Don Julio
& Popeyes
Michael DelPup Designs
I was put in touch with a fashion company to create designs for an event collaboration during the 2025 Super Bowl with two brands as a seemingly unlikely combination. Even though the designs I created weren’t chosen for the event, helping someone in need is one of the main reasons I became a designer over 15 years ago! I loved the way the designs turned out and of course, who doesn’t love Don Julio and Popeyes.
After diving deep into each company, their specific designs styles, unique food/bottle shapes, and signature illustrations, I created countless sketches where I was able to capture the essence of Popeyes with the sophistication of Don Julio and presented over 10 designs that switched focuses with alternative colorways and adjustments. Within less than 5 days I was able to merge the two different styles of design into one delicious pairing.
This became a passion project for me, through self initiated illustrations, photography, and stylistic direction as a fun way to combine these company’s brands. Instead of an unconsidered placement of logomarks, I wanted to create designs that meant something for the everyday person who enjoys Popeyes and Don Julio on a regular basis. Most of the stylistic imagery seen below was chosen to represent the event as though this was “the party of year”, shot through a digital flash camera from the 2000’s and one with a cinematic undertone.
PRESENTING
The Letterman Jacket
Along with the commemorative swag created for everyday use, I wanted to have an elevated item that pushed the theme of football and sophistication of Don Julio. My vision was a leather sleeved letterman jacket, for functionality and it’s tie-in with classic football varsity jackets. Having the wool and leather parts brown as a common color in both brands and football while using pops of orange to give it some flair and accentuate Popeye’s iconic color along with it being a similar orange to the other graphic elements used in Don Julios Reposado. The patches used throughout the jacket call back to all the other designs created and were envisioned to have a mix of materials, textures, and print styles such as felt, rubber, and chenille (mimicking fried chicken).
