Last night I attended the Hennessy and KAWS collaboration project party. Hennessy teamed up with world-renowned graphic artist, KAWS, and designed a special edition bottle which will hit shelves in September 2011. Each bottle has signature KAWS artwork and is individually numbered. Only 420,000 were made. This is Hennessey’s first customized collaborative project in 2011.
Most of you may already know something about Hennessy. But if you dont, here is some information. Hennessey is the top selling cognac in the world. Its sells about 50 million bottles a year worldwide, more than 40% of the world’s Cognac. They currently have 6 different bottles of Hennessey: Hennessey V.S., Hennessey Black, Hennessey Privilege, Hennessey X.O., Hennessey Paradis, and the Richard Hennessy bottle.
The Hennessey cognac distillery was founded in 1765 by an Irishman, (yes an Irishman) Richard Hennesy. Hennessey has always remained family owned. In 1971 Kilian Hennessy (5th generation Hennessey) merged the company with Moet et Chandon, creating Moet-Hennessey. In 1987 the company merged with LouisVuitton creating LVMH. Today the company is owned by Patrisha J. Hennessy whos grandsons Tyler and Landen are in line to take over.
KAWS, on the other hand, is Brian Donnelly, born in Jersey City, NJ . KAWS is known to the world as a graffiti artist. In the 90′s KAWS turned to creating vinyl toys. He has recently reworked figures such as: Sponge Bob SquarePants, the Michelin Man, and the Smurfs.
The event was held at the New Museum on Bowery in New York City, the Toby Devan Lewis Sky Room. The entertainment for the evening was provided by none other than the legendary Questlove of The Roots, who was on the 1′s and 2′s all evening spinning classic hits. Questlove kept the vibe going throughout the night and kept the people dancing. The bartenders prepared 4 signature cocktails: The Hennessey Apple, Citrus, Ginger, and my favorite Berry. Although I do prefer the Hennessey like my Scotch, 2 icecubes and a splash of water.
The room was decked out with Hennessey bottles all over and a projection screen showing various old videos that suited the 80′s graffitti and breakdancing era. The outside patio area which over looked the city was covered with transparent copies of the Hennessey x KAWS label. Including the glass windows of the room.
The event lasted 3 hours and on our way out all guests were treated to a Hennessey x KAWS canvas bag and a take home bottle of the Special Edition Hennessey.
Much respect goes out to Hennessey for putting on a great event, KAWS for his fantastic work and talents, Questlove for his Musical talent, the Bartenders for keeping the drinks flowing, and especially the New Museum for hosting the event.
