The Iconic 'Laugh Now Cry Later' Logo - The Story Behind Vlone's Viral Design

The Story Behind the Iconic 'Laugh Now Cry Later' vlone Design

The 'Laugh Now Cry Later' design by vlone has become one of the most iconic and recognizable graphics in streetwear culture. With its enigmatic message and striking black-and-white smiling/crying face image, the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' logo perfectly encapsulates the emotional highs and lows of the streets. But where did this design come from and what is its deeper meaning?

Vlone - The Brainchild of A$AP Bari

Vlone was founded in 2014 by A$AP Mob member A$AP Bari. Along with several collaborators including rapper A$AP Rocky, A$AP Bari set out to create a new kind of streetwear brand that authentically represented the voices of young creatives from the streets. The 'V' in Vlone stands for 'vision' - a manifestation of A$AP Bari's creative vision for the brand.

Since its inception, Vlone has become hugely popular for its raw, unapologetic street style coupled with high-end construction and fabrics. Unlike other brands, Vlone does not shy away from controversy and topics considered taboo. Instead, it tackles difficult subjects head-on through collections like 'Friends' - exploring themes of crime, violence and fragility of life on the streets.

The Meaning Behind 'Laugh Now Cry Later'

The 'Laugh Now Cry Later' design first appeared on a Vlone tee shirt in 2015. It features a striking black-and-white illustration of a face with a laughing expression on one half and a crying expression on the other. 'Laugh Now Cry Later' is written above and below the face image in a bold, sans-serif font.

On one level, the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' graphic plays on the common saying - conveying the ups and downs of life and how one moment you can be laughing only to be crying the next. However, according to A$AP Bari, the logo has a much deeper meaning. It is meant to represent the struggle between good and evil that takes place internally and externally in all of us.

The laughing half depicts temptation, dark urges and hedonistic pleasure. The crying half represents the conscience, morality and potential regret. Together, they symbolize the inner conflict between living recklessly in the moment versus considering the future consequences of one's actions.

The Design Goes Viral

The 'Laugh Now Cry Later' tee shirt was an instant hit among fans drawn to its striking graphic and layered meaning. However, it was rapper Kanye West who truly catapulted the design into a viral cultural phenomenon. Kanye was spotted wearing the Vlone 'Laugh Now Cry Later' tee in early 2016, igniting a craze for the top on social media and within the hip hop community.

Almost overnight, the obscure Vlone logo became the 'must-have' streetwear item and supreme flex. Its distinctive graphic was heavily copied onto cheap imitations to meet demand. Over the years, 'Laugh Now Cry Later' has been reworked into various iterations including long-sleeve tees, hoodies, jerseys and jackets. Vlone has also collaborated with Nike, Timberland, Champion and other major brands to offer the iconic logo on various apparel and accessories.

Legacy of the Meme-worthy Logo

Today, the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' Vlone logo remains one of the most replicated and enduring designs within street and hypebeast fashion. It continues to represent a powerful dichotomy - speaking to unrepentant thrill-seeking and hedonism but also foreboding karma and darkness. The viral meme-worthy logo perfectly encapsulates the highs and lows of street life.

Through this single image, Vlone and A$AP Bari created a cultural symbol that connects with the inner duality experienced by youth faced with difficult decisions and realities growing up. Ultimately, the logo serves as both a reckless call-to-action and sobering reminder of consequences - inspiring introspection within the wearer.

The infamous 'Laugh Now Cry Later' epitomizes Vlone's vision - to spark conversation, controversy and reflection through fashion centered on the diverse voices and perspectives of the streets.

FAQs

Who created the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' logo?

The 'Laugh Now Cry Later' logo was created by A$AP Bari, co-founder of the streetwear brand Vlone.

When did the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' logo first appear?

The iconic Vlone 'Laugh Now Cry Later' logo first appeared on a t-shirt in 2015.

What does the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' logo mean?

The split 'Laugh Now Cry Later' face represents the internal struggle between living recklessly in the moment and facing the consequences of one's actions. It depicts both temptation and morality.

How did the logo go viral?

Rapper Kanye West wore the 'Laugh Now Cry Later' Vlone tee in 2016, igniting hype for the design on social media and in hip hop culture.

Why is the logo so iconic?

The graphic logo brilliantly encapsulates the emotional ups and downs of street life. It connects deeply with youth culture as a symbol of duality and consequence.