For the second time in history, McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, is transforming the concept of the Happy Meal, a product traditionally aimed at children, to cater to a more mature audience. This innovative idea was born out of a collaboration with Kerwin Frost, a renowned fashion designer known for his eclectic and avant-garde designs.
The “Kerwin Frost Box,” as it is being termed, maintains the nostalgic charm of the original kid’s meal but offers a more sophisticated culinary experience for adults who have grown up eating their fair share of Happy Meals. The adult meal combo includes a choice of 10-piece McNuggets or a Big Mac gourmet-style burger, an elevated version of the classic McDonald’s french fries, along with a beverage of choice.
The most exciting feature of the meal, however, is the inclusion of a Kerwin Frost-designed figurine in place of the traditional toy. Since it wouldn’t be a Happy Meal without a trinket, each meal includes one of six “McNugget Buddies” inspired by Kerwin’s childhood in Harlem.
The “McNugget Buddies,” which reference a series of McDonald’s-branded collectibles popularized in the ’80s and ’90s, each represent different aspects of self-expression and are all imbued with Frost’s distinctive artistic style, making them a valuable addition for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. According to McDonald’s, each box will come with one of the new “McNugget Buddy” collectibles, including Frost, Don Bernice, Uptown Moe, Waffutu, BRRRRICK or Darla.
Here are each of the McNugget Buddies you can collect:
Kerwin Frost
Uptown Moe
Waffutu
BRRRICK
Darla
Don Bernice
The Happy Meal packaging has also undergone a significant transformation. While retaining the iconic Happy Meal box shape, the design has been modernized to reflect a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Featuring Frost’s signature artwork, the box is a collectible item in its own right.
This strategic move by McDonald’s is a commendable attempt to expand its consumer base and appeal to a segment that has grown up with the brand. Much like the Cactus Plant Flea Market meal that took the world by storm last year, the Kerwin Frost meal capitalizes on the nostalgia associated with the Happy Meal while introducing an element of novelty through the partnership with Frost.
McDonald’s new Adult Happy Meal is more than just a meal. It is a trip down memory lane, a gourmet dining experience, and a fashion statement all rolled into one– a fascinating fusion of nostalgia, fashion, and gastronomy. It offers adults an opportunity to relive cherished childhood memories while enjoying a delectable meal. So, the next time you find yourself at a McDonald’s restaurant, consider trying the Adult Happy Meal. You might just find it’s the perfect blend of past and present.
The collaboration will also feature merchandise from McDonald’s and Kerwin Frost, which will be available at Kerwinfrost.com starting Dec. 11, while supplies last. A portion of the merchandise proceeds will be donated to the Harlem Arts Alliance, an organization that “helps spark creativity in young adults growing up in Harlem”.
According to the creator himself, he has high hopes for the collaboration’s impact, as it has allowed him to fulfill a childhood dream: “I’ve loved McDonald’s since I was a kid. I even had my own Ronald McDonald doll that I brought to picture day at school, and it was my dream to collect all the McNugget Buddies,” Kerwin said in a press release.
“Coming up with my own special set of Buddies − each one representing different aspects of self-expression − it’s unreal, a dream come true. I hope the Kerwin Frost Box will remind people to hone their creativity and not be afraid to show the world who they really are,” he added.
Kerwin Frost Happy Meals will be available at participating McDonald’s restaurants beginning December 11th.
