THE TRUTH BEHIND FASHION LOGOS — STITCH (2024)

A recent interview with Nike co-founder Phil Knight and CBS News unearthed the meaning behind the iconic Nike logo and it’s fascinating.

The “wing,” as it used to be called, was supposed to symbolize the sound of speed. Knight paid a college student just $35 to draw it and he thought it looked like a “big fat checkmark.”

This new discovery on the meaning behind one of the most famous fashion logo made me curious about other famous logos.

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I was researching the iconic Chanel logo when I remembered seeing something similar in Tours, a city in Central France famous for its chateaus in Central France. The interior of the beautiful Château de Chenonceau is decorated with an H, for Henri II overlaid with interlocking Cs (just like Chanel’s logo) for his queen, Catherine de Medici. This decoration was a clever bit of mischief as well because the H with the Cs also formed interlocking Ds, representing Henri II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers.

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It’s only a conspiracy theory but as a french woman, Coco Chanel would have most certainly visited the Chateau and seen these interlocking Cs. Maybe this is where her iconic logo comes from.

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A logo that we do know the meaning behind is that of Versace. Gianni Versace was inspired by greek mythology, born in a town in Southern Italy that had been influenced by Greek culture and tradition after Greek colonization centuries earlier. It’s no surprise that Versace chose the head of Medusa for his label’s logo.

Medusa in Greek mythology is a beautiful Gorgon who was turned into a hideous monster by Athena. She goes from alluring woman to snake-haired monster who turns men to stone with a glance. Versace was inspired by the pre-monster Medusa who symbolizes power, strength and beauty. This is clear in his logo that portrays her with flowing hair instead of snakes.

Donatella Versace said her brother’s reasoning for using Medusa’s head was “whoever falls in love with Medusa can’t flee from her.” Not a bad inspiration for a fashion label hoping to keep loyal wearers.

Her head is encircled by a ring of Greek keys. This is less symbolic, but represents the labyrinth from the story of Theseus and the Minotaur in Greek mythology. It was often used as a border on Greek temples and pottery.

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One last inspiration: Hermès. Ever wonder why the fashion label has a royal carriage and horse as part of its logo? It turns out that Hermès didn’t begin as a luxury design brand but as a small harness workshop in Paris. They originally manufactured luxury harnesses and bridles for horse-drawn carriages, much like the carriage in their logo. Hermes turned to leather goods when the brothers were given the exclusive right to use the zipper, bringing the feature to France for the first time.

The inspiration behind many famous logos, fashion or otherwise, remain a mystery. It’s up to hard-hitting journalists to ask fashion designers these pressing questions.

THE TRUTH BEHIND FASHION LOGOS — STITCH (2024)

FAQs

What is the hidden meaning behind Versace logo? ›

The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of ruins in the area of Reggio Calabria that the Versace siblings played in as children. Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and they had no way back.

Why does Versace use Greek key? ›

Maybe this is where her iconic logo comes from. A logo that we do know the meaning behind is that of Versace. Gianni Versace was inspired by greek mythology, born in a town in Southern Italy that had been influenced by Greek culture and tradition after Greek colonization centuries earlier.

Why do all fashion logos look the same? ›

Without additional details and features, sans serif fonts have far fewer options for differentiation. While you can vary things like the height, weight, and slant, sans serif fonts simply have fewer features to work with than their more intricate fellow fonts. This results in logos that look very similar.

Is Gianni Versace the same as Versace? ›

Gianni Versace S.r.l. (Italian pronunciation: [ˈdʒanni verˈsaːtʃe]), usually referred to as Versace (/vərˈsɑːtʃeɪ/ vər-SAH-chay), is an Italian luxury fashion company founded by Gianni Versace in 1978 known for flashy prints and bright colors.

What is the hidden meaning in the Adidas logo? ›

The trefoil logo was meant to showcase the diversity of the products while still incorporating the iconic three lines that the brand was quickly becoming known for. The three leaves represent the North America, Europe, and Asia- the three continents where Adidas shoes were sold.

What does Burberry logo mean? ›

Inspired by an original drawing from our archives, the Thomas Burberry Monogram ('TB') is used on its own and as a repetitive print. It celebrates the heritage of our fashion house in a return to the spirit of our founder, whose initials are referenced in the design.

