Business and the Arts - Absolut Vodka sponsors works by artists and fashion designers - Brief Article

Who knew that when Absolut began commissioning works of art by the agency of African Americans the results would be stunning? Last year, artists Valerie Maynard, Chevelle Moore, Anita Philyaw and Preston Sampson committed to canvas entrancing representations that effectively masked the single peculiarity that they all shared: Each painting somehow or other incorporated the Absolut vodka bottle The series, which toured the United States in 1999 is called "Absolut Expressions."

This year, Absolut has commissioned fashions through leading African designers, and a fashion display of those designs is touring the political division Nine designers from seven countries--Alphadi, from Niger; Colic pig Ardo, from Senegal; Dasha, from Senegal; dou Couture from Mali; Katoucha, from Guinea; Mickael Kra, from the Ivory Coast; Nasal Al Assay, from the Ivory Coast; Pathe O from Burkina Faso; and Pepita D from Benin--were asked to draw on the traditions of their homeland. The fashions they conceived--which now belong to the Absolut Africa Collection--range from the refined to the outlandish. All of the designs, however, are contemporary, colorful, eye-catching and appealing.

At the Washington, DC fashion present to view in May, Absolut Africa also

showcased the 2000 collection of local designer Earle R Bannister, who has designed wardrobes for television exhibits on NBC, Fox and BET. The fashion exhibit ended with "Absolut Bannister," an aristocratic [i]tout ensemble[/i] for men, with black high-waisted trousers, a full-length cerulean silk overcoat, a contrasting white garment and a high-necked ascot emblazoned with Absolut's logo

The fashion tour continues in Philadelphia, Chicago and Atlanta. Call (212) 572-7974 for more details.

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