5 Fascinating Stories Behind Iconic Logo Designs

Stories Behind Iconic Logo Designs

Logos often hold stories that go beyond mere visuals, capturing the essence of a brand’s identity and history. Let’s dive into five legendary logos and uncover the creative and surprising tales behind their designs.

1. Baskin Robbins: A Secret in Every Scoop

The Baskin Robbins logo hides a clever secret. The brand’s name itself was formed from the founders' surnames, and according to legend, the order of the names was decided by a coin toss.

When an advertising agency was tasked with designing the logo, they came up with a brilliant idea: introduce a new ice cream flavor for every day of the month. This concept led to the inclusion of the number 31 subtly nestled within the letters B and R. At the time, Baskin Robbins didn’t actually have 31 flavors, but the logo inspired the company to expand its offerings. Today, they have far more, yet the promise of “a flavor for every day” remains central to their identity.

2. Chupa Chups: A Masterpiece by Salvador Dalí

The whimsical and instantly recognizable Chupa Chups logo was created by none other than Salvador Dalí, the Spanish surrealist painter.

Though Dalí’s designs are often rich with hidden meanings, the Chupa Chups logo stands out for its simplicity and functionality. Its vivid yellow and red colors, inspired by Spain’s national palette, made the logo eye-catching and memorable. The logo’s circular design also perfectly complemented the shape of the lollipop, making it a visual treat both on and off the stick.

3. Lacoste: From Tennis Court to Fashion Icon

The story of Lacoste’s crocodile logo is as unique as the brand itself. René Lacoste, a French tennis champion with seven Grand Slam titles, was the brain behind this global fashion brand.

Known for his tenacity on the court, Lacoste earned the nickname The Crocodile after losing a bet with the captain of the French Davis Cup team. Despite losing the match—and a crocodile leather suitcase—he embraced the nickname. A friend later designed a crocodile emblem, which Lacoste proudly wore on his custom-made tennis shirts. This marked the birth of the brand’s iconic logo and its now-famous polo shirts.

4. Shell: From Seashells to Oil Fields

How did a company dealing in oil and gas end up with a seashell as its logo? The answer lies in its origins.

Before founding Shell, Marcus Samuel owned a small business selling decorative seashells. As his business grew into a multinational energy corporation, he retained the seashell as a nod to his humble beginnings. Nearly two centuries later, the iconic scallop shell remains a timeless symbol of the brand’s legacy.

5. Toblerone: The Bear in the Mountain

The Toblerone logo is a masterpiece of subtle symbolism. At first glance, it features the Matterhorn, a mountain that has come to symbolize the brand’s Swiss heritage.

But look closer, and you’ll spot a hidden bear within the mountain’s outline. This is no coincidence—the bear pays homage to Bern, the city where Toblerone was founded, which is famously known as the “City of Bears.” The bear also appears on Bern’s coat of arms, cementing its place in the brand’s identity.

Why These Stories Matter

A logo isn’t just a design—it’s a storytelling tool. These iconic examples show how logos can convey history, identity, and emotion in a single image. Whether you’re launching a new brand or refreshing an existing one, a thoughtful logo can turn your company into a lasting legend.

Looking for Your Own Iconic Logo?

At D7 Studio, we specialize in logo design, branding, and rebranding that not only look stunning but also tell your story. Let’s create something unforgettable.