From Cardi B to BTS, who hasn’t collaborated with McDonald’s? An American dream made big through hard work, good food, and brilliant marketing, the US-based but globally renowned fast-food brand which quickly gained dominance over the food industry, has been looking to other sectors for their marketing ploys. Tapping both the music and clothing industries, a long slew of celebrities and designers have taken turns in collaborating with the clown, and it seems many more are on the horizon.
Collaborating with everyone from iconic musicians to recognisable clothing brands, McDonald’s has been churning out partnerships like there’s no tomorrow. Just last week the brand announced a selection of apparel with CLOT, featuring ketchup red hoodies, tote bags with golden-arch inspired handles, and a reusable McDonald’s branded cup. Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable, most random, and most iconic McDonald’s collabs from the past few years.
McDonald’s partnering up with celebrities usually involves a meal added to the menu under their name, available for a short time only. Arguably one of their most iconic collaborations in this style was with none other than Travis Scott: the US rapper released a meal with the brand as well as a limited edition t-shirt in partnership with Cactus Plant Flea Market.
Back in February, the iconic celebrity couple Cardi B and Offset released not only a meal for McDonald’s but also a collection of merch in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Featuring t-shirts with slogans like “nice buns” and widely known lyrics from their songs, the collaboration was undoubtedly intended to cause a stir. Whilst the brand is a favourite fast food spot for many, it’s not stereotypically a date-night destination. Unless you’re Cardi B and Offset, of course, chasing that bag.
You might remember McDonald’s Finland producing a new line of limited uniforms for the fast food giant in November last year. Working with Finnish-based fashion brand VAIN, the partnership featured everything from elevated versions of McDonald’s classic uniform to loose tailoring, leather moto-jackets, and belted mini skirts. Whilst the collection wasn’t available to purchase, it could be won by Finnish employees who entered a draw. We stay jealous.
It seems that everyone wants a piece of this apple pie, and undoubtedly it’s because we will never stop buying it. We’ve all seen that video of Jamie Oliver showing children how chicken nuggets are made, but has it stopped us buying them? No. The buzz around a new McDonald’s collaboration – whether it’s available in your area or not – is massive, and whilst clothing brands do have to conceptualise a McDonald’s themed collection, all celebrities are required to do is taste a few burgers and stamp their name on a wrapper. McDonald’s bag might be made of brown paper, but it’s full of cash.
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