In the universe of luxury brands, logos assume a role beyond mere insignia; they are revered emblems, symbolizing not just a product but its history and DNA.
A logo encapsulates aspirations and success, captivating both consumers and non-consumers. It transcends beyond visual identity to recount a tale of the brand’s illustrious legacy. Most luxury brand logos border on simplicity and minimalism, exuding an air of sophistication. Did you know most logos comprise either serif or sans serif fonts due to their easy readability?
Let’s dive into the interesting story behind the logo of some of the oldest fashion labels.
Hermès
To understand the logo of the oldest luxury Maison, we need to know its history. The label was founded by Thierry Hermès in 1837, who sold harnesses to noble families. Thierry’s son, Charles, took over in 1880. He added saddlery into the business and started manufacturing bags under the brand name. The logo of Hermès was introduced in the 1950s. It is a homage to Hermès’s rich equestrian roots and draws inspiration from Alfred de Dreux’s painting Le Duc attelé.
The original Logo had an exquisite coach, a horse buckled into the harness, and an elegant gentleman standing next to it. It also featured the brand’s name and city of origin beneath it. The Hermes Paris logo has changed little as time centuries went by. Today the logo shows a duke standing by his carriage, representing Hermès equestrian history.
Louis Vuitton
With 75 Maison, 6 Business Sectors across 81 countries and 5600 stores globally, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy is one of the largest luxury conglomerates that started with the brand Louis Vuitton in 1854. It was an initiative by a Frenchman with the same name. Vuitton designed a type of luggage that became a game changer for the world. At the time, most of the luggage on the market were rounded-top trunks. Vuitton introduced a flat-top trunk that would be easier to stack and store during travel. After Vuitton died in 1892, the company's ownership was handed down to his son, Georges Vuitton.
George wanted to create a logo for the company to be used on a new canvas he had designed and patented to set Louis Vuitton luggage apart from other companies trying to copy their style. He crafted a distinctive logo, a masterpiece of hand-drawn artistry. The letter V gracefully intertwines with the L, creating a harmonious overlap. This design, an ode to Roman fonts, carries an air of timeless elegance and sophistication. Even after more than a century, only a few changes have been made to the design.
Since 1892, the Louis Vuitton logo has remained unchanged, with the sole modification being the removal of the brand’s name from beneath the iconic monogram. In 1997, designer Marc Jacobs initiated the use of the LV monogram independently, a shift that has since defined Louis Vuitton’s marketing endeavours.
Chanel
Who can fail to recognize the logo of the House of Chanel? It is undeniably one of the most recognized logos in the world. The interlocking Cs have defined prestige, luxury and class for decades.
However, contrary to popular belief that the 2 Cs stand for the initials of the brand’s founder Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, its history lies in a monastery in France. According to fashion historians, Chanel designed the interlacing Cs in 1925 as a homage to a monastery in Aubazine, France, where she spent most of her childhood. The French designer was said to have been inspired by the geometric patterns of stained-glass windows in the chapel at the monastery. Even her colour palette often seemed heavily influenced by the black-and-white habits of the nuns she grew up around.
A window in the chapel at the monastery in Aubazine. Image- Pinterest
Some also believe that it is the fusion of Chanel’s initials with those of her lover and business partner, Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel.
Interestingly, the original logo designed by Coco Chanel has stood the test of time without being altered. It stands as a testament to the perfection and timeless appeal of Chanel’s design aesthetic and image.
Versace
Versace was founded by Italian designer Gianni Versace in 1978. In his formative years in Rome, Gianni Versace drew significant inspiration from the prevalent Greek artwork in the region. Specifically, the Versace logo is said to have been inspired by the patterns on the ruins’ floors where Gianni and his siblings played. Gianni, attributing the choice of Medusa (the human female in Greek mythology who is described as having venomous snakes in place of hair; those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone) to her captivating allure and the irreversible love she induced, envisioned a similar effect on consumers of Versace products. The logo symbolized a spellbinding and enduring connection with those who chose to embrace the brand.
Image- www.blog.logomyway.com
Image-1000 Logos
The original logo of Versace, introduced in 1980, bore only Gianni Versace’s name. The iconic Medusa head logo, now synonymous with the brand, was unveiled in 1993, marking a significant evolution in the visual identity of Versace. Since then, the logo has undergone minimal changes, with subtle adjustments to lettering and borders while preserving the timeless image of Medusa’s face.
Prada
In 1919, Prada came up with its first logo, marking a significant moment when the brand secured the prestigious position of official clothing supplier to the Italian monarchs. This honour granted Prada the privilege of incorporating elements from the House of Savoy’s heraldry into its logo, specifically featuring a rope and a coat of arms. These regal symbols, combined with Prada’s distinctive wordmark, became the emblem of the brand.
The association with royalty not only bestowed a sense of prestige upon Prada but also served as a strategic move to navigate the competitive landscape of the fashion industry. No other fashion house enjoyed such a distinguished honour, and the inclusion of royal symbols in Prada’s logo proved instrumental in garnering recognition.
As time unfolded, Prada made a deliberate choice to evolve its brand identity, gradually departing from the monarchical symbols that once adorned its logo. The rope, coat of arms, and even the elliptical frame eventually disappeared, leaving behind only the iconic name ‘Prada.’ Despite shedding these historic elements, the brand retained its hard-earned reputation and popularity, standing as a testament to Prada’s enduring legacy in fashion.
Image- www.blog.logomyway.com
The history behind the logos of some of the oldest fashion labels reveals fascinating journeys intertwined with creativity, heritage, and innovation. From equestrian homages to timeless monograms and mythical inspirations, each logo represents a unique fusion of artistry and narrative.
As these luxury brands continue to evolve, their logos stand as enduring symbols of perfection and timeless appeal. In the ever-changing landscape of fashion, these emblems remain integral, reflecting the brands’ commitment to elegance, sophistication, and a legacy that transcends time.
Comments