Interviewing Julien Macdonald OBE About His McDonalds Collaboration

My life seems to get more exciting and unexpected by the day, I literally never know what might pop up in my inbox!

I’d like to add that I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities which come my way, whether it’s popping up on the telly, writing my first book (out in March next year) or getting to hang out and collaborate with creative heroes of mine on a regular basis.

I adore my job (which is why I’m a bit of a workaholic) and spend the most part, pinching myself that I get to do what I love, every single day.

Take the other week when I was invited to an intimate press day to meet and interview fashion designer Julien Macdonald OBE at McDonald’s Leicester Square where it was revealed he’d designed a one-off bespoke McDonald’s box of dreams.

This opulent box for the Signature Collection marked an amazingly decadent and innovative collab as fashion meets food in Julien’s interpretation of a luxe burger box for McDonald’s Signature Collection, its popular and utterly delicious range of gourmet burgers.

As you know, I went behind-the-scenes at McDonald’s last month, making a Big Mac and experiencing their digital make-over first-hand. The beef is 100% British and Irish beef, the quality of ingredients top-notch and the brand’s charitable ethos was truly impressive.

I felt honoured to be back, this time witnessing the most beautiful creation of a box from the man whose unique red carpet gowns and embellished styles have cemented him as a go-to designer for A-list international talent.

Just look at the crystal detailing, embellishment and bespoke digital print on the box, plus those iconic Golden Arches of course-and I got one of the very limited edition ‘sister’ boxes which is going to house some of my most favourite statement earrings.

I loved chatting to Julien who complimented me on my dress and kindly invited me to his LFW show. A down-to-earth creative genius, he was warm, passionate and a long-time fan of McDonald’s as you’ll discover when you watch my vlog, below.

Julien shared the inspiration behind the box,

‘I drew inspiration from my fashion creations and iconic embellished red carpet dresses. This was translated into a gold baroque crystal encrusted box, which is the perfect packaging for the luxury McDonald’s Signature Collection burger’.

The Signature Collection has been on trial in selected restaurants, and following great customer response, will now be available in over 900 McDonald’s restaurants across the UK by year-end as a permanent fixture. I love the range as you can see below!

The Julien Macdonald boxes will be in a limited run of 1,000 and only available at a series of McDonald’s showcase events around the UK. Opportunities are being explored to raffle Julien’s box with the proceeds of its auction going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Emily Somers, Vice President of Marketing at McDonald’s commented: ‘This is our first ever UK packaging collaboration, it’s a brave and exciting move and it’s like nothing we’ve ever done before. To partner with such an iconic designer as Julien Macdonald is fantastic, and his beautifully designed star-studded box complements The Signature Collection perfectly and is a great way to mark our nationwide launch of The Signature Collection’.

 The Signature Collection was designed for McDonald’s by the Chefs Council, led by Duncan Cruttenden, McDonald’s UK Director of Food Development. The Council is responsible for food development and flavour and is made up of chefs and international food specialists who have worked in Michelin Star restaurants and cooked for royalty.

You can find our more at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/signaturecollection .

What a wonderful day mixing my two loves: fashion and food!

Have you tried the Signature Collection yet or got your hands on one of Julien’s limited edition boxes?

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