Ever since Starbucks opened its doors in 1971, the Siren has been the brand’s enduring logo that invites customers inside its stores across the world. Today, even as the smiling Starbucks barista hands over your handcrafted beverage, you see the iconic image at the center of the cup, a symbol that promises not just great coffee but also great moments of connection.
Taken from a Norse woodcut from an old maritime book, the two-tailed siren pays homage to the seafaring history of Seattle as a port city and the journey of coffee itself, which until now is often being transported across the seas.
This September, Starbucks reimagines the biggest symbol of its brand with the release of its limited-edition Anniversary Collection. Themed the “Celestial Beauty of the Undersea”, the artwork has ethereal qualities with the siren swimming in a sea of stars.
As for its Anniversary Blend which started in 1996 to commemorate its 25th year, Starbucks celebrates its legacy of coffee roasting, blending expertise and craftsmanship with a bold fusion of aged Sumatra, Papua New Guinea and Indonesian coffees blended together and roasted. The result is a complex and full-bodied cup with spicy and earthy flavors that surprises with each sip. Available in whole bean and VIA® format.
Along with the Anniversary Blend is the special Anniversary Collection which includes a wide array of merchandise catered to varied tastes. As part of its celestial theme, the line features a palette of cool shades of blue and white with hints of copper. The Siren artwork engages customers with its playful and alluring deep-sea elements, and provides a layer of whimsy to the collection.
Another tribute to the mythical sea creature is the limited edition Anniversary Blend Card that features the siren’s blue-green tail with copper gold detailing that comes with a minimum activation of ₱500.00.
Through the years, the siren has continuously transformed along with Starbucks growing global community. When the company revamped itself into a coffeehouse in 1987, its muse was colored an emerald green and given a more contemporary look. In 1992, the logo was zoomed in on the siren, focusing on her wavy locks and warm smile with just hints of her two tails. Eventually, 2011 ushered the biggest change yet as the siren broke away from her circle and became the icon that we all know today. Now, she remains the welcoming face of Starbucks, pulling in coffee-lovers with her enigmatic smile.
* Starbucks Anniversary Blend, VIA, and Merchandise photos taken at Starbucks Singapore Facebook Page.