It has been a while since London 2012 and their infamous “Lisa Simpson” Olympic games logo, that caused controversy and a lot of backlash from people around the world. After 12 years we have another woman to make fun of - this time it is Marianne: historic symbol of French liberty and republic that inspired this year’s logo for Paris 2024.
Even though the initial idea and concept do have sense and are a good base for an amazing visual execution, once again they have fallen short of making something memorable (for good).
The meme culture is doing its thing, so there are numerous versions already out there. From my perspective, considering all the comments, I would say and agree that the logo which is combined of 3 symbols: the gold medal, Olympic flame, and Marianne, looks (at best) as if Tinder and Starbucks logos had an ugly baby.
Putting the luscious lips of today's Kardashian beauty standards on a negative space of the flame, and a “Karen” hairstyle if you really look at it; sounds more like a 2028 Los Angeles brief for a logo. Plus it connects the worst of both worlds and what we get is the sixth sister: Karen Marianne Kardashian in the end. Maybe this kind of logo would be of better use on some makeup products or hair salons for middle aged women.
Since they wanted to pay homage to the 1900 Olympic games, also held at Paris and are memorable for the women competing for the first time, this doesn't do it justice. In the era of being woke and inclusivity, this doesn't seem like something to be proud of as women. Our concept is based on powerful and athletic women – lets make it as feminine as possible, some make up and hair should do it!? From a design perspective, the negative space of the flame forming luscious lips and the hairstyle resembling the "Karen" haircut do not evoke the powerful, athletic image of women that the Olympic Games should celebrate. Instead, they inadvertently trivialize the representation of female athletes, focusing on superficial attributes rather than strength, grace, and determination.
The decision to use the same logo for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games is another point of contention. While it could be seen as an attempt to unify and promote inclusivity, the lack of a distinct visual identity for the Paralympic Games diminishes the unique and significant achievements of Paralympic athletes. This oversight suggests a lack of effort and consideration in honouring the distinctiveness of both events.
What are your thoughts on Karen Kardashian?
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