Bibendum, the Michelin man

Without a doubt one of the most iconic characters in the automotive sector is Bibendum, the Michelin man. This iconic character has been the image of the brand Michelin tires since 1898.

The Birth of Bibendum

Its history began back in 1894, when the Michelin brothers, Édouard and André, were in the Lyon World Fair. Looking at some stacked tires, Édouard thought: “With arms, I would be a man!” Four years later (in 1898) that idea would become a reality in 1898. André worked alongside the artist O'Galop and they made an advertisement with a guy with a rubber band celebrating with the phrase “Nunc est bibendum” (“Let’s drink a toast!”). That’s how Bibendum was born.

The first ad showed Bibendum, the Michelin man, with a glass full of nails and broken glass. The slogan said that Michelin tires ate problems, without chewing. This image caught on and was used in advertisements for fifteen years, almost an eternity.

Evolution of Bibendum

Initially, Bibendum presented an imposing appearance, with glasses and even a cigar in his mouth,

Over time, his image softened to become more friendly and approachable.

In the 1920s, Michelin encouraged a healthier lifestyle for Bibendum, and began depicting him doing sports and obviously not smoking. By then his image began to be used for different events and publications, including maps and travel guides.

Between 1950 and 1960 we can see how Bibendum adopted a more stylized silhouette, which was modernized by Michelin in 1998 to celebrate its centenary; two years later it was recognized as the best logo of the century by an international jury.

Trivia about Bibendum, the Michelin man

1. Why is it white? Before 1912, tires were beige or greyish in color. The black color was introduced by adding carbon to improve their strength.

2. Bibendum has its own mascot In US television commercials, Bibendum appeared alongside “Bubbles,” a little dog made of tires who starred in a story in which he got lost in a forest.

   

3. He doesn't like to talk In 1898, Bibendum "spoke" for the first and only time at the Paris Salon de la Rueda, thanks to a hired actor.

4. International fame Bibendum has appeared in comics such as Asterix, in the animated film Logorama (Oscar winner in 2010) and even wrote columns for an Italian travel magazine.

5. Iconic design  The designer Eileen Gray He created an armchair inspired by Bibendum, considered one of the most iconic works of 20th-century design. Today, his image remains so popular that decorative figures of Bibendum can be found in homes and businesses, paying homage to his legacy.

6. A restaurant in his honor In London, the restaurant «Claude Bosi at Bibendum» It is located in the former headquarters of Michelin and pays tribute to the mascot with mosaics and stained glass windows showing Bibendum toasting.

7. The impact of Michelin's neon Over the years, Bibendum's image has lit up cities with illuminated billboards, highlighting his iconic presence. Michelin's neon It has become a decorative element sought after by collectors and vintage design enthusiasts.

   

Bibendum, the Michelin man in garage style decor

La garage style decor has gained popularity, especially in spaces that seek to capture the essence of the motor world, whether cars or motorcycles, within the latter there are very interesting fusions such as the cafe racer style, (merger of style garage y Rock style), but this is another story. Returning to the subject at hand, style garage combines industrial elements with vintage touches, creating unique and characterful environments. Incorporate decorative figures from Bibendum, like the life-size doll, can add authenticity and an interesting focal point in this type of decorations.

In addition, in the lighting section we will not only find the classic Michelin Neon, which we talked about earlier, but we can also find the classic model of lamp commonly known as Michelin model, in addition to many others Classic opaline glass lamps  They not only provide lighting, but also evoke the nostalgia of classic workshops and service stations, being ideal complements for an atmosphere garage style.