Few handbag topics elicit such strong opinions and responses as that of this question: logos, are they hot or not? Some people love them, others loathe them, but regardless of where you stand, the fact remains: almost every designer handbag will have some sort of branding on its body.
The topic of logos is rather broad – they can come in the form of an all-over logo print like Louis Vuitton’s classic Monogram, Gucci’s GG Supreme Print, Celine’s Triomphe Logo Canvas, or Dior’s Oblique Canvas. They can also come hot-stamped onto bags or appear as hardware finishes like Chanel’s CCs, Dior’s CD hardware, or Saint Laurent’s incredibly divisive YSL plaque.
What Do You Want from a Logo?
When it comes to logos, the opinions are strong, but when it comes to minimalist bags, the opinions are even stronger. On a recent post rounding up the best minimalist bags, one commenter wrote, “Sorry but these are too bland for me. I do like logoless bags but if I want something like these bags, I’m not gonna pay that much money.” Another reader echoed a similar statement, “agree most of them are not really interesting,” they proclaimed.
It seems that the balance between overly branded and bland and boring is a very hard one to strike. And, as consumers, we expect a lot from our bags. We are spending our hard-earned money, and we have every right to be picky and get what we want.
While the jury’s still out on if the perfect bag really exists, it’s time more designers started listening to what consumers actually want from a bag. So, let’s discuss; what is it that you wish designers would offer when it comes to logos?
In general, I stay away from anything that has visible logos or branding on clothes, shoes, belts, sunglasses, etc. I find that it gives me a more elegant and elevated look. The only exception might be a small logo on athletic clothing—often inevitable with Nike for example. Though this is why I appreciate the usually discreet branding of Lululemon these days.
I’m okay with historic monograms/logo prints that have been in use for decades or even centuries (Goyard, Celine, Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, etc.). But ONLY for bags and luggage. Never, EVER for clothing.
I don’t think there is anything tackier than someone walking around in their Balenciaga logo-covered sweatshirt, big GG belt, Dior oblique sneakers, and LV monogram hat. And yet, I see that look ALL THE TIME.
Cringe.
This was a fun article to read though. 🙂
I don’t understand you. Do you like logos only if they have 50, 75, 100 years of history? If not, do you hate them?
I think I explained pretty clearly. 🤷🏻♂️
So, for you to understand, if Chanel or Hermes made a monogram print, you wouldn’t like…
Correct.
I agree with you! No Branding or Logos except on historic monogram prints, only handbags.
I agree … including the obvious designer overload which always looks tacky.
The most confusing to me are the t-shirts to be honest. Almost everything else I can write off as “that’s their style” or whatever, but the white t-shirts with giant logos on them are so odd. I did look at a few brands’ just to see if I’m missing some incredible fabric quality or something and…nope. Very basic cotton, not even a nice soft cotton for those I looked at.
And for myself I think I’m like you, I hate it in clothing, and for accessories there’s very specific ones I don’t mind. Most definitely not a hat oh my god hahaha I forgot those existed until your comment mentioned them
I am not a human billboard. I resent paying thousands of dollars and then having to do their marketing/advertising too.
Good point
I love logos. I wear and carry what I like. I’m not looking to be thought of as classy and elegant at all times. When I attend a string quartet concert at a fancy concert hall, I want to be elegant and classy as it’s what the event dictates. I won’t wear loud, obvious logos. If I see someone that is, do you, boo.
In my everyday life, I’m very casual. I don’t need or want a classy bag/clothing. Nor am I interested in that vibe. If someone thinks I’m tacky, loud, or ostentatious, I say thank you. You get my style. I would not, however, think someone tacky (see that word thrown about a lot in the comments) just because they are carrying or wearing logos. For me, it’s not classy, sophisticated, or elegant to judge a book by its cover. THAT to me is tacky.
How about this? Yes, “do you boo” . People can wear and dress how they want. Casual can look nice too. But there’s a certain level of styling and taste. Some got it, some don’t…..
Nah, taste is subjective, I’m afraid.
I find the disdain for logos laughable, half of the people that buy designer products would not purchase them if they did not have a logo on them. I have seen so many high qualify dupes of nameless high end bags. I don’t mean knockoffs, I mean comparable bags at a fraction of the price. Still people pay 4X the price so they can have LV, CC, Dior etc on their arm.
Hmmm I steer clear of designer goods with aggressive logos. It limits my use. I enjoy old Celine because of the discreet logo and can use the bags for everything without judgement or comments. On the other end of the spectrum I also enjoy LV because it strikes a chord dating back decades and I simply enjoy the fabrication…the iconic logo/design/canvas but I limit my use of LV to certain occasions. So yes we buy into the cache but I also buy into the design, craftsmanship and overall function of the bag…that brings me joy. No different then buying better quality clothing with better fabrics and tailoring with the label discreetly inside…no one knows but you but you just look more chic and put together.
