The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality and friendship for more than half a century, and it has been an integral part of our brand since founder Chuck Williams opened the very first Williams Sonoma store in 1956.
The symbolic nature of the pineapple dates back as far as the fifteenth century, and none other than Christopher Columbus himself was credited with bringing the fruit to the attention of European courts after stumbling upon them on his second voyage to the Caribbean. Because pineapples didn’t grow easily in colder European climates, they could only be brought back from voyagers passing through tropical territories, so they were a rarefied treat and a came to be known as a real sign of generosity
Chuck Williams was a fan of the pineapple for this reason, incorporating it into the first store in Sonoma, Calif., when it opened 61 years ago. ” I designed a logo using a woodcut illustration of a pineapple,” our late founder once recalled. “Since the days of American colonies, when sea captains returned home from voyages, they would spear pineapples onto their fence posts to let neighbors know that their homes were open to visitors.”
To this day, the pineapple remains an important part of our identity. This year, we decided to give the original pineapple a modern update. Because Chuck’s pineapple was hand-carved in wood, we chose a sketch of a pineapple that came from the hand as well. In addition to being both fun and modern, we think our new pineapple speaks to our creativity and generosity.
Love this symbol of generosity as much as we do? Be sure to browse our new Pineapple Shop!
5 comments
[…] example, Williams Sonoma uses its iconic pineapple as its Instagram profile […]
As an art director, I imagine a little fantasy where there’s a designer in the corporate office who sketches the WSI pineapple on countless concept sketches and mockups — and having developed a trademark depiction, has earned some internal notice. Default Illustrator brush, hastily Wacom’ed. It has so much personality!
Accidental craftsmanship, born of years of preparation and expertise.
This is why my handwritten text messages look so much better than my boyfriend’s.
The Williams Sonoma pineapple has always represented class. The new pineapple sketch looks like it represents just the opposite. Perhaps you should hold a contest and ask customers to submit designs by a certain date. Afterwards, you can request votes on favorites.
If the free form drawing of a pineapple is your new symbol – I am not a fan of it. A bit too casual and also a tad sloppy looking. Think that perhaps it is time for a new pineapple design but don’t think what you’ve chosen is “the one”.
Maybe you should offer them your favorite version of the ”PINEAPPLE” LOL…