The Zalando logo symbolizes modernity, versatility, and accessibility, reflecting the brand’s commitment to offering a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories for everyone. The emblem’s design, with its recognizable orange drop, conveys energy and dynamism and highlights the company’s focus on serving a diverse audience.
Zalando began in Berlin in 2008, when students David Schneider and Robert Gentz launched an online shoe store. Inspired by the American retailer Zappos, they first called the project Ifansho, then renamed it Zalando because the name sounded fashionable and Italian. At first, the founders packed and shipped orders from their Berlin apartment.
In 2009, the Samwer brothers backed Zalando with major funding through Rocket Internet. The funding helped the company expand quickly and invest in marketing, including its first TV commercial. In 2010, Zalando entered Austria and the Netherlands, and its catalog expanded from shoes to clothing and accessories. In 2011, it entered France and the UK, launched its first mobile app, and reached €500 million in revenue by year-end.
In 2012, expansion continued into Scandinavia, Spain, and Italy, and the company opened its first large logistics center in Erfurt, Germany. In 2013, Zalando became profitable in German-speaking markets and launched a partner program for brands and retailers. On October 1, 2014, the company completed its IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of Europe’s major technology listings at the time.
From 2015 onward, Zalando worked on personalization, membership services, virtual fitting tools, partner logistics, beauty, premium loyalty services, and automated warehouses. In 2019, it added pre-owned clothing and brand advertising tools. In 2020, physical stores gained access to the platform. In 2021, Zalando entered Croatia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. By early 2023, it operated as one of Europe’s largest online fashion retailers.
Meaning and History
What is Zalando?
Founded in 2008 by Robert Gentz and David Schneider, Zalando is a German multinational fashion e-commerce giant. The company’s name was derived from combining the American shoe retailer Zappos and the German online marketplace Alando. Zalando was created to bring customers the latest fashion trends. The company’s extensive portfolio now includes apparel, accessories, and home goods; it operates in 23 countries and serves more than 14 million active customers.
2008 – 2010
2010 – 2016
2016 – today
The Zalando logo demonstrates how simplicity and expressiveness can be combined in one design. This element has become essential to the brand’s identity, reflecting its modern approach to selling clothing and footwear online. The visual design clearly conveys versatility and accessibility.
The graphic element features a triangle-like shape with rounded edges. It sits to the left of the text and is rendered in bright orange. This color conveys energy and positivity. The smooth lines and lack of sharp corners make the element visually appealing, while its guitar-pick-like shape conveys movement and dynamism.
The text is set in lowercase with soft, rounded lines, adding a contemporary feel. The letter “z” stands out with sharp internal angles, contrasting with the softer, more harmonious look of the other letters. This detail balances the design by combining structured elements with the text’s overall softness.
The logo’s color palette uses two tones: bright orange for the graphic symbol and black for the text. This combination highlights key elements without overcomplicating the design. The orange adds energy, while the black provides restraint and a solid foundation for readability.
The emblem perfectly suits an online store, simplifying the shopping process and emphasizing style. The smooth shapes, thoughtful color palette, and minimalist design underscore the brand’s commitment to a convenient, enjoyable shopping experience for everyone.




