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Interesting Stories Behind Popular Luxury Logos
Nov 4, 2020
Today, luxury brands are worn like tribal flags signifying the wearer’s values, aspirations and of course, personal style. But these logos tell as much about the history and evolution of the brand as do the clothes themselves.
Keep reading for some interesting stories behind the most popular luxury logos.
Ever wondered why Hermès's luxury logo has a royal carriage and horse as part of its logo? Well, that’s because Hermès did NOT start off as a luxury fashion house, but as a horse harness and bridles workshop in Paris. Hence, the horse and carriage in the logo.
It is said that Hermès was inspired by a French painter, Alfred de Dreux (1810-1860) and his painting “Le Duc Attele, groom a L’Attente” ('Hitched Carriage, Waiting Groom').
However, the signature 'Hermès Orange' hue was only introduced after World War II. Due to supply shortages, Hermès had to change their original packaging (cream boxes with brown edging) for orange ones.
The original Louis Vuitton print was known as Damier (literally translating to ‘checkerboard’ in French). However, the brand soon struggled with imitators copying their designs (yup, even back then!). So, Louis Vuitton’s son, George Vuitton decided to design the ‘Japanese-inspired flower motif’ along with the instantly recognisable ‘LV’, now known as the Louis Vuitton Monogram print. This branding contains more detail and is, therefore, harder to imitate (especially considering the era’s lack of technology).
Many think that the double F luxury logo comes from the name of the brand. However, it actually stands for ‘fun fur’! Karl Lagerfeld coined the term when he joined Fendi in the 1960s to refer to the innovative usage of fur for the brand. Additionally, it took the iconic designer less than 5 seconds to sketch the logo design together!
Later, Fendi adopted the luxury logo design permanently.
Gianni Versace was born in a town in Southern Italy that had been influenced by Greek culture and tradition after Greek colonization centuries earlier. So, it comes as no surprise that Versace chose the head of Medusa for the luxury logo.
Although, Medusa is a beautiful Gorgon who was turned into a monster by Athena. She goes from alluring woman to snake-haired monster who turns men to stone with a glance. However, Versace was inspired by the pre-monster Medusa symbolising power, strength and beauty.
In fact, when Donatella Versace was asked about her brother’s inspiration behind the logo, she said: “When I asked Gianni why he chose Medusa’s head, he told me he thought that whoever falls in love with Medusa can’t flee from her.”
This luxury logo was designed by Coco Chanel herself in 1925 and remains unchanged to this day. So, you’d think the ‘CC’ logo stands for Coco Chanel, right? Well, some claim that the design comes from an insignia on the Château de Crémat, a vineyard villa in the South of France where Chanel stayed while doing research in the nearby perfume capital of Grasse.
While others say it is derived from the quasi-Celtic interlocking stained glass window design at the Aubazine Chapel, an orphanage where the designer spent part of her youth. Still, others insist that it’s the combination of Chanel’s initials with that of her lover and business partner, Arthur 'Boy' Capel. Boy Capel is also the muse of the famous Chanel 'boy bag'.
However, it's clear that the Chanel CC logo is iconic, nonetheless.
Rolex’s original luxury logo contained a five-pointed crown in gold with green text. The logo embodies the Rolex slogan, 'A Crown for Every Achievement' and the chosen colours were meant to symbolize the brand’s excellence in watchmaking (gold) and prosperity (green).
In fact, even the Rolex name has some story behind it. It is believed that it was borrowed from the French phrase “houloguorie exquise” meaning, 'exquisite watchmaking.' However, others believe is that Rolex is derived from the sound of a winding watch.
Not sure where to buy luxury watches? See our list on where to find Rolex in South Africa.
Although Lanvin was founded in 1887, it wasn’t until her daughter was born 8 years later that the company began to kick off. In fact, her daughter Marie-Blanche de Polignac influenced many collections of the line. Hence, it was only natural for Jeanne Lanvin to create a company logo inspired by her muse. The logo is actually based off a real photograph of Lanvin and her daughter wearing matching outfits at a costume ball in 1907. However, it wasn’t until 1923 developed by illustrator Paul Iribe.
Check out the beautiful usage of logos on authentic designer accessories at Luxity. We're proud to be the largest and most trusted source of luxury accessories in all of Africa!