What is a Versace pattern called? ›

A meander or meandros (Greek: Μαίανδρος) is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. Among some Italians, these patterns are known as "Greek Lines".

What God is Medusa? ›

Medusa was a priestess to the goddess Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom and battle. One requirement to be a priestess for Athena is that the young women should be a virgin and give their life to the goddess.

What does Medusa symbolize? ›

The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.

Why are logos becoming so simple? ›

In order to get a digital facelift and appear fresh and modern, experienced brands are smoothing out the details of their logos and brand graphics. Simplification of logos gives your company a rejuvenated update, while still preserving the established brand reputation.

Why do brands keep simplify their logos? ›

A simpler logo makes it more digestible for the consumer to process. This does not mean that the brand message and values are compromised, rather the redundant is stripped away and only the core elements are communicated. Ironically, this idea of keeping it simple has always been a tenet of brand design.

Can a brand have 2 different logos? ›

The short answer to the question is that multiple logos give off mixed messages and can dilute your marketing and branding efforts. However, in some cases, two different logos can be combined to make one brand-new logo.

Does Michael Kors own Versace? ›

As part of the deal between Michael Kors Holdings and the famed Italian luxury brand, the Versace family shall receive €150 million of the purchase price in shares of Capri Holdings Limited. Donatella Versace, sister of late Versace founder Gianni Versace, shall stay on as the brand's Chief Creative Officer.

Why did Versace choose Medusa as a logo? ›

The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of ruins in the area of Reggio Calabria that the Versace siblings played in as children. Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and they had no way back.

Who owns most of Versace? ›

Blackstone owns 20 percent of the company; while the Versace family remains at its heart, with Ms. Allegra Versace Beck, Ms. Donatella Versace and Mr. Santo Versace all playing important roles in the company.

Why does Adidas have 2 logos? ›

Why Does Adidas Have 2 Different Logos? Rather than permanently change their logo, Adidas has added additional logos. The trefoil logo is for Adidas Originals products and the mountain logo is used on tech or sports-focused products.

Where did Adidas get the 3 stripes from? ›

Even before Adidas purchased the trefoil logo from Karhu Sports, they added three bars to all of their products, and they referred to themselves as the “three stripe company.” These three stripes were meant to convey the diversity and international appeal of the company by symbolizing the three major landmasses where ...

What do the 3 stripes on Adidas mean? ›

The three stripes origin. The signature three stripes on Adidas shoes originated from the two stripes stitched on the sides of the Dassler brothers' cleats. The stripes secured the construction of a shoe while symbolizing the brothers' tandem.

What does the Gucci logo mean? ›

Gucci logo: What does the logo stand for? Simply put- the Gucci interlocked Gs represent the name of the founding father, Guccio Gucci. This is not an uncommon thing- since most fashion houses take their names from their founders.

What does the T mean in Burberry? ›

Based on our founder's initials, the TB Monogram symbolises our continued connection to Thomas Burberry. Born in 1835, Thomas founded Burberry at just 21 years old. Regarded as a visionary, he created gabardine – the iconic fabric of our Heritage Trench Coats.

Why do Burberry bags have TB? ›

The TB bag is defined by its distinctive Thomas Burberry monogram clasp – inspired by an original archive drawing of our founder's initials.

What is the Greek key pattern? ›

The Greek key pattern, also referred to as a “meander” or even Greek "fret", is a continuous line that folds back on itself replicating the Maeander River which is located in Turkey. The motif is found abundantly in architecture and decorative arts from the Greek Empire.

Which designer uses Greek key? ›

Clear, straight-line meanders (“Greek Key”) embody the male principle at Versace.

What is the Greek symbol for eternity? ›

For the people of Ancient Greece, Meander (or Meandros) was thought to symbolize eternity and the undulating flow of human life through reproduction. The unbroken, interlocking pattern turned it into a symbol of both unity and infinity, whereupon it became one of the most important symbols in Ancient Greece.

How did Medusa get pregnant? ›

Since Medusa was the only one of the three Gorgons who was mortal, Perseus was able to slay her while looking at the reflection from the mirrored shield he received from Athena. During that time, Medusa was pregnant by Poseidon.

What ethnicity was Medusa? ›

Most recognizable for her locks of snakes, Medusa was the daughter of ancient chthonic deities of the sea. She was born far across the ocean from Greece; Later contributing authors to Medusa's myth placed her homeland as Libya.

Did Zeus and Medusa have a child? ›

She was thought to have had neither consort nor offspring. She may not have been described as a virgin originally, but virginity was attributed to her very early and was the basis for the interpretation of her epithets Pallas and Parthenos.

Why do girls get Medusa? ›

Why are people getting Medusa tattoos? The Medusa tattoo has become popular among women who have experienced sexual assault. By reclaiming the Medusa identity, they are dispelling the belief that being victimized means they ought to be cursed or punished.

What would happen if a woman looked at Medusa? ›

Gazing into Medusa's eyes could turn a person into stone, so she was very dangerous to be around. People wanted her destroyed, and a man named Perseus promised to do just that. But first he had to figure out how to approach Medusa without looking at her for even a moment.

What do snakes symbolize? ›

Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.

Is it true that logos should be simple? ›

Simplicity makes a logo design easily recognizable, versatile and memorable. Good logos feature something unexpected or unique, without being "overdrawn." Following closely on this principle of simplicity is that of memorability.

Do logos attract customers? ›

As with anything you put out into the market, a logo most certainly has the ability to attract customers. Likewise, it also has the ability to turn off potential customers. That's why companies every single year, spend millions of dollars to test perception of their brand in the market place.

What is the fear of logos? ›

noun. an irrational or disproportionate fear of words: Children with learning disorders or logophobia may still cultivate a love for books with graphic novels, comics, or picture books.

What are the 3 rules in making effective logo? ›

The fact is, a good logo should be three things:
  • Appropriate – logos should be appropriate in it's feeling. It doesn't need to say a whole lot.
  • Distinctive & Memorable – It has to be unusual enough to persist in our mind. ...
  • Simple – Logos are displayed across various mediums in many different sizes.

Why do luxury brands have simple logos? ›

Almost every design comprises either serif or sans serif fonts due to their easy readability. The reason most luxury brands have opted for simpler logos is to adapt to the digital age and render their design visible on almost every medium.

Are simple logos more effective? ›

The truth is, a simple logo can cut through all the noise and show off your brand's true essence—which is super important to the growth of your business. Today, people are interacting with brands more than ever before, even if they don't realize it.

Can you get in trouble for having a similar logo? ›

Trademark lawsuits are often active in court as a result of similar logo designs. The standard for trademark infringement is based on the likelihood that consumers would confuse the logos and brands because there is not enough to sufficiently differentiate the two.

How many logos should a clothing brand have? ›

A brand identity designer should design you at least four non-negotiable logo variations to help your brand show up and look consistent no matter where you place it. Let's take a look at each of the different logo variations your brand needs.

Can you use someone else's logo? ›

A person or company should never use a trademark or logo without written permission from its owner. To get permission and avoid trademark infringement, write a letter to the trademark owner. Include a description of why you are asking and how the logo will be used.

Why did Michael Kors change his name? ›

His mother married Bill Kors, when her son was five, and his surname was changed to Kors. His mother told Karl that he could choose a new first name as well and he renamed himself Michael David Kors. He grew up in Merrick, New York and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, New York, on Long Island.

Who is MK owned by? ›

Michael Kors, Versace, and Jimmy Choo are the brands of Capri Holdings, a marketer, distributor, and retailer of upscale accessories and apparel. Kors, Capri's largest brand, offers handbags, footwear, and apparel through more than 800 company-owned stores, wholesale, and e-commerce.

Is MK a luxury brand? ›

Michael Kors is a world-renowned, award-winning designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear.

Who killed Medusa? ›

Discover. Meet Perseus, a demigod of Greek mythology who was famous for killing Medusa by cutting off her head, which he displays in one hand. Medusa had live, hissing snakes for hair, and anyone who looked at her face instantly turned to stone.

Why is Medusa culturally significant? ›

Medusa in Modern Culture

In modern culture, Medusa is seen as a powerful symbol of female intelligence and wisdom, related to the goddess Metis, who was a wife of Zeus. The snake-like head is a symbol of her cunning, a perversion of the matrifocal ancient goddess who the Greeks must destroy.

Why would a man get a Medusa Tattoo? ›

In general, however, Medusa tattoos are a symbol of survival, often from sexual abuse, sexual assault or rape. For some, the significance of Medusa is simply meant to ward off evil and negativity in general.

Did Michael Kors buy Gucci? ›

Michael Kors Holdings, like its counterparts in France, has charged aggressively into the upper echelons of luxury fashion hoping to pump up sales. Kering snapped up Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Pomelato, and LVMH bought Bulgari and Loro Piana.

Why was Versace sold to Michael Kors? ›

John Idol, chairman and chief executive of Michael Kors, said buying Versace was an important milestone for the US company and that creating a “family of luxury brands” would deliver shareholders “multiple years of revenue and earnings [profits] growth”.

Who is worth more Versace or Gucci? ›

Gucci's brand is ranked #52 in the list of Global Top 100 Brands, as rated by customers of Gucci. Versace's brand is ranked #64 in the list of Global Top 100 Brands, as rated by customers of Versace.
...
Gucci vs Versace.
63%Promoters
15%Passive
22%Detractors

What is the significance of the Greek key? ›

Greek Key Symbolism

To the Ancient Greeks, the Greek Key symbolized 'infinity' and 'the eternal motion of things,' owing to its unbroken and seamless pattern, as is often seen in jewelry, such as Greek Key Rings. As it has a continuous line design, the Greek key is also related to 'eternity' and 'unity.

Is Versace a Greek symbol? ›

The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of ruins in the area of Reggio Calabria that the Versace siblings played in as children. Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and they had no way back.

Is Versace inspired by Greece? ›

The Greek heritage and mythology was one of Gianni Versace's greatest inspirations, with the iconic designer going so far as to adopt the mythical figure of Medusa as the central image around which he would eventually build the symbolic Versace logo.

What is a Greek key used for? ›

The Greek Key is a common motif in textile design and many other places where decorative elements are necessary. Whether or not you know the name, you have most likely seen a Greek Key design. In fact, it may even be in your home. Often used as a border, it is also used frequently in stripes.

What Greek god is associated with keys? ›

In the Greek world, it is especially Hecate, who was depicted with a key in the hand and was called key-holder of the gates to Hades and of the entire cosmos (Orphic Hymn to Hecate 7).

What is the Greek key pattern called? ›

Greek key, also referred to as meander, is in its most basic form a linear pattern. The design is made up of a long, continuous line that repeatedly folds back on itself, mimicking the ancient Maeander River of Asia Minor with its many twists and turns.

What does Medusa tattoo mean? ›

Today, survivors of sexual assault use tattoos of Medusa to fight back against the narrative that victims should be shamed, blamed or punished for their assault. Medusa and her story have been reclaimed as a symbol of strength and power, with her image also being used as a mark of protection against evils.

Where is Medusa in the Bible? ›

Medusa isn't even in the Bible.

Are Versace clothes made in China? ›

Versace crafts most of its apparel products entirely in Italy, through every phase of production. Only some basic products, like denim, are sourced from abroad, in Eastern Europe.

Is Nike inspired by Greek mythology? ›

Origins of Nike

According to a paper by Harrison (as cited in Sikes, 1895) Nike was once a facet of the Greek goddess Athena, who was composed of Boulaia (good council), Ergane (skilled handcraft), and Nike (victory). According to this theory, Nike eventually broke off from Athena to form her own distinct personality.

What religion is Versace? ›

Of course he knew how important Catholicism was to people – we grew up religious too.” The Versace clan – Gianni, Donatella and brother Santo, who founded the label – was raised in Reggio Calabria, just across the water from Sicily. “We didn't go to church every week, but our mother believed.

What does the Greek circle of life mean? ›

Such a design is also called the circle of life design. The spiral is one of the oldest symbols of human spirituality, carved or painted into rocks from thousands of years ago. Symbol of movement and progressive development, growth, expansion, cosmic energy, symbol of the sun..

What is meander pattern? ›

A decorative pattern constructed from a continuous line that takes repeated right-angled turns. The term derives from the twisting course of the Maeander River in Asia Minor. Meanders are common decorative elements in Greek and Roman art. Also known as a Greek key pattern.

What does the Greek spiral mean? ›

Especially in Greece, it was a sign and symbol of the universal Ancient Hellenism and a symbol of the Vital Force. The concentric rings that expand from a central point to the outside are also a symbol of growth, rebirth, and metaphorically represent the link between the human and the divine.

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