The iconic logo of Starbucks is known to all and sundry across the world, caffeine lovers and otherwise. The siren, famously featuring on the logo of the brand, has undergone many a change since the birth of Starbucks in 1971. Completing a successful 40 year run, the symbol of the siren has evolved into one of the most instantly recognizable logos in the world.
The first version of the logo came into being in 1971, representing a 16th century Norse woodcut of a double tailed mermaid. Melusine, the mythical bare-bodied mermaid has since stayed in the heart of the logo and has garnered a lot of attention as a seductress. The logo design had a brown base on which a nude mermaid was surrounded by a circular ring, which was meant to highlight the seductive quality of Starbucks. The typeface comprised of the words “Starbucks Coffee Tea Spices”, the original name of the brand.
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In 1987, Starbucks was acquired by Howard Schultz, and it was during this time that the mermaid went through an important alteration. The body of the siren, or the seducer of men, who had the ability of changing into a serpent, was now covered with her long hair. Moreover, the color palette saw a change from brown to green in order to express a sense of freshness, prosperity and uniqueness of Starbucks.
A further change was incorporated into the logo in the year 1992, when the navel of the mermaid was removed from the design. She was also given a more prominent and closer view.
The latest version of the logo was revealed in 2011, on the 40th anniversary of Starbucks. The circular ring around the mermaid with the name of the brand disappeared, with the lady becoming the sole face of the brand.
