Branding Once Meant Logos. Today, It Means AI

When was the idea of a brand born? Maybe it's always been with us--or even before us. The show has some irresistibly charming pieces on view, from human-sized Starbucks cups to a blinding neon sign reading "Bitch, you're a fan" (a reference to Madonna's Instagram account). But perhaps the most provocative piece is a comprehensive timeline of branding, all the way from 1 BC to today, developed by senior manager Lauren Cascio and partner Matt Miksa. The time line begins with a simple argument: that the world has always been branded.