The renowned artist, who shows his distinctive work in unexpected places to reach everyone, brings a fresh perspective to Absolut

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 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.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; superior wines Kenwood Vineyards and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and exquisite champagnes Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and is responsible for more than 1,000 jobs across the country. As ‘Creators of Conviviality’, we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees, and suppliers. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

ABOUT KAWS
KAWS (b. 1974) is one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists, renowned for blurring the boundaries between fine art, design and popular culture. Across painting, sculpture and large-scale public installations, his distinctive visual language – defined by bold graphic forms, playful characters and sharp cultural commentary – has made his work instantly recognisable around the globe. Over the past three decades, KAWS has built a career that combines artistic rigour with broad cultural appeal, collaborating with leading global brands while remaining a highly sought-after figure in the contemporary art world.

His work has been exhibited at many of the world’s foremost cultural institutions, including the Albertina Modern in Vienna, the Serpentine Gallery in London, the Brooklyn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Tokyo, among others. Admired by collectors, critics and audiences alike, KAWS continues to shape contemporary visual culture through work that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

ABOUT THE ABSOLUT ART COLLECTION
Andy Warhol painted Absolut Warhol in 1985, which became the first Absolut Art advert and marked the beginning of Absolut’s involvement in the arts. Warhol subsequently recommended Keith Haring to interpret the Absolut bottle – between 1985 and 2004, more than 550 artists created more than 850 works of art. The Absolut Art Collection’s dedicated home is at Spritmuseum, Stockholm and includes paintings, graphic art, photography, furniture, fashion and handicrafts – all of which have been used in campaigns for Absolut Vodka. What unites the works of art in this collection is that every image or object portrays the iconic Absolut Vodka bottle. The pieces were created as part of a strategy to build and communicate a brand during an era associated with New York’s Studio 54 and glitter balls, the first victims of the AIDs epidemic, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the birth of IT. All the collection’s works of art create a nuanced portrait of three decades’ worth of cultural trends and developments. 

Media Contact: absolut@toarticulate.com

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SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA