The North Face Logo
The North Face is one of the world’s top brands for mountaineering and outdoor clothing and equipment. The logo is classic, simple and with hidden meaning. It may also be one of the most counterfeited logos in history!
The North Face logo design was inspired by the ‘Half Dome’ peak in the Yosemite National Park, California. The Half Dome, reaching 2694m, is the southernmost summit of Indian Ridge and is named for its distinctive shape. One side is a sheer granite face while the other 3 sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half.
The North Face Logo
The North Face logo was created by the Californian graphic designer David Alcorn in 1971. David is a now a partner at Zartists.com specialising in upmarket book design.
The logo features a slightly slanted quarter-circle, representing The Half Dome, with two lines marked inside it. The typeface used for the lettering is the classic Helvetica Bold.
Inspired By Mountaineers
In 1964, Douglas and Susie Tompkins started The North Face, Inc. as a mail order and retail company, selling rock climbing and camping equipment. The early years set the design standard of good quality sleeping bags, backpacks, and mountaineering tents. The Tompkinses designed tents that were some of the first to avoid a pole in the middle, by using bendable rods threaded through exterior sleeves instead. This design also increased the strength of the tent because the domed shape allowed the wind to roll over it. These tents have been widely copied throughout the world. In 1966, the first The North Face store was opened; the band The Grateful Dead played at the grand opening. A second store followed in the Old barn at Stanford.
In 1968, Tompkins sold out his stake to Kenneth “Hap” Klopp for $50,000, using the profit to join his wife in co-founding Esprit, a fashion house. Tompkins sold The North Face with the intention of a focus on adventure film making and became a notable conservationist.
An Inspiration to Designers Everywhere
At SEO Blackpool, we love simple, classic logo designs. The North Face Logo has all this and more, especially with its almost-hidden meaning. Great brand, great products and a great logo.
Chris Giles is the owner of CGain Web Design & SEO and has been involved in the internet industry since the early 1990’s. He has been the marketing manager of several multi-million turnover companies. He is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM) and a Fellow of The Institute of Data and Marketing (F IDM).
1964
Mail Order Business Started
1966
Retail Store Founded
Climbing equipment store founded in San Francisco by Douglas & Susie Hopkins
1966
1968
Bought by Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp
1980’s
Skiwear added to the range
1980’s
1990’s
Sportswear Market Entered
Late 1990’s
Footwear added to the range
Late 1990’s
2000
Bought by VF Corporation
Bought for $25.4 million
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The North Face mean?
‘The North Face’ refers to the famous ‘Half Dome’ Granite peak in Yosemite, California.
Who Designed The North Face Logo?
The logo was designed by the Californian graphic designer David Alcorn in 1971, now a notable designer of upmarket books.
Who founded The North Face?
The company was founded in 1964 by outdoor enthusiast (and later conservationist) Douglas Tomkins and his wife Susie.
Who is The North Face owned by?
The North Face is owned by The VF Corporation, they purchased the brand from Hap Klopp.
