It’s not every day you get a dish from a two-Michelin-starred chef inspired by the colors and fabrics of a lifestyle brand. Yet that was Chef Josh Boutwood’s breakthrough dish at an event celebrating BOCU’s upcoming summer collection, as well as the launch of his partnership with the Filipino fashion brand as their brand ambassador.
Known for its understated aesthetic that celebrates craft and timelessness, BOCU took over Helm, the country’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant, for its Notes on Taste event. The night featured an exceptional tasting menu prepared by Boutwood and the chefs at Helm, as well as a conversation on passion and precision that runs through BOCU’s measured approach to creating its latest collection with intention.
The summer collection is defined by “refined silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and softened structures,” as BOCU describes in a statement, veering away from loud colors and patterns toward quiet comfort. Like the dinner itself, the latest release focuses on the stillness that summer brings, highlighted by the same philosophy found in Boutwood’s lauded work: “precision without excess, and a quiet confidence that allows materials to speak.”
Whether it’s a slow day in the city or a quiet vacation outside of it, the summer line celebrates an inner confidence that just takes things at a steady pace. The new collection, like the brand itself, seamlessly balances strength and softness. Reminiscent of quiet luxury, but doesn’t break the bank.
Alongside Boutwood, the dinner was hosted by Bryan Liu, Vice President for Strategy and Operations at Golden ABC; Amanda Liu, BOCU Brand Manager; and Gino Cruz, Marketing and Communications Director at Golden ABC. The three emphasized BOCU’s commitment to bringing an elevated ease to everyday living from its apparel to these dinners themselves, where guests talked about their passion for their respective crafts with a fantastic meal at the center of it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chef Josh Boutwood, known for his work at Helm — the country’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant — has been named brand ambassador for Filipino fashion label BOCU, marking the partnership’s launch alongside BOCU’s summer collection.
The collection is defined by refined silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and softened structures, moving away from loud colors and patterns toward quiet comfort, a design philosophy BOCU describes as reflecting stillness and inner confidence.
BOCU took over Helm restaurant for a tasting menu event prepared by Chef Josh Boutwood and the Helm team, pairing the meal with conversation about the precision and intentionality behind BOCU’s design process.
The dinner was hosted by Bryan Liu, Vice President for Strategy and Operations at Golden ABC; Amanda Liu, BOCU Brand Manager; and Gino Cruz, Marketing and Communications Director at Golden ABC.
Both are described as prioritizing “precision without excess, and a quiet confidence that allows materials to speak,” a philosophy BOCU says runs through both Boutwood’s cooking and the brand’s measured approach to its summer collection.
