How a long-lost painting became an iconic vodka bottle design in 2024 [Video]

With few artists as famous for brand collaborations as Andy Warhol, and few brands as famous for artist collaborations as Absolut, it has come as no surprise to see the two collide over the last few decades. Warhol first painted an Absolut Vodka bottle in 1985, and that brightly rendered artwork became a limited edition vodka bottle in 2014. And now, with the rediscovery of a long lost companion painting by Warhol, Absolut is catching lightning in a bottle for a second time.

The fabled ‘blue’ variation of Warhol’s Absolut painting existed only in rumour until 2020, when it unexpectedly appeared in auction. The brand naturally snapped it up for its Absolut Art Collection (after unearthing the original contract to prove ownership), and now not only has the piece formed the basis of a stunning new limited edition packaging design, but it is currently on display alongside its more famous …