The Story Behind the Orange Umbrella Logo (How a Simple Design Became Iconic)

Topic:

Q: What is the orange umbrella logo and where did it come from?

A: The orange umbrella logo is the iconic symbol of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a luxury hotel chain with properties all around the world. The logo features a simple orange umbrella with the name “Mandarin Oriental” written in black underneath it. The logo was first introduced in 1963, when the company was known as “The Mandarin”.

Q: Why did Mandarin Oriental choose an orange umbrella as their logo?

A: According to the company, the orange umbrella was chosen because it represents “comfort, protection and a warm welcome”. The color orange is also said to be associated with warmth, energy and happiness, which are all values that the hotel chain aims to convey to its guests. The umbrella itself is a symbol of protection and shelter, which is fitting for a hotel that prides itself on providing a comfortable and safe environment for its guests.

Q: How has the orange umbrella logo evolved over time?

A: While the basic design of the orange umbrella logo has remained the same since its introduction in 1963, there have been some minor changes over the years. In the 1970s, the company added the words “Hong Kong” to the logo to emphasize its roots in the city. In the 1990s, the logo was updated to include the full name “Mandarin Oriental” instead of just “The Mandarin”. In recent years, the company has also introduced variations of the logo for specific properties, such as the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, which features a silhouette of the hotel’s distinctive facade.

Q: Why has the orange umbrella logo become so iconic?

A: The orange umbrella logo has become iconic because it is simple, memorable and instantly recognizable. The logo’s bright orange color and distinctive shape make it stand out from other hotel logos, while its association with luxury and quality has helped to build brand recognition and loyalty among customers. The logo has also been featured prominently in the company’s advertising and marketing campaigns, which has helped to further cement its place in the minds of consumers.

Summary:

1. The Beginning of Expedia

Expedia was founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft. The company’s goal was to provide a platform for people to book and manage their travel arrangements online. Expedia quickly became popular, and in 2001, it was spun off into a separate company.

2. The Original Logo

When Expedia was first founded, its logo was a simple blue and white globe. The logo was meant to represent the company’s focus on travel and the world. However, as the company grew, it became clear that the logo needed an update.

3. The Orange Umbrella

In 2001, Expedia decided to rebrand itself, and the company’s marketing team began working on a new logo. They wanted something that was simple, memorable, and represented the company’s focus on travel. After much brainstorming, they landed on the orange umbrella.

4. The Meaning Behind the Logo

The orange color of the umbrella was chosen because it represents energy, enthusiasm, and warmth. These are all qualities that Expedia wanted to convey to its customers. The umbrella itself represents shelter, protection, and safety, which are all important aspects of travel.

5. The Success of the Logo

Since the introduction of the orange umbrella logo, Expedia has become one of the most recognizable travel companies in the world. The logo has been featured in countless advertisements, and it has become a symbol of quality service and reliability. The logo’s success can be attributed to its simplicity, memorability, and the meaning behind it.

In conclusion, the orange umbrella logo is a testament to the power of simple design. It has become a symbol of quality travel and has helped to establish Expedia as a leader in the industry. The logo’s success is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ideas can be the most effective.