This Raymond Loewy designed Coquelle was originally introduced by Le Creuset in 1958. The iconic piece was given a limited edition run once again in 2014.
Gorgeous Mid Century Modern Design By The Era's Foremost Industrial Designer
It was love at first sight when I first saw this stunning Dutch oven in a store window in 2014. I had never seen the original piece which was long out of production, and I knew I had to have one. Or two. But hey, who's counting?
Le Creuset commissioned Raymond Loewy to design this cast iron cookware in 1958. Available in a rainbow of mid century colors, it became a popular household item, particularly in France where Le Creuset originated. Their cast iron cookware is still made there today.
Who Was Raymond Loewy?
Loewy himself was born in Paris, and relocated to the United States in 1919 at the age of 26. If you are not familiar with his work, he is responsible many iconic mid century designs. Among the most notable are:
- Studebaker Avanti automobile
- Greyhound bus mid century re-design
- Lucky Strike cigarette packaging
- Shell Oil logo
- United States Postal Service eagle logo
- Exxon Mobile logo
- Air Force One's blue, white and chrome exterior
Loewy Coquelles - New & Old
The 2014 coquelle was reissued in two colors, flame and turquoise, both of which are long sold out. Its large 5.5 quart size is perfect for cooking soups, stews, or roasts, and it goes from stovetop to oven with ease. The enamel interior makes cleanup quick & easy.
I cook with my orange coquelle; the turquoise one has never been used. I have it as a display piece in my kitchen. It never fails to be a conversation starter when we have visitors!
Coquelle enamel interior Underside of coquelle lid
The original 1958 coquelles can be found online, although I don't own one. It's hard to find them in excellent condition, and when you do they are extremely pricey. If you can find a reasonable deal on either an original or reissue, I highly recommend purchasing it both for its beauty and practicality. It's a mid century design you will enjoy seeing on your countertop over and over again!
Aubrey Adams says
Hey would you be able to point me in the right direction or have any more information on the original Rare LE CREUSET Turquoise Paris Blue Raymond Loewy Coquelle 3 piece with fry basket. I've searched high and low for pictures and info online and can only find pieces of this set but not the complete set. I actually happened upon this set in the FAR back of one of the lazy suzen cupboards when we bought a 100 year old farmhouse to renovate as an office about 10 years ago. As soon as I saw this Le Creuset my heart nearly stopped. It was lost and forgotten back in the dark far reaches of the cupboard only my MIL could reach with her long arms. A treasure to behold!!! The enamel on the inside is burned pretty badly in the deep dish, but I still use the set because it is so beautiful and I know it holds so many untold stories as it's served and loved a family through many meals. I have photo's but it doesn't look like I can share them at this time. I'd love to see if I might be able to have the interior enamel referbished. We now live in a house that's 160 years old and that was a Home and Farm for Abandoned, Destitute and Orphaned boys in it's early years. This house is still giving up her secrets, but I've not found anything as amazing as this set yet. Any information you might have would be very much appreciated.
Jason says
Please come back and post pictures on imgur or somewhere so I can gaze!