Absolut Vodka unveils Artist Edition bottle with KAWS
Absolut Vodka unveiled an Artist Edition collaboration with contemporary artist KAWS, reimagining its iconic bottle through his signature visual style. The partnership continues Absolut's decades-long tradition of working with artists to make creative expression accessible to wider audiences.
ABSOLUT VODKA EMBARKS ON NEW CREATIVE ERA WITH KAWS ARTIST EDITION BOTTLE AND PAINTING
The renowned artist, who shows his distinctive work in unexpected places to reach everyone, brings a fresh perspective to Absolut
Absolut Vodka has unveiled an Artist Edition collaboration with world-leading contemporary artist KAWS, reimagining its iconic apothecary-shaped bottle through KAWS' unmistakable visual language, with the premium, smooth vodka Absolut is known for.
Building on a rich history of groundbreaking collaborations, Absolut Vodka's partnership with one of today's most influential artists marks a new era in its creative journey. It reflects Absolut's continued ambition to open minds and spark fresh perspectives through partnerships spanning art, fashion, music and culture.
"I am excited to join the lineage of great artists that have worked with Absolut Vodka over the decades. 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," KAWS said. "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."
Inspired by a specially commissioned painting by KAWS, the ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition bottle challenges the familiar, championing curiosity through imagination. Featuring the artist's famed "XX" motif and CHUM character on the front, and an image of the original painting on the back, the bottle invites people to interpret an everyday object through their own lens.
The Brooklyn-based artist – whose real name is Brian Donnelly – is a natural collaborator for Absolut Vodka, which has always believed that art should be open, joyful and for everyone. His work seamlessly bridges the gap between fine art and popular culture, resonating with audiences far beyond the traditional art scene. Growing up in New Jersey, Donnelly spent his teenage years tagging trains and billboards downtown with his now-famous KAWS tag. Through his instantly recognizable characters, KAWS breaks barriers and makes his thought-provoking work accessible to all.
Absolut, since its early collaborations with artists such as Andy Warhol more than forty years ago, has always challenged the familiar by opening minds to new perspectives. In addition to its artist collaborations (more than 550 artists have contributed over 850 artworks inspired by the distinctive Absolut Vodka bottle since the 1980s), Absolut has recently partnered with cultural brands and platforms including Tabasco and Coachella.
"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," Caroline Begley, U.S. Vice President of Marketing for Absolut said. "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. By bringing KAWS' remarkable vision to one of our most iconic assets, we're creating a cultural statement piece that celebrates creativity, self-expression and the power of art to connect people."
The ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition bottle (40% ABV) will be available for pre-order beginning Oct. 1, 2026 at Absolut.com and rolling out on shelves of select retailers in the US, available for a limited time while supplies last.
