MEGA Man gets the inside scoop as Nicolo Perez shares his creative process when he designed the newest uniform for this well-known fast food chain
In the Philippines, fast food spots are more than just places to eat; they’re where our treasured memories reside, from post-mass visits to birthday bashes. Yet, for Filipino designer Nicolo Perez, they became a canvas for his fashion expertise. In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, Nicolo shares his journey of redesigning Jollibee’s uniforms, introduces his latest collection, and discusses his future aspirations as a designer.
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Threads of joy
Nicolo mentioned that this wasn’t his first collaboration with Jollibee Foods Corporation as he had previously worked with two of their other chains. However, when the opportunity arose to redesign Jollibee’s uniforms, he admitted that he eagerly hoped to lead the design. “When I was approached to design this project, of course I was very happy since I was manifesting to get the job, but I also felt very pressured since the designs would be perceived by so many people,” he remarked.
Bridging fun and flavor
The task handed to him was straightforward: capture the fun, vibrant spirit of the fast food chain and incorporate their signature colors into his design. Nicolo’s approach also involved crafting something that harmonized with the inviting ambiance of the new Jollibee stores by opting for a navy foundation with touches of the brand’s distinctive hue. Discussing his creative process, the designer noted, “It was a lot of trial and error while taking into consideration the branding and practical requirements for the design.”
Nicolo took to Twitter to showcase the various versions he had made. During our conversation, he revealed his experimentation with lighter shades, considering their appeal, but had to pivot due to the demands of a fast-food setting—prioritizing stain resistance in the uniforms. Ultimately, the predominantly navy blue design was chosen, focusing on practicality without compromising the lively, joyful vibe synonymous with the Jollibee brand. He also mentioned the brand’s freedom to use his designs indefinitely, although he acknowledged that they tend to refresh uniforms approximately every five years.
Double delights
After his significant design endeavor, Nicolo also recently unveiled his newest collection, Another Day, drawing inspiration from the ever-shifting play of light and shadow. Central to his latest pieces was the idea of wearability, aiming to create garments accessible to many. From the intricate wavy line details to playful cuts, Nicolo’s collection extends an invitation to embrace comfort and style simultaneously. Expressing great pride in his work, he noted, “I think what makes this collection special is that we’ve somehow perfected and even developed some of our previous shapes and techniques.”
Taste of tomorrow
The horizon undoubtedly looks promising for this Filipino designer. Following a successful pop-up launch at PHx station in Greenbelt 5, where his latest collection is currently available, he’s now focused on making it accessible online. Simultaneously, he’s already setting his sights on his next collection, with plans to introduce a wider array of looks and pieces. Talking about his biggest fashion aspiration as of the moment, the designer shared, “I’m really, really hoping to get to present a collection or collections next year on a runway setting since I have yet to do that with a full collection.” Surrounded by endless prospects and his unmistakable creative spirit, Nicolo’s commitment to expanding his offerings and nurturing his brand’s evolution is certainly an exciting journey to watch.
Photos: NICOLO PEREZ (via Twitter and Instagram)
