KAWS X Absolut
The new release reimagines Absolut's apothecary-shaped bottle through the lens of graffiti, fine art, and pop culture
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The next bottle of Absolut Vodka you pick up may just be worth displaying rather than drinking.
The bestselling Swedish spirits brand has unveiled an Artist Edition bottle designed by contemporary artist KAWS, reimagining Absolut Vodka’s iconic apothecary-shaped bottle through the lens of graffiti, fine art and pop culture.
First unveiled earlier this month, the ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition bottle is now available for purchase in select liquor stories around the country, as well as online through Total Wine.
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ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition Vodka
The bottle features an ocean blue wrap with KAWS’ signature “XX” motif and CHUM character on the front, and an image of an original Absolut painting by the artist on the back. The blue and white colors pay homage to the original Absolut logo, while a burst of yellow honors the Swedish flag.
Absolut says the collaboration reflects the brand’s “continued ambition to open minds and spark fresh perspectives through partnerships spanning art, fashion, music, and culture” (fans of Absolut may recall their series of bottles and paintings by Andy Warhol, some of which are on display at Spritmuseum in Stockholm).
KAWS, meantime, says he was excited to hop on a project that bridged the gap between fine art and pop culture, while also reaching audiences beyond the traditional gallery world.
“I am excited to join the lineage of great artists that have worked with Absolut Vodka over the decades,” the artist, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, said in a release. “Many artists I admire have been commissioned by the brand to create artwork for their iconic ads, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to add my work over the Absolut bottle itself, too. My goal is to allow art to meet people in unexpected places and I hope my bottles will be enjoyed at gatherings around the world.”
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KAWS + Warhol
“Our collaboration with KAWS reimagines the iconic Absolut bottle as a witty, unexpected work of art that feels at home on a collector’s shelf or at the center of a gathering with friends,” added Caroline Begley, U.S. vice president of marketing for Absolut. “The new Artist Edition is a bold expression of Absolut’s longstanding creative legacy and our belief that great art should be accessible to everyone.”
Begley isn’t just saying that either. The new KAWS x Absolut Vodka bottles are being made available at the same $19.99 price point as the original bottle, though you’ll want to act fast — the limited-edition collaboration is already selling out online.
The new release comes on the heels of another newsy collab from Absolut, which partnered with hot sauce brand Tabasco earlier this year for a sweet and spicy vodka designed for bloody marys, hard lemonades, and dirty martinis alike.