Logomania: Our Obsession With Branding

Decades ago, if a brand had a quality product, consumers would buy. But, according to The Atlantic, as countless other companies emerged with standardized products, this left brands the need to differentiate in ways other than their core product. This was prevalent in the 1950s when consumer product brands like Tide, Kraft and Lipton began to distinguish themselves through marketing strategies.

Rise of the Logo

Mission Magazine discusses the long-standing history of logos from ancient Greek medieval emblems to family crests as a way to show status. More modern takes began in the early 1900s when designer houses like Chanel emerged with iconic logos on their pieces. What was once just brand names on clothing labels grew to logos covering every inch of a bag or clothing item.

The man credited with the explosion of designer logos and logomania is Daniel Day, more commonly known as Dapper Dan. He took inspiration from brands like Gucci, Fendi and Louis Vuitton. He is the visionary behind the iconic logo-covered bomber jackets. According to Day, “it [logos] signify status, and money, which go hand in hand. The thing is, you can have the status but nobody will know you don’t have the money. So that’s what gives it such an impact in your look.” Photographed above is Dapper Dan’s collaboration with Gucci back in 2018.

On social media, people like to paint a perfect picture of their life. Widespread social media usage makes people feature anything from expensive sneakers to designer handbags. The popularity of a particular brand will change, but the concept of buying items just for the brand name or seeking logo-covered fashion apparel will be sticking around.

Strike Out,

Natalie Bacome

Athens