Happlify style guide: happy trend alert Smiley

The mother of all emojis is the good old Smiley. Do you think of the 90's when you see the cheerful yellow icon? It was really designed in the 60's and every thirty years it just comes back. Because it is a 'classic', we don't mind this trend very much. And if you just keep your Smiley fashion for thirty years, you will be completely hip again in 2050.

Where does the Smiley come from?

The 🙂 face is one of the most used symbols in the digitized world. A simple yellow circle with a big smile and two black dots. Since graphic designer Harvey Ball designed Smiley Smiley in 1963 as part of an advertising campaign, the symbol has become indispensable. You can see his original design here. He himself never became rich from it. The design earned him $45.

Smiley and fashion

Bands like Nirvana and the Acid House genre relied heavily on the smiley in their marketing as early as the 1990s. And in recent years, the Smiley has been appearing more and more often in the street style scene, which means that the major fashion houses are once again seeing money in the good mood sticker of yesteryear.

Why is Smiley so popular again?

But why are Smiley shirts, jewelry and socks with smiley prints so popular these days? Probably because we desperately need: cheerfulness. Two years of Corona will have an impact and if the weather remains gray we sometimes need 'something' to put us in a good mood. The best therapy for the winter blues is the approaching spring (sun) and failing that: Smiley!

1 - Smiley pajama/lounge set

Do you want to be at your happiest with a game of Netflix & chilling on the couch? Then this is your outfit. It doesn't matter what age you are. This is just fun and cozy. And when the 90's calls, you just don't answer. ASOS - €48.99

2 - Smiley necklace

It really doesn't get much more fun for a tenner. If you look carefully, I might still have it somewhere in the attic, along with my long white leather boots. But in 2022 you can get a very fresh one at Monki. Monki - €10

3 - Smiley vase

I'm so happy that it can still be Mother's Day this year. This happy vase is number 1! Nice for a small bouquet, but also as storage for your pencils or pens, or make-up brushes. Madame la Poule - €38.90

4 - Smiley® x Happy Socks

Look, Happy Socks understands that, entering into a collab with the one and only Smiley. What wonderful designs again. A very good reason for a new pair of socks, right?! Happy Socks - from €13.95

The history of Smiley in 7 minutes

Would you like to know more about Smiley? Here's a cheesy American video with an interview with Harvey Ball 🙂

The author: Mariko Naber

Branding expert and online entrepreneur Mariko is the happy brain behind Happlify. Together with partner Mark, she runs Happlify, Sell your stuff online and branding agency Loaded ink BNO . She loves feel good, random acts of kindness, meatballs, chocolate mousse, family time, sea, piña colada, sugar & spice and everything nice.

Source and image: World Smile Day