Germany 2006 Icons
Germany 2006 Icons
In the world of football, there are some real gems in the rough. These are the things that are truly remarkable in terms of innovation, design and creativity.
There are many great moments in soccer history, but one of the most memorable was probably when screw-in studs made lightweight football boots more stylish than ever before. When German national football team captain Franz Beckenbauer and his adidas teammates wore the studs, their groundbreaking sneakers became an instant icon on the football pitch and a worldwide brand name for its manufacturer.
Another great moment in the game's history was when the world's most recognizable trophy, the FIFA World Cup trophy, was introduced as an official logo. Like the Russia mark this year, it features the World Cup trophy in its best light: a shape inspired by a Faberge egg, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Sputnik.
What's the best thing about these kinds of designs, says Miguel Viana, chief creative officer of brand design firm Brandia Central, is their ability to be reinterpreted by new host countries with minimal effort on the part of the original designers.
That's what makes them a bit of a technological marvel. And they also encapsulate a lot of important information, albeit on a small scale.
The best of all worlds is when the most aesthetically pleasing design also produces a meaningful message. Whether it's a logo that demonstrates the latest scientific breakthrough, or a simple homage to a historical event, it's a good idea for brands to be more than just a logo on paper and a logo on a billboard.