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.
Inspired by a specially commissioned painting by Brooklyn-based artist KAWS, the ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition bottle features the artist’s famed “XX” motif and CHUM character on the front, and an image of the original painting on the back.
KAWS– whose real name is Brian Donnelly – is a natural collaborator for Absolut Vodka. His work 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.
The ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition bottle (40% ABV) will be available for a limited time from October 1, 2026 across more than 30 markets, including the UK, Germany, Spain, Mexico, China, Italy, New Zealand, Poland and Korea.
Craig Van Niekerk, Absolut’s VP of Marketing, says: “The best creative collaborations don’t just put two names on a label; they create an immediate visual disruption that stops you in your tracks. That’s exactly what we’ve created with KAWS. By bringing his signature ‘XX’ motif and CHUM character to our bottle, KAWS has taken a canvas with a rich artistic heritage and given it a witty, unexpected twist. We believe art shouldn’t be confined to galleries and this visual disruption brings a piece of joyful, accessible pop culture right into people’s hands.”
Rae Gibson, Director, Power Brands and Emerging Categories, at Pernod Ricard GTR, comments: “KAWS enjoys such broad cultural appeal, which is one of the reasons why global travel retail is the perfect platform for this new Artist Edition. We know travelers from all corners of the world will gravitate towards it as both the Absolut brand and KAWS’ playful and accessible work transcends boundaries.”
KAWS says: “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. 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.”
Absolut has been collaborating with artists such as Andy Warhol for more than forty years ago. 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 also more recently partnered with household brands and popular cultural events, including Heinz, Tabasco and Tomorrowland.
The ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition hits global travel retail from October 2026, in a 1L format with availability in selected retailers across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific for one year only.
