Style and function. This is what internationally acclaimed designer Rajo Laurel had in mind when he created the blueprint for Max's new uniforms.

Design for all

"I have always believed that Filipinos have excellent taste and that design is not exclusive to a certain segment of people. For this reason, we wanted to test the market on a broader scale. It's good because more companies are getting in-tuned with the ways of fashion today. Max's is the first of its kind to think about creating - designer uniforms' for their employees. They are actually a trailblazer," said Rajo.

Rajo Laurel, the country's most in demand designer today has been tapped by Max's to create the new uniform for its 112 branches all over the country, beginning with the pilot stores located at SM Megamall and Trinoma.

Fusion of old and new

"To me, Max's is about celebration- weddings, reunions and even first dates. It has always been close to the Filipino's heart. I want that sense of - being special' to be translated into the uniform. In creating the new design, I had to go to the grassroots level and understand the company's history and DNA, its goals and message."

Max's new uniform is a fusion of old and new concepts. Reminiscent of the 1950's, Rajo brings the old cotton denim material forward by utilizing modern techniques and technology. Black is integrated into the men's denim pants and the ladies' denim skirt, lending a modern twist to the design. A red belt accents the denim skirt for the ladies while an embroidered letter "M" further incorporates the brand into the uniforms. Gingham and polyester are used for the men's and ladies' top to ensure durability.

Customers today may appreciate the hip and on-the-go fashion sported by all of Max's delivery riders nationwide. Max's is targeting the 3rd quarter of the year to implement the new uniform for its branch managers, supervisors, cashiers and customer service assistants across all of its stores in the Philippines.

"I think that creating designs for clients like Max's has made me a better designer. It's a challenge both creatively, and also in terms of production. Unlike made-to-order clothes that are normally worn once or twice by the client, uniforms are used everyday. We had to consider shrinkage, comfort, color, and wear and tear of the clothes that we are making for Max's. The uniform should not only be stylish, it should also perform its function. To us, this is a set of - armor' for the person who will be wearing it," said Rajo.

A Colorful History

Max's, one of the country's leading fast-casual dining restaurant traces its roots to a family's generosity and passion for good food. The third generation of the family strives to continue this tradition through the quality of service and food that Max's offer. After more than six decades, Max's continue to innovate and expand, with initiatives to take the brand global in the next few years.

"The uniform is a very powerful motivational element for a company. To hire a designer for a company's workforce shows a lot about the value that it gives to its corporate image. More importantly, it shows how much the company cares for its employees," conveyed Rajo.