La Mexicana
How do you introduce the real Mexico to foodies half-way around the world?
Mexican cuisine is commonly mistaken for Tex-Mex. When one thinks of a Mexican restaurant, sombreros, maracas and burritos come to mind. So when our client decided to take authentic Mexican cuisine to Kuala Lumpur, they not only had to import many of their ingredients, they also had to create a brand that would fairly represent the rich, complex experience that is Mexican cuisine.
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and not far away from the Petronas Twin Towers, La Mexicana offered their patrons a carefully crafted menu paired with an environment void of cliches. With wonderfully eclectic decor comprising arts and crafts from around Mexico and a menu that was as original as it was exciting, dining here was a full gastronomic and sensory adventure.
La Mexicana needed a cohesive brand – including name, logo, signage, stationary and all communication materials – that would reflect the joie de vivre associated with Mexican culture. The brand needed to reflect the restaurant’s core values- vibrancy, authenticity, richness and craftsmanship – and needed to work well in the fast paced world of hospitality. But, most importantly, it needed to be recognisable as being authentically Mexican.
La Mexicana’s logo drew inspiration from the traditional colonial ironmongery found across the whole of Mexico. Its colour palette derived from the country’s rich textile tradition. The logo’s intricate twists and turns mimic the complexity of the cuisine while the imagery and iconography accompanying it bring out the warmth and approachability of the brand showcasing graphic elements extracted from decorative objects found on the premises. The result was an explosion of colour and textures that were as exciting as the food served. We created a brand that helped our client bring a piece of Mexico to Kuala Lumpur.