Original Starbucks Logo: Unveiled on Reddit

The iconic Starbucks logo, with its circular green siren, has been a familiar sight on coffee cups worldwide since 1971. But have you ever wondered about the evolution of this design, particularly the original Starbucks logo that sparked a wave of discussion on Reddit? Let's delve into the history, the controversy, and the impact of the original Starbucks logo.

the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with stars on it's head
the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with stars on it's head

Reddit, a social news aggregation and discussion platform, has been abuzz with conversations about the original Starbucks logo. Users have shared their thoughts, memories, and even theories about the design, making it a fascinating topic to explore.

there is a starbucks sign hanging from the ceiling
there is a starbucks sign hanging from the ceiling

The Original Starbucks Logo: A Naked Siren

The original Starbucks logo, introduced in 1971, featured a bare-breasted siren. She was inspired by the ancient Greek myth of the Sirens, creatures who lured sailors with their enchanting music and voices to shipwreck on the rocky shores of their island.

the starbucks logo is shown in four different colors and styles, including brown, green, and white
the starbucks logo is shown in four different colors and styles, including brown, green, and white

At the time, the logo was seen as a nod to the company's maritime theme, with the siren symbolizing the allure of the coffee experience. However, the logo's provocative nature would soon spark controversy.

The Controversy and the Rebrand

the evolution of starbucks coffee logos from earliest to present in 1994, through 2011 and beyond
the evolution of starbucks coffee logos from earliest to present in 1994, through 2011 and beyond

In the late 1980s, as Starbucks expanded beyond its Pacific Northwest roots, the company began to receive complaints about the logo's risqué nature. Some customers found the bare-breasted siren inappropriate, especially as the company aimed to become a national and eventually global brand.

In response, Starbucks launched a rebranding campaign in 1992. The siren was given clothing, and the color scheme was simplified to a more uniform green. The new logo was designed to be more family-friendly and versatile, reflecting the company's growth and evolution.

The Legacy of the Original Logo

a starbucks coffee cup with the words starbucks's fresh roasted coffee printed on it
a starbucks coffee cup with the words starbucks's fresh roasted coffee printed on it

Although the original logo is no longer in use, it remains an iconic symbol of Starbucks' early years. Many Reddit users fondly remember the naked siren, associating it with the cozy, local coffee shop atmosphere of the past.

Some users even speculate that the original logo's provocative nature was a deliberate attempt to stand out in the competitive coffee market. Regardless of the intent, the original logo has certainly left its mark on Starbucks' history and continues to spark conversation among coffee enthusiasts.

The Original Logo on Reddit: A Hub of Discussion

starbucks logos are shown in black and white, with one starbuck's coffee logo
starbucks logos are shown in black and white, with one starbuck's coffee logo

Reddit has become a hub for discussions about the original Starbucks logo. Users share their memories, theories, and even fan art inspired by the design. Some popular subreddits for these discussions include r/Starbucks, r/nostalgia, and r/branding.

One popular thread on r/nostalgia asked users to share their earliest memories of Starbucks. Many respondents recalled the original logo, with one user commenting, "I remember the old logo with the naked siren. It was so different from the other coffee shops at the time."

the starbuck's roasted coffee logo is shown in black and white, with an angel on it
the starbuck's roasted coffee logo is shown in black and white, with an angel on it
starbucks logos from the past and present
starbucks logos from the past and present
starbucks coffee and tea logo on a white background
starbucks coffee and tea logo on a white background
the history of starbucks coffee logos
the history of starbucks coffee logos
the evolution of starbucks coffee logos from around the world, through to the present day
the evolution of starbucks coffee logos from around the world, through to the present day
Starbucks
Starbucks
the starbucks logo with all its labels labeled
the starbucks logo with all its labels labeled
logo star buks
logo star buks
STARBUCKS original logo
STARBUCKS original logo
the starbucks logo on a black background
the starbucks logo on a black background
a starbucks logo with a cat's face in the center and stars on it
a starbucks logo with a cat's face in the center and stars on it
starbucks logo with the words starbucks's logo in white and green on brown background
starbucks logo with the words starbucks's logo in white and green on brown background
the starbucks logo is green and black with stars on it's head, as well as a woman's face
the starbucks logo is green and black with stars on it's head, as well as a woman's face
a man sitting at a table in front of a starbucks coffee shop with his hat on
a man sitting at a table in front of a starbucks coffee shop with his hat on
Starbucks Logo
Starbucks Logo
the starbucks logo is shown next to an image of a woman's head with leaves on it
the starbucks logo is shown next to an image of a woman's head with leaves on it
the starbucks logo is green and white with stars on it's side, which reads starbucks
the starbucks logo is green and white with stars on it's side, which reads starbucks
the starbucks logo has been changed to look like a woman's head and crown
the starbucks logo has been changed to look like a woman's head and crown
the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with an image of a woman holding a
the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with an image of a woman holding a

Reddit Users Weigh In: Naked Siren vs. Clothed Siren

Reddit users have also weighed in on the debate between the naked and clothed siren logos. Some prefer the original design for its uniqueness and historical significance, while others appreciate the more family-friendly nature of the current logo.

A user on r/branding shared their thoughts: "I think the original logo was a bold choice, but I understand why they changed it. The current logo is more versatile and better represents the global brand Starbucks has become."

In the ever-evolving world of branding, the original Starbucks logo serves as a reminder of the company's humble beginnings and its willingness to adapt to changing times. As Starbucks continues to grow and innovate, the debate over the original logo on Reddit serves as a testament to the power of design and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted brand.