For 2026, Absolut Vodka invited KAWS to redesign the iconic Absolut Vodka Bottle as part of their ongoing Artist Edition Series, which began over 40 years ago with Andy Warhol and features more than 550 artist across 850 works. What resulted was a limited edition bottle and glass, featuring a unique but familiar depiction of CHUM holding a painting of KAWS Signature XX on the bottle that released on October 1, 2026 for pre-order.

From Absolut:
“For over four decades, the Absolut bottle has been a canvas for visionary artists. Now, KAWS leaves his mark – reimagining Absolut’s iconic silhouette with his distinctive visual expression in a limited-edition release, inspired by his commissioned painting for the Absolut Art Collection.”

Launch & Cultural Buzz
30 minutes after it’s surprise announcement October 1st, 2026 on social media channels, the pre orders for this release sold out online. Adults 21 and older were able to pre order the bottle online in select states / countries across the globe, with a wider store release later in the month. The only item available for pre-order was the designer bottle, but there were rumors that the “Chum Shaped Martini Glass” was also available (See photo below)

Why It Matters
This is not KAWS first foray into Alcohol and Beverage collabs. First up was the Dos Equis collab in 2010, which featured KAWS “XX” on Red/Green bottles in a release exclusive to Mexico. After that, we got the notorious Hennessy collab, that is still a hot collectors item to this day. Most recently in 2024, we had the KAWS x NoBu x Qui Tequila Collab, that came out in 2024. The KAWS Absolut Bottle joins a growing list of food and beverage partners that KAWS has teamed up with to bring his signature characters and universe to a broader audience.