The Stories Behind the Animal Emblems of Hermès, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren
In the world of luxury, few symbols are as instantly recognisable as those of animals. From the elegance of a horse and carriage to the tenacity of a crocodile and the playful charm of a teddy bear, animals have become powerful emblems that define the essence of some of the most prestigious brands. These iconic logos—Hermès’ horse and carriage, Lacoste’s crocodile, and Ralph Lauren’s teddy bear—are more than just images; they are representations of the brands’ values, history, and dedication to craftsmanship. Let’s explore how these animals came to symbolise luxury, style, and enduring success.
HERMÈS
The Horse-and-Carriage Logo
At the heart of Hermès, the quintessential symbol of equestrian excellence, is the horse-and-carriage logo—a tribute to the brand’s origins in the 19th century. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a Parisian harness workshop, the brand initially catered to the needs of European aristocracy, designing high-quality leather harnesses and bridles for horse-drawn carriages. As transportation evolved, Hermès expanded its offerings, but it never strayed from its equestrian roots.
The iconic horse-and-carriage logo was introduced in the 1950s, inspired by a lithograph titled Le Duc Attelé, Groom à L’Attente (“Horse and Groom Waiting”). It reflects the artisanal craftsmanship that defined Hermès from its inception, and the emblematic horse serves as a reminder of the brand’s commitment to luxury and attention to detail. Hermès continues to embrace its equestrian heritage in its leather goods, such as the Birkin and Kelly bags, where each piece is crafted by hand, symbolising the timeless elegance of the brand.
LACOSTE
The Crocodile Logo
The crocodile logo of Lacoste is another iconic animal symbol that has made a lasting impact on the world of fashion. The story of this logo traces back to René Lacoste, a legendary tennis champion, who was affectionately nicknamed “The Crocodile” by the American press in the 1920s. The nickname, which originated from a playful bet involving a crocodile-skin suitcase, symbolised Lacoste’s tenacity and competitive spirit on the tennis court.
In 1927, Lacoste asked his artist friend, Robert George, to design a crocodile logo, which he had embroidered onto his tennis blazer. This became one of the first instances of personal branding in sportswear, paving the way for the global success of Lacoste. In 1933, the brand was founded, and the crocodile became a symbol of resilience, confidence, and understated sophistication. Today, the Lacoste crocodile continues to represent timeless elegance, seamlessly blending sport and style in polo shirts, footwear, and accessories.
RALPH LAUREN
The Teddy Bear Icon
The Ralph Lauren teddy bear, unlike the traditional use of animals in luxury logos, represents a playful and whimsical element within the brand. The story of the teddy bear begins with a gift—a Steiff bear dressed in a miniaturised version of Ralph Lauren’s iconic preppy clothing. Inspired by the charm of this bespoke bear, Ralph Lauren transformed it into a design feature, creating two significant iterations that would cement the teddy bear’s place in fashion history.
The first release, the “Preppy Bear,” was a limited edition of just 200 bears, each dressed in Ralph Lauren’s signature style. The bears quickly became collector’s items, symbolising the brand’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The teddy bear soon evolved from a collectible into an emblem that appeared on apparel and accessories, capturing the essence of Polo Ralph Lauren’s blend of sophistication and fun. Whether dressed in casual weekend attire or black-tie elegance, the bear’s versatility has made it an enduring symbol of the brand’s ability to tell stories through fashion.
THE UNIFYING THREAD
Craftsmanship, Elegance, and Storytelling
The animal logos of Hermès, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren are not just marks of recognition; they are deeply woven into the fabric of each brand’s identity. From Hermès’ equestrian roots, which continue to influence its leather goods and scarves, to Lacoste’s blend of sport and style, and Ralph Lauren’s whimsical yet sophisticated storytelling through the teddy bear, these brands embody a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
What makes these logos particularly fascinating is how they transcend their initial meanings and evolve with the brands they represent. The horse and carriage, once an essential mode of transport, now stands as a symbol of luxury and artisanal excellence. The crocodile, born from the tennis court, is now synonymous with elegance and resilience. And the teddy bear, originally a gift, has become a global icon that captures the essence of Ralph Lauren’s playful, yet refined, style.
Today, Hermès, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren continue to define luxury fashion, and their animal logos remain central to their stories. These brands have demonstrated that an animal symbol can be so much more than a logo; it can be a reflection of a brand’s values, history, and an enduring legacy that resonates with generations of consumers. For discerning buyers and collectors, the horse, crocodile, and teddy bear logos represent more than just luxury products; they are symbols of timeless craftsmanship, creativity, and the stories behind the emblems that have come to define some of the most iconic luxury brands in the world.