The Hermès Horse & Carriage
Ever wondered why Hermès's luxury logo has a royal carriage and horse as part of its logo? Well, that’s because Hermès did NOT start off as a luxury fashion house, but as a horse harness and bridles workshop in Paris. Hence, the horse and carriage in the logo.
It is said that Hermès was inspired by a French painter, Alfred de Dreux (1810-1860) and his painting “Le Duc Attele, groom a L’Attente” ('Hitched Carriage, Waiting Groom').
However, the signature 'Hermès Orange' hue was only introduced after World War II. Due to supply shortages, Hermès had to change their original packaging (cream boxes with brown edging) for orange ones.
Louis Vuitton’s Monogram
The original Louis Vuitton print was known as Damier (literally translating to ‘checkerboard’ in French). However, the brand soon struggled with imitators copying their designs (yup, even back then!). So, Louis Vuitton’s son, George Vuitton decided to design the ‘Japanese-inspired flower motif’ along with the instantly recognisable ‘LV’, now known as the Louis Vuitton Monogram print. This branding contains more detail and is, therefore, harder to imitate (especially considering the era’s lack of technology).
Fendi’s FF Luxury Logo
Many think that the double F luxury logo comes from the name of the brand. However, it actually stands for ‘fun fur’! Karl Lagerfeld coined the term when he joined Fendi in the 1960s to refer to the innovative usage of fur for the brand. Additionally, it took the iconic designer less than 5 seconds to sketch the logo design together!
Later, Fendi adopted the luxury logo design permanently.
Versace’s Medusa
Gianni Versace was born in a town in Southern Italy that had been influenced by Greek culture and tradition after Greek colonization centuries earlier. So, it comes as no surprise that Versace chose the head of Medusa for the luxury logo.
Although, Medusa is a beautiful Gorgon who was turned into a monster by Athena. She goes from alluring woman to snake-haired monster who turns men to stone with a glance. However, Versace was inspired by the pre-monster Medusa symbolising power, strength and beauty.
In fact, when Donatella Versace was asked about her brother’s inspiration behind the logo, she said: “When I asked Gianni why he chose Medusa’s head, he told me he thought that whoever falls in love with Medusa can’t flee from her.”
Chanel’s Interlocking Cs
This luxury logo was designed by Coco Chanel herself in 1925 and remains unchanged to this day. So, you’d think the ‘CC’ logo stands for Coco Chanel, right? Well, some claim that the design comes from an insignia on the Château de Crémat, a vineyard villa in the South of France where Chanel stayed while doing research in the nearby perfume capital of Grasse.
While others say it is derived from the quasi-Celtic interlocking stained glass window design at the Aubazine Chapel, an orphanage where the designer spent part of her youth. Still, others insist that it’s the combination of Chanel’s initials with that of her lover and business partner, Arthur 'Boy' Capel. Boy Capel is also the muse of the famous Chanel 'boy bag'.
However, it's clear that the Chanel CC logo is iconic, nonetheless.
Rolex’s Crown
Rolex’s original luxury logo contained a five-pointed crown in gold with green text. The logo embodies the Rolex slogan, 'A Crown for Every Achievement' and the chosen colours were meant to symbolize the brand’s excellence in watchmaking (gold) and prosperity (green).
In fact, even the Rolex name has some story behind it. It is believed that it was borrowed from the French phrase “houloguorie exquise” meaning, 'exquisite watchmaking.' However, others believe is that Rolex is derived from the sound of a winding watch.
Not sure where to buy luxury watches? See our list on where to find Rolex in South Africa.
Lanvin’s Luxury Logo
Although Lanvin was founded in 1887, it wasn’t until her daughter was born 8 years later that the company began to kick off. In fact, her daughter Marie-Blanche de Polignac influenced many collections of the line. Hence, it was only natural for Jeanne Lanvin to create a company logo inspired by her muse. The logo is actually based off a real photograph of Lanvin and her daughter wearing matching outfits at a costume ball in 1907. However, it wasn’t until 1923 developed by illustrator Paul Iribe.
Check out the beautiful usage of logos on authentic designer accessories at Luxity. We're proud to be the largest and most trusted source of luxury accessories in all of Africa!
