Kaws X Kiehl’s team up for RxArt Charity Collab

Article written by: Jacob Breinholt
Posted on: December 11, 2009

Street artist turned apparel designer Brian Donnelly “KAWS” recently teamed up with skincare company Kiehl’s for a product line collaboration to benefit the children’s charity RxArt.

KAWS is known for his illustrations and toys with the crossbones through the heads and ex-ed out eyes, was born and raised in New Jersey. He got started as a street artist on the east coast before attending design school in New York City. In addition to his art, toys and numerous collaborations, KAWS runs the clothing line Original Fake. He has recently done fashion collaborations with Nigo, for Nigo’s Bathing Ape or BAPE brand. KAWS was also the designer of the the artwork for Clipse’s latest album cover.

Yesterday Kiehl’s held a holiday party to showcase the KAWS collection in their flagship store located in Manhattan’s lower east side. In anticipation of the party, KAWS tagged up the place with some of his artwork.

Kiehls is a New York original that got its start as a family-run pharmacy. Eventually Kiehl’s developed their own brand of high-end fragrances, as well as hair, skin, and body products.

KAWS took a minute out of his crowd mingling to chat for a minute with Sojones’ Jake Breinholt.

Jake: Getting your start as a street artist, did you ever envision yourself doing this type of collaboration, for charity?

KAWS: No not really. I just kind of took things as they came and progressed.

Jake: How did this collaboration come about? Were you already familiar with the RxArt charity?

KAWS: Yeah, I was familiar with the charity. We actually just did a coloring book with them recently. Kiehl’s approached me with the idea and I thought it sounded like a good one.

Jake: So, what’s next? Do you have any plans in the works fashion wise?

KAWS: I don’t really know. I’m sure that something good will come along.

Kiehl’s threw a great party, complete with an in-house sushi bar, drinks to match, and DJ Jus Ske, spinning the hits.