Nice post by Living Brands. I especially liked his (post author John Howard) list on what it means to be iconic:
1. The truly iconic affects us whether we like it are not, unlocking instinctive memories, emotions and beliefs
2. The image of the truly iconic is more important than, even transcending, the actual reality of its subject
3. The truly iconic subject should be understandable via visual shorthand.
4. The truly iconic is immediately recognisable, the visual equivalent of an unmistakable catchphrase
Read the whole post, it’s very insightful. I really hope that “iconic” doesn’t join the ranks of “authentic” and “green” as terms totally diluted by over use and misuse – especially in a branding.
A small remark though on the images used at the end of the post. “Iconic” in terms of branding doesn’t mean that a brand should necessarily leech on MORE iconic visual shorthand, for example (like the examples used in the post), a brand should look to become an icon in itself, like a VW Beetle or a bottle of Coke.
http://brandnoise.typepad.com/brand_noise/2009/04/luxury-2009-showing-a-vulnerable-side.html
That’s a good read.
Although, I’d be cautious to declare “luxury” dead or changed just like that. Here’s why
A lot of the meaning behind “luxury” might actually be augmented, not reduced because of this recession.
kuva kieltää todellisuuden, kärsimystä ei saisi peittää