McDonald’s USA® Teams Up with Fashion Designer Joseph Altuzarra for Exclusive Holiday Lantern Collaboration to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

Bringing a stylish twist to a beloved holiday tradition, Altuzarra’s design is inspired by his cultural heritage and childhood memories of the Golden Arches

(CHICAGO, Sep. 9, 2022) – McDonald’s USA today announced a collaboration with internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra, to create an exclusive holiday lantern for this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

Altuzarra’s golden lantern creation represents the rich traditions of diverse Asian cultures through the lens of his signature style. This first-time collaboration underscores McDonald’s long-standing commitment to celebrate important cultural moments and shines a light on an intimate heritage story representing one of many diverse identities in the APA community. The lanterns will be free and made available to fans for a limited time here.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by Asian cultures and communities throughout the world to honor family, togetherness, and good fortune, colorful lanterns will be displayed in homes and public spaces to symbolize the light of the full moon and bring loved ones together. The Altuzarra + McDonald’s lanterns will be on full display at the following festivals on September 10:  Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival, Dallas, TX; 22nd Moon Festival, Flushing, NY; and Autumn Moon Celebration, San Francisco, CA.

Altuzarra drew inspiration for his collaboration with McDonald’s from childhood memories that included frequent visits for breakfast with his grandfather, whom he would visit in San Francisco every summer.  “I am so thrilled to partner with McDonald’s to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in such a special and meaningful way,” said Altuzarra. “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to work with a brand that holds such a personal and nostalgic place in my heart. For me, the Golden Arches will always be synonymous with family, which is also what this holiday is all about.” 

Inspired by his multicultural upbringing in Paris with a Chinese-American mother and French father, Altuzarra has designed dresses for trailblazing women. The Golden Arches tapped Altuzarra to create a modern take on the traditional lantern, drawing from his diverse cultural experiences growing up. He added the McDonald's classic golden hue to represent the bright light of the Autumn Moon.

“We’re excited to partner with an artist of Joseph’s caliber and track record,” said Veronica Thompson, McDonald’s Director of Multicultural Strategy. “His creation beautifully embodies our desire to be present and intimately connected with the APA community, especially during key cultural moments.”

About McDonald's USA   

McDonald's has always been committed to the communities it serves, and the people that make up those communities. Every day the brand takes steps to achieve a more equitable and inclusive future for our employees, Franchisees, suppliers, customers, and the communities we serve and foster. 

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.   

About Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra is the designer and creative director of the luxury women’s ready-to-wear brand Altuzarra and genderfull collection ALTU. Raised by a Chinese-American mother and French father in Paris, Joseph’s work champions his multicultural upbringing, drawing on art, film, and craft for inspiration. Commended by the CFDA as Womenswear Designer of the year in 2014 and the Accessories designer of the year in 2017, as well as being featured as a judge on Amazon’s ‘Making the Cut’ in 2020, Joseph is widely recognized as one of the most talented and lasting designers of his generation.