20 MUST-HAVE LOGO GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

From Balenciaga bags to Jimmy Choo boots, branding is big for the fall/winter and beyond

 

Chanel

Rarely have designer logos looked more fearless and fun than in the latest collections. Lately, designers are playing with brand symbols in more mischievous and adventurous ways. From graffiti-inspired or graphic statements from Alexander McQueen and Valentino to the “hacks” created by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, brands are embracing what they always advise their own clients: to have fun with fashion. 
Whether you’re looking for something playful and contemporary or classic with a more traditional vibe for gift-giving or self-gifting, view our roundup of the latest logo-inspired looks – one of the top fall 2021 fashion trends that’s continuing into spring 2022:

Valentino

Alexander McQueen

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
657.205.4477

In July Alexander McQueen debuted a collection that not only puts the name of its founder front and center, but also celebrates his bold, in-your-face spirit. The McQueen Graffiti collection showcases the name in a graffiti style across both ready to wear and accessories, including this Jeweled Satchel in black quilted nappa leather, with a four-ring embellishment that features another icon of the house: the skull.

Balenciaga

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.668.0557

Among the most talked-about collaborations of 2021 has been the simple fun that’s emerged from Alessandro Michele and Demna Gvasalia “hacking” of the other’s brand codes. Michele’s “hack lab” has produced sought-after pieces that honor everyone from Dapper Dan to The North Face, but he put that idea on steroids when he employed the codes of Balenciaga in Gucci’s “Aria” collection.

In response, Gvasalia created his own tongue-in-cheek response for Balenciaga’s upcoming spring collection (which arrives at South Coast Plaza in November). Instead of the double-Gs you might expect to see on these pieces, double-Bs are instead included on accessories in these coated-canvas designs with the red and green stripes any Gucci fan knows too well. Indeed, on Balenciaga’s Classic Pouch, you might find yourself doing a double-take – and for the two designers swapping their house’s signature, that’s part of the creative humor.

Moynat

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.708.1310

The Art Deco influence of Moynat’s monogram, designed by painter Henri Rapin in the 1920s, is celebrated in the Wheel BB, a mini-bag that takes its cue from a 1907 case originally conceived to hold a spare tire in a car trunk. The graphic M print, known as the Toile 1920 monogram, has been updated to create a 3D effect on this chic minaudiere in carbon and bronze hues, with small studs adorning the face of the bag. The decorative strap and metal clasp are inspired by the details of the brand’s vintage trunks.

Loewe

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.464.7420

The Anagram, a quadruple-L insignia introduced to Loewe collections by artist Vicente Vela in 1970, underwent an update in recent years, coinciding with the arrival of Creative Director Jonathan Anderson. For fall/winter, this elegant logo is emblazoned on the Small Hammock Bag. Like many Loewe pieces, this multifunctional bag in calfskin and canvas plays with notions of structure, with side panels that can be released to change the bag’s shape. The Spanish-made bag includes top handles, a removable strap and an outside zipper.

Chanel

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.754.7455

For the Chanel cruise collection, creative director Virginie Viard says she was inspired by Jean Cocteau’s 1960 film The Testament of Orpheus, which stars the writer, artist and filmmaker (who also counted Coco Chanel among his closest friends) as an 18th-century poet on a quest for wisdom. While the black-and-white film inspired Viard’s color palette for the collection, she also looked to Cocteau’s illustrations as the jumping-off point for a graphic print employed for ready-to-wear and handbags, featuring Chanel codes that include pearls, chains and, of course, the famed double Cs.

Christian Louboutin

Level 3, Penthouse
714.754.9200

The latest in Christian Louboutin’s hugely popular Cabata tote bag is also among the first to celebrate two of the designer’s logo treatments: his elegantly scripted last name and his equally stylish “CL,” both embellishing a monogram-like print on black calfskin leather. Other signatures on this chic carryall include the spikes that adorn the handles and the flat bottom in Louboutin’s iconic red hue, also emblazoned with his name.

 

Dolce & Gabbana

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.668.9142

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana maintain a deep well of inspirations for their collections, from florals and religious iconography to the beauty of an Italian woman. But for their latest jewelry designs, it’s all about the name. The pair has conceptualized a collection of Logo necklaces, all crafted in 18-karat gold and sometimes adorned with colorless sapphires or pearls. Fold in the trend of bold chains seen on recent runways, and “statement necklace” takes new meaning.

Jimmy Choo

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.327.0644

Jimmy Choo adopts a decidedly subtle approach with its JC monogram, seen in embossed black leather on the label’s Kix/Z 65 ankle boots. The allover repeat print is offset with a sharp pointed toe in black patent leather, all on a 65mm heel.