I agree. I feel the same way. It applies to my life too. Discreet but a few tasteful logo items. My outfits only have one visible monogram pieces at
a time when I wear them.
Logos definitely have their place! But they’re arguably harder to get right! What I dislike the most is when companies slap a logo on something with no other reason design element (e.g., Chanel CC rainboots, YSL Icare tote). But that Dior Saddle pictured above is gorgeous, imo. It’s hard to boil down to an exact science.
Logos and the especial crazy of logomania (a trend popularized by black/Latino hip-hop and r&b artist) can be done tastefully and can be a curated look. It’s up to the dynamic of the styling and your own personality honestly. HOWEVER. These houses have gone mad relying on their logos! YSL is a prime example. Take that new 5-7 bag. Imagine it with a celine triomphe or LV plaque or with absolutely no logo on it! (The row half moon bag anyone?) I miss the days when you can craft an exquisite bag with unique silhouette or craftsmanship that makes it obvious where your bag is from! The logo-less bags have also become way too minimal missing elements of the maison’s savoir-faire. I think there’s a way to use materials and craftsmanship to display where a bag is coming from without having to resort to overt branding. Alaia I think is a perfect example, we know the Mina bag just from looking at it because of the laser cut holes; we also know the new coeur bag because of its popularity and the brand is pushing it as their new IT bag. Another note I have to make is…. I HATE the archival revivals that now EMBLAZON a new logo on them, the new Prada re-edition is exactly what I’m talking about. It was logoless before and then they added that tacky triangle in the clasp when it was perfectly fine beforehand.
Yes. Well Said!! Agreed
I so agree with the recognizability part. It used to be that you didn’t NEED a huge logo even IF you didn’t want to go under-the-radar. Peekaboo, Luggage Tote, etc., there are so many bags that if you WANT to be noticed for wearing a designer bag, it’s easy to do. The Dior book tote could have NOT had that giant logo and we still would’ve known from the stitching and design, Dior!
I have a neverfull in black epi leather, and someone once asked me why I would by a luxury bag without any visible logo. Me, and many people I know, like to have a small logo somewhere that works well and is integrated into the whole design. What is more important to me is that the bag has a distinctive look and quality that is recognizable. My Givenchy antigona is one of my best purchases ever; it is beautiful, very durable, and functional, with a subtle logo on top of the triangle.
Well Said! I agree.
I can imagine how pretty that black EPI looks. BTW, do you find it rigid for a tote? I bought a neverfull in EPI galet, haven’t used it yet. On first look it seems rigid… I am hoping it will grow on me. I bought it solely because it is in EPI.
I love the NF in Épi leather. Very elegant bag and pretty rare overall.
I wish I bought the black one … I would use it more.
I don’t mind subtle logos, but I hate seeing the original designer’s entire name splashed across the bag or the logo in neon-sign-like proportions and grade school colors (i.e., LV’s latest collaborative attempt to sell kindergarden-level crayon spotches as desireable design). The “LOOK at ME! ME! ME” cries for attention are very juvenile, desperate attempts to make someone feel, what? Important? Noticed? Worthy of attention? (and consider all the psychological implications that conjures). Elegance doesn’t require BIG NAMES ON EVERYTHING one wears, especially not all at one time. It speaks of that dreaded but proverbial “nouveau riche” gaucheness. Nope. A little is just enough, rather like food: A tasting menu offering a tiny bit of many experiences suffices when fashion designers are the chefs.
Those polka dot LV bags bring a sense of fun, colour, quirk, of not taking themselves too seriously. They are also that particular artist’s signature pattern. I think too many mistake fashion for elegance. I’ll have enough time to lay around looking stately in a monotone suit when I’m dead, for now I want to wear things that make me laugh, or smile or are filled with colour. I’m fine with big logos even if I wear them in a slightly satirical way. Class is overrated. I’d rather have fun.
I like my YSL kate tassel bag with the OTT logo and tassel but that’s about the only logo bag I own, other than a vintage LV from the 90’s. I own Loewe, Chloe, Strathberry, Givenchy, Anya Hindmarch, and Mansur Gavriel – oh and Etro because their paisley is fun and you only know if you know. None of those bags have obvious logos on them.
If I had a lot of money, I’d buy Launer, Hermes, and the like – and if I bought Chanel then a reissue – although I do really like the Boy Bag for some reason even though it’s totally OTT. So yeah, logos can be fun but mostly my bags are logo-less or only have small logos like Givenchy and Chloe. Gorgeous design is what I like.
I don’t care for the name spelled out on something, but I don’t mind the actual logo…so for example, that Dior bag above….love the pattern of the name ‘Dior’ but I don’t care for the whole named spelled out on it, on top of the logo. It’s overkill. Also, I don’t mind a teeny tiny full name embossed on the side of a bag (like Polene Neuf) but that’s about it. Anything bigger and it just looks tacky.
