Icon – Jeddah (prototype)

When I first learned that a private collection containing several Starbucks prototype mugs was being offered for sale, I expected to find color variations or minor manufacturing differences. What I didn’t expect were design changes that reveal part of the creative process behind the final mug.

This Icon Jeddah prototype is one of those fascinating examples.

At first glance, it looks almost identical to the production mug. The city name, colors, and the historic Nasseef House featured on the front are all there. But a closer look reveals one notable difference: a large tree stands in front of the building on the prototype, partially obscuring the view. Interestingly, the tree is actually there in real life, making the prototype the more geographically accurate of the two designs. Yet before the mug went into production, Starbucks chose to remove it, giving the historic building a much cleaner and more prominent appearance.

Why was the tree removed? We can only speculate, but it was likely a design choice better to showcase one of Jeddah’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a small change, yet it offers a fascinating glimpse into how the artwork evolved before reaching store shelves.

The owner has decided to offer this Icon Jeddah prototype for sale. If you’ve been looking for something that very few collectors will ever have the opportunity to own, this is certainly one of those pieces.

If you’re seriously interested in adding this prototype to your collection, you can contact the seller directly at: sourgummies2026@gmail.com

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you prefer the prototype with the tree, or do you think Starbucks made the right decision by removing it before production? That single design change completely alters the way the historic building is presented.