension of the President's diplomatic presence on the world stage. By insisting on a collaboration with a world-class designer like Loewy, she ensured that the lasting image of the Kennedy administration would be one of grace, intelligence, and enduring style. The enduring legacy of the blue and white jet, often seen flying against a brilliant blue sky, is a direct result of their shared commitment to design excellence.