Expressing Brand Identity Through Color
Blog • February 29, 2024
Color has a profound influence on brand identity. See how renowned brands like Tiffany & Co. and Christian Louboutin artfully use strategic hues to narrate their ethos and forge emotional connections.
Among our perspectives at Pallas Textiles is a stalwart belief in the power of color to transform spaces, tell stories, and spark emotions. Color possesses a unique ability to convey an ambiance that words alone cannot match – setting the tone, narrating a story, and projecting personality in an instant glance.
The strategic use of colors in interior design, product specification, and even packaging is a potent tool for brands to define and reinforce their identity. When employed thoughtfully, color can articulate a company's values and connect customers with the very essence of that brand.
Let's explore several beloved brands—Tiffany & Co., Starbucks, Glossier, Veuve Clicquot, and Christian Louboutin—that employ color in creative and evocative ways to establish their identity and culture.
Tiffany’s Blue Boxes & Bags
Tiffany & Co., known for its exquisite jewelry, has mastered the art of color branding. By trademarking its signature hue—Tiffany Blue—and applying it to its quintessential packaging, the company created a visual identity synonymous with luxury and sophistication.
As such, the iconic robin's egg blue shade is not just a color; it represents Tiffany's legacy and exceptional products.
Tiffany's strategic integration of color ensures that every product delivery is a luxurious and memorable experience, capturing attention and adding elegance to every moment.
Featuring Folie Aqua, Iota Fresca, and Ample Mint
Starbucks’ Green Symbol of Authenticity
Starbucks, the globally renowned coffeehouse chain, has strategically incorporated color into its branding strategy, with Starbucks green taking the spotlight. Originally aimed at providing customers with a visual break, the choice of green and white in the original Starbucks logo conveyed qualities of freshness, opportunity, and growth.
Despite rebranding efforts over time, the enduring presence of the iconic emerald green in the Starbucks logo remains a steadfast symbol of authenticity for the brand. This timeless color not only suggests renewal and potential but also serves as a universally recognizable symbol of the Starbucks experience.
Featuring Purl Conifer, Shear Juniper, Verse Fir, and Fresh Sage
Glossier's Intuitive Pink Packaging
Skincare and makeup brand Glossier is known for its direct-to-consumer strategy aimed at younger millennials and Gen Z. The brand's signature blush pink color embodies Glossier's commitment to intuitive, uncomplicated beauty products. This soft, natural color palette mirrors the brand's minimalistic approach to beauty, reflecting an authentic culture of simplicity and beauty.
Glossier's iconic Millennial Pink pouch and packaging have become an emblem of the brand, easily recognized by consumers even without the logo. Initially designed as pink bubble wrap pouches for product shipments, these pouches have been repurposed by consumers as stylish clutches.
Featuring Ooh La Lana Petal, Metaphor Bellini, Shear Peony, and Flow Laurel
Veuve Clicquot’s Historic Yellow Label
Veuve Clicquot is renowned globally for its iconic use of yellow, illustrating how color molds brand identity. Since 1777, this champagne house has embraced a distinctive yellow label for both visual allure and practical benefits. The intentional selection enhanced visibility in dim cellars and set their bottles apart.
Eventually, the yellow label evolved into a symbol synonymous with the brand, distinguishing Veuve Clicquot in the competitive champagne industry. This storied legacy and meticulous craftsmanship have positioned Veuve Clicquot as a pioneer in luxury beverages, enchanting connoisseurs and loyalists worldwide.
Featuring Glitz Glamour Gold, Mesh Goldfinch, and Plush Canary
Louboutin's Red Sole Revolution
Christian Louboutin's iconic red-lacquered shoe soles have made a lasting impact on high fashion since they first appeared in 1992. The idea for this unique design feature struck Louboutin when he boldly painted the underside of a black shoe with vivid red nail polish.
In 2008, recognizing the distinctiveness of this style, Louboutin applied for a trademark for the now-famous Red Sole Mark. These eye-catching red soles have since become a defining symbol of the Louboutin brand – symbolizing love, passion, and a hint of rebellion. Beyond a simple fashion statement, they represent empowerment for women, giving them the confidence to embrace their unique style and challenge societal norms as they stride in what has been referred to as the "forbidden" shoe.
Featuring Adele Scarlet, Metaphor Scarlet, and Fresh Magma
Exploring the Power of Color
Whether it evokes an emotion or memory, sets expectations, or symbolizes a mission, color is an expressive and creative part of telling a brand's story—where it has been, where it is in the current moment, and what it can become—just as we've seen in these iconic brand stories.
For interior design, color plays a vital role in selecting the best textiles for a space as it influences the overall ambiance. Whether opting for an elegant Tiffany Blue or a striking Louboutin Red, color choice transforms the overall feel and aesthetic of a space. Interior designers can imbue calm, soothing tones or elicit bold, striking statements with the hues of their textile selections to effortlessly elevate their designs.
Embark on a journey through our vibrant color wheel to explore the myriad of exquisite textiles available at your fingertips for defining your brands and spaces with color.