Fashion e-tailer Myntra has decided to change its Myntra logo following complaints by an activist woman named Naaz Patel from NGO Avesta Foundation that it resembled that of female anatomy, prompting her to make this case on various forums and social media.
Brand experts note that this case illustrates how brands react when facing negative press coverage: either alter their design to appear less offensive, or bow out and withdraw altogether.
Table of Contents
What is wrong with Myntra logo?
About Myntra:
Myntra is a fashion e-commerce platform offering Indian and international brands, in addition to their own. Established in 2007, it is part of Flipkart and recently caused controversy when one woman complained that its logo offensively depicted women by mimicking an image of a naked body.
Myntra responded to the backlash surrounding its logo by redesigning it with an image depicting a silhouetted woman wearing both shorts and a sweater, making the new Myntra logo less cluttered and modern; available across its website, app, and packaging.
Though Myntra may find its logo controversy troubling, it will unlikely impact their business in any significant way. Instead, it may actually help Myntra by increasing customer trust and building stronger customer relationships through customer reviews and other forms of social proof – including using its new logo to showcase its commitment to women’s rights – standing it apart from its competitors and reinforcing brand identity.
Who filed a case against the Myntra logo?
Myntra recently had to alter its logo following a complaint filed by Naaz Patel of Mumbai-based Avesta Foundation NGO that the logo insults women. Since filing the complaint against Myntra e-commerce site, Naaz has become subject to online trolling and harassment for her actions.
Myntra’s logo may resemble an alphabet ‘M’ with various shades of pink and orange; however, activists viewed the symbolism of its letters as depicting an naked woman and were outraged. They demanded Myntra remove their logo immediately while encouraging others to join their cause.
Myntra soon had to make a public apology and announced they will change their logo across all apps, websites and packaging material to prevent further uproar. Although Myntra did the right thing by changing their Myntra logo quickly, not everyone saw things the same way; some individuals may perceive offensive aspects in seemingly innocent statements made by brands.
It’s essential for brands to remember not all people can perceive things the same way; some individuals might interpret things offensively even without proper context being provided.
Who is the woman who sued Myntra?
Myntra, the fashion e-commerce giant, announced it is altering its logo after an activist from Mumbai claimed it to be offensive to women. The new design will soon appear across Myntra’s app, website and packaging material, following a complaint filed by Naaz Patel from Avesta Foundation NGO with Mumbai cyber cell.
Complainants claimed Myntra logo was insulting to women, prompting them to demand action from the company. Flipkart-backed Myntra responded quickly by promising to change it within one month.
Naaz Patel filed a police complaint alleging that Myntra’s logo depicts a depiction of female anatomy which insults women, and compares the symbol to something bad to stir controversy. While many individuals had pointed out such interpretations of its logo before Naaz filed her police complaint; this action markedly differed and likely accounts for why Myntra agreed so quickly to alter their brand imagery. It should serve as an important lesson to all brands who need to learn how to address consumers who point out distasteful interpretations of their imagery from consumers who point them out in order to remain profitable and survive in business.
What is Myntra Logo design controversy?
Myntra was receiving significant criticism for its logo which many found offensive to women as it depicts the backside of a female figure resembling sexual content. Therefore, Myntra decided to alter its trademark.
Myntra’s new logo is sleeker and less seductive; however, its implementation has caused controversy and debate on whether Myntra was right in changing their decision.
Keep in mind that logos should not be sexually suggestive; rather, they represent your brand’s personality. Still, different people can interpret your logo differently so it may take multiple attempts at pleasing everyone before finding one suitable to use as your brand symbol.
Change of logo can be an expensive and time-consuming process that can create confusion with consumers and consume resources in terms of new packaging, receipts, etc. Therefore, businesses must carefully consider their decisions when altering or replacing logos.
What is Myntra design controversy?
Logo design mistakes can often lead to outrage, as witnessed in the Myntra logo controversy. Following feedback from social workers and some users on social media that found its letter “M” decorated with shades of pink and orange to be “indecent, derogatory and denigrating to women”, Myntra was forced to revamp their five-year-old brand mark after redesigning it following demands by both.
Logo design mistakes can often lead to outrage, as witnessed in the Myntra logo controversy. Following feedback from social workers and some users on social media that found its letter “M” decorated with shades of pink and orange to be “indecent, derogatory and denigrating to women”, Myntra was forced to revamp their five-year-old brand mark after redesigning it following demands by both.
Naaz Patel of Avesta Foundation filed a formal complaint with Mumbai Cyber Cell against Myntra alleging their new logo depicted a woman’s vagina in an offensive way. Additionally, she raised this matter across social media platforms.
Myntra quickly responded and announced they would change the logo across their website, app, packaging materials and printing orders with the revised design. They have even begun issuing printing orders with this logo change.
This episode illustrates how easily even minor changes can cause massive uproar online, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant against online trolls and taking care when designing logos. Logo designers can learn a great deal from this controversy and keep in mind that logos may be seen differently by different audiences.
What is the case study of Myntra logo controversy?
As a brand, Myntra needs to be sensitive to consumer needs and address their concerns; yet not be intimidated into changing its image without proper justification; otherwise customers could become misled and this could create serious problems down the road.
Naaz Patel of Mumbai filed a formal complaint with the state cyber police alleging that Myntra’s old logo was offensive to women. She claimed the M resembled the legs of an unshaven woman which she found offensive.
Patel claimed that Amazon sexualized its depictions of women, prompting her to demand its removal as well as action against it. Her claims caused an uproar on social media and were taken up by various forums.
Although Myntra’s logo might seem innocuous to some, its controversy illustrates that even seemingly straightforward symbols can provoke controversy due to people having different interpretations and their imagination running wild – some people found the symbol offensive while others did not see any issue with it.
Conclusion
Myntra was forced to alter its logo after a Mumbai activist filed a police complaint alleging it is offensive to women. She demanded Myntra (owned by Flipkart-backed e-commerce giant Flipkart) remove and take corrective actions against it, also raising her concerns across various forums and social media channels.
Myntra logo appears to resemble the outline of a woman’s vagina, says activist. As such, Myntra violates women’s rights and privacy in an “extreme manner”.
Experts contend that it would be unfair and inappropriate for any company’s insignia to represent an outline of a female body, particularly given the growing awareness about gender issues. They note this argument would be particularly offensive given current standards in gender equity awareness.
Additionally, they note that logos aren’t the sole indicator of a brand’s identity; brands should instead consider how stakeholders perceive various aspects of the brand – including its logo – in terms of perceptions from stakeholders before reacting emotionally, according to Ramesh Narayan, founder of Canco Advertising. He notes Myntra has strong user experiences as well as an outstanding return/exchange policy which have contributed towards customer loyalty.
Also read our article about:
Thank you for reading our article-What is wrong with Myntra logo- Myntra Logo Changes – Woman Alleges Myntra Logo Is Offensive to Women. If you want more informative and interesting stuff, please visit our website.
To Know more about Tokyo Talkies latest offers and discounts please visit Myntra Website