Yes! Like the Marc Jacobs “The Tote” bag. I can’t even. It’s ruined because of that ugly print . That bag will look so much better with just a small Marc Jacobs label on it.
The “I am not like other people” vibe here LOL
While logos have become “look at me…”, it’s understandable that a high-line or mid-line manufacturer will put their mark whether bold or discreet on their product. With so many imitations from other manufacturers and emboldened copy-cats, they are establishing intellectual property/design. It’s up to the wearer whether they would embrace the design as acknowledgement of their buying power or taste (or lack thereof).
The repetitious LV logo always attracts my eye, though I have avoided their products based on the copious number of fakes. My handbag wardrobe consists of well-made bags with barely-their logos, stamps or branded hardware. My latest (which I yearned for years) YSL Loulou is the exception, though in black on black which, to me, doesn’t shout. Like most faithful PB readers, if you know, you know.
My admiration is based the quality of the craftsmanship or a recognizable method of production i.e. BV’s woven leather or Loewe’s square, Maison Margiela’s cross-hatch, Brunello’s trim and Tod’s design devices. Burberry, IMO, has completely destroyed all the design advances in brand from their past…from the recognizable checked pattern/color-ways to some witty variations to currently the totally unwearable TB typographical infestation.
Again, understandable that handbags have branding on the exterior. It is the best way of advertising in the wild, word of mouth and to inspire aspirational purchasing. It is up to the consumer how they wish to present themselves.
If the design is recognizable — I’d add Delvaux Tempête to the other comments below — there’s no need to slap on a logo. Many bags aren’t distinctive enough to stand on their own and, for me, adding brand ID doesn’t make them desirable.
Let’s not forget the Sac De Jour, Peekaboo, Mulberry Alexa. They are distinct even without the logo
People who wear too many logos look like they are trying too hard. It’s a total turn off. The nouveau riche look is pretty sad honestly.
I really despise logos in general. Part of the reason why I am such a fan of Hermes is because of the discreet branding (though I avoid anything with a big H). I would love the LV cappucine bag more if it didn’t have the LV at the opening, I probably am one of the few that purchases the Chanel reissues rather than the bags with the CC. It just feels ostentatious. Though the one brand that I do feel comfortable wearing the branded items is Gucci. The vintage pieces and I find the collaboration with Adidas on the fun and ironic side.
If I like something enough I make the purchase so that must mean I like the logo or logo placement. This is not an issue that would stop me from purchasing something.
The Dior Saddle bag with 1) the Dior Oblique pattern, 2) the huge high-contrast CHRISTIAN DIOR branding, and 3) the golden D hardware… at that point you’re either a fool or you work for the Maison Dior marketing team.
I don’t like big logo badges on bags for a few reasons: they seem a bit OTT and/or cheap (sometimes they take over the whole bag and it IS the design), it can look like someone is showing off, you could be a target for thieves, and I’m always thinking about them getting scratched, lowering the look of the bag. I like a wee metal logo alright, something of good quality to set it off from the colour and texture of the bag and to differentiate it from other bags. Agree with comments about advertising the companies – some scream their names in logo, but I prefer more understated class and design, on the whole.
I prefer a small logo, or embossed monogram without any colours highlighting the logo (like LV black empriente or Fendi nappa baguette). My only heavy logo-ed bag is my small dior oblique book tote cos I’ve always thought their monogram looks fun.. but I always wear the big “CHRISTIAN DIOR” facing in cos it felt too much.
I love it! I agree. You made the Dior bag work for your styling.
I love it! I agree. You are the Dior bag work for your styling.
From a logo, I want the same as I do from everything else on that piece – beauty. It needs to work with the whole piece. Many seem like an afterthought so they are out.
Case in point – Dior charms look divine and fun. Loewe and Ferragamo both have an embossed all over design that works beautifully. (Although it is the insignia not the initials or spelled out logo, which would be harder to pull off admittedly.) Fendi has the clever way to use its F geometrically. And I always liked LV embossed its logo tone on tone with the EPI pieces. These are artful, thoughtful ways to proudly mark their creations, much like the traditional artisans
I am usually not a huge fan of logo mania but I do like logos if they are done right. For example, I bought the Coach Willow Camera Bag because it’s monogram style was playful and colorful. Not only was it happy but it made me smile. So I look for that in a logo or bag overall. I do like the Chanel and YSL logos because they seem to be simple yet very classy at the same time. Hard to do I would say.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I like some logos, dislike others. If I wear then, it’s on a bag. I don’t prefer them on clothing or other accessories. The only exceptions are the Hermes H belt my husband gave me as a gift and a Celine Triomphe belt that just struck my fancy. I go through phases of wanting a Chanel or Dior bent, but I never pull the trigger and probably won’t. It’s a personal preference. I don’t look askance at those who choose to wear them all over their bodies. It’s not for me, but you do you. Fashion is personal expression.