Bally

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.557.1914

Bally’s history can be traced back to 1851, when the house got its start as a Swiss shoemaker. The “Bally 1851” logo adorns many of its latest pieces, such as the Logo Stripe Scarf in navy virgin wool. The design also seems to pay tribute to the label’s heritage – particularly the family-run ribbon factory, hence that chicly simple detail above and below the logo (which also happens to be rendered in the colors of the Swiss flag).

Longchamp

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.436.1963

Longchamp’s LGP logo has been a huge hit since it debuted in 2019, and for fall, artistic director Sophie Delafontaine has further elevated this graphic, energetic treatment by pairing it with the woven jacquard LGP canvas in taupe and black with a detail of crocodile-embossed calfskin on the all-purpose Roseau top-handle bag. The bamboo clasp, another signature of the house, is rendered in metal.

Marni

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.380.3155

Creative director Francesco Risso has created one of the best look-at-me logos of the season with his bicolored take on the brand name for Milan-based house Marni. Among the pieces featuring this treatment is this men’s merino wool sweater for fall, crafted in Italy of 100-percent virgin wool and featuring a boxy fit.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.979.7654

The Gancini symbol ranks high among the signatures of Salvatore Ferragamo — roughly translated, Gancini means “small hook” and takes its cue from the iron gates of Palazzo Spini Ferroni in Florence, headquarters of the Italian label, as well as the hooks used for attaching a horse’s holsters to its bridle. Ferragamo is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Gancini symbol with a variety of designs, including the Gancini loafer for fall, crafted in a printed coated canvas in an allover Gancini print and accented with a Gancini ornament in an antique gold finish.

Tod’s

Level 2, Jewel Court
714.556.0239

For ultra-classic styling, Tod’s has emblazoned its traditional men’s PVC rain boot with a leather oval stamped with the Milan-based label’s logo. Available in unisex sizing, other details include the house’s rubber pebble accent on the heel and a lugged rubber outsole.

Valentino

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.751.3300

Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s mostly black and white collection for fall, dubbed “Act,” was the ideal palette to show off V-logo treatments. Some were interpreted as harlequin prints on coats and accessories, while a terrific cape evoked thoughts of graduated V shapes, creating a graphic treatment that only implied Valentino branding, yet in wholly dramatic fashion.

Versace

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.380.3237

The House of Versace has interpreted the Greek key motif in designs for more than 40 years, and for fall, Donatella Versace has created a geometric take featuring sharp angles and clean lines in a sophisticated color palette. Among the pieces in the La Greca collection is this belted flared jacket in red and black silk jacquard with a splash of bright blue, which can be paired with a matching dress or miniskirt.

More Logo Looks

Furla

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.617.9629

In 2019 Furla introduced its “Arch” logo, so named because its inspiration comes from the arch at the entrance of Fondazione Furla in Bologna, Italy. The brand was founded in 1927, and that decade’s Art Deco influences can be felt in the logo design, which is used in an allover print on Furla’s new collection of “Opportunity” bags, including this shopping-bag style in blue denim jacquard.

Coach

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.979.1771

Stuart Vevers has done a masterful job at Coach since taking the reins as creative director in 2013, balancing edgy, youthful collaborations with a sincere respect for the more traditional silhouettes and signatures that over the years have spawned such a dedicated fanbase. The Rogue 25 top-handle bag from the Coach Forever Collection is a perfect example, blending a two-tone glove-tanned leather and suede treatment with the label’s signature double-C textile jacquard.

Maje

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.557.2842

Founder Judith Milgrom named Maje using the initials of the first names of her loved ones, while her M for Maje logo is a creative take that puts the M monogram on center stage in a graphic treatment. That’s especially true of this mid-length dress with an allover logo print, featuring a wrapped V-neckline, asymmetric scarf-style skirt and smocked waist.

Tory Burch

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.689.0450

Bucket bags are trending, and Tory Burch’s take on the classic highlights the designer’s T monogram, a pattern inspired by traditional Pennsylvania Dutch quilting. The woven jacquard is paired with hazelnut-hued leather and brass-finish hardware, while a removable strap allows the bag to be worn crossbody style.

Ganni

Level 1, Bloomingdale’s Wing
949.612.9300

The Copenhagen-based Ganni is only 21 years old, but you’d never know it from the 20th-century references and the frenzy among clients for new pieces. That includes this Checkerboard Knit Logo Vest for fall, crafted in cotton rope knit and finished with a woven graphic Ganni logo and a trio of faux-leather buttons on one shoulder. Followers of cult brand Ganni, can announce their fandom in unabashed fashion.

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