Absolut Vodka Taps Contemporary Artist KAWS for Limited-Edition Bottle

On Thursday, Absolut Vodka unveiled a collaboration with contemporary artist KAWS for a limited-edition bottle inspired by an original painting commissioned for the collaboration.

The ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition features KAWS’ signature “XX” motif and CHUM character on the front of Absolut’s familiar apothecary-shaped bottle. The back of the bottle features an image of the original painting that inspired the design.

The 40% ABV vodka is available for pre-order beginning Oct. 1 at Absolut.com, with the bottle rolling out at select U.S. retailers for a limited time while supplies last. The release does not list a suggested retail price.

KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, created the painting specifically for the project. The Brooklyn-based artist is known for work spanning painting, sculpture, design and public installations, as well as collaborations with major brands.

“I am excited to join the lineage of great artists that have worked with Absolut Vodka over the decades,” KAWS said in a news 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.”

Absolut has a long history of artist collaborations dating to 1985, when Andy Warhol created the first Absolut Art advertisement. The brand says more than 550 artists have since contributed more than 850 artworks inspired by its bottle.

KAWS’ design continues that tradition while bringing his own visual language to the bottle. The collaboration also reflects the artist’s long-running interest in moving between fine art, popular culture and commercial design.

“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,” said Caroline Begley, U.S. vice president of marketing for Absolut.

The ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition is available through Absolut.com and select retailers in the U.S. while supplies last.