In the realm of fine champagne and contemporary art, few collaborations are as captivating as the union of Veuve Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama for the La Grande Dame 2012. This partnership celebrates not only the rich history and innovation of the prestigious champagne house but also the surreal and mesmerising artistry of Kusama. Together, they created a limited-edition champagne bottle and case design that is as delightful to the eyes as the champagne is to the palate.
The Legacy of Veuve Clicquot
Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot is a name synonymous with luxury, innovation, and quality in the world of champagne. The house owes much of its success to Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin, also known as Madame Clicquot. Her ingenuity, particularly the invention of the riddling rack used to remove sediment from champagne bottles, revolutionized the industry. Veuve Clicquot’s dedication to excellence is reflected in its expansive vineyards, comprising 382 hectares with a strong emphasis on Pinot Noir, and its impressive collection of reserve wines that contribute to the complexity and quality of their blends.
La Grande Dame, the house's prestige cuvée, was created in 1972 to commemorate its bicentenary. Named in tribute to Madame Clicquot, it is a blend of eight of Veuve Clicquot's historical Grand Crus, offering a fresh and mineral expression that epitomises the house's style. Under the guidance of cellar masters Dominique Demarville and later Didier Mariotti, La Grande Dame has continued to evolve, with a notable increase in the proportion of Pinot Noir enhancing its elegance and freshness.
Yayoi Kusama: The Queen of Polka Dots
Yayoi Kusama, a visionary artist known for her polka dots and psychedelic themes, brings a unique vibrancy to everything she touches. Her work often explores concepts of infinity and the ethereal, making her a perfect partner for Veuve Clicquot’s celebratory and effervescent champagne. Kusama's previous collaboration with the house in 2006 for a Tokyo charity auction laid the groundwork for their continued creative partnership.
The Collaboration: La Grande Dame 2012
The La Grande Dame 2012 collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama is a stunning fusion of history, art, and luxury. Kusama's design for the champagne bottle and case is quintessentially her, featuring her iconic polka dots and floral motifs. These elements symbolise vibrancy, creativity, and energy, mirroring the dynamic bubbles and the joyous essence of champagne.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared sense of optimism and joy. Jean-Marc Gallot, President and CEO of Veuve Clicquot, highlights this synergy, noting Kusama’s generous and optimistic artistic expression as a perfect reflection of Veuve Clicquot’s own spirit.
'My Heart That Blooms in The Darkness of The