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Every day, we cross logos without really paying attention to them. Yet, behind these familiar symbols sometimes hide unexpected stories, surprising inspirations and even coded messages. Why do some logos mark us so much? What secrets do they contain? Immerse yourself in the little-known universe of the most iconic logos.
The Man Behind the Uncle Ben’s Lavish
The famous face of the Uncle Ben’s logo depicts an elderly black man wearing a bow tie. But did you know that he would probably be Frank Brown, a Chicago butler? The story goes that the owners of the company, seduced by its distinctive appearance, offered to use its image in exchange for financial compensation. This choice was aimed at inspiring a sense of confidence and quality of consumer interest.
Tesla: a tribute to Nikola Tesla… or a hidden symbol?
Tesla’s logo intrigues. Some see it as a representation of female ovaries, others the nose of a cat (a theory that Elon Musk himself joked on Twitter). In fact, this stylized symbol depicts a section of the electric motor designed by Nikola Tesla in 1883. A subtle way of paying homage to the genius whose brand is the name.
A candy hidden in the Hershey’s Kisses logo
Have you ever noticed the little candy hidden in the Hershey’s Kisses logo? Between the letters “K” and “I”, a negative space forms the silhouette of a drop-shaped chocolate. A clever detail that adds a playful touch to the brand’s visual identity.
Quiksilver and Japanese inspiration
The Quiksilver logo is not supposed to be possible: it is directly inspired by the famous Japanese print The Great Wave of Kanagawa, created by Hokusai. This choice is a perfect illustration of the spirit of the brand: adventure, the power of nature and a passion for water sports. An artistic nod to Japanese aesthetics and surfing culture.
Versace and the enchanting gaze of Medusa
Why did Gianni Versace choose Medusa as the emblem of his brand? Inspired by an ancient sculpture, he wanted to capture his power of fascination. According to mythology, anyone who crossed Medusa’s gaze was petrified. Versace hoped that his creations would have the same hypnotic effect on those who wear them. A bold but successful gamble in the world of fashion.
Walt Disney: a fairy and not a shooting star
When the Disney logo appears at the beginning of a film, it shows a shooting star flying over the castle. But as we look at it more closely, it is not a mere star … but the Third Bnight. This discreet nod to Peter Pan adds an extra touch of magic to the Disney universe.
The Routing Cow and the Infinite Illusion
The famous French cheese hides a fascinating visual effect: the cow of the logo bears earrings… which are in fact tiny representations of the logo itself. This principle, known as the Droste effect, creates an infinite illusion and gives the logo an unforgettable visual identity.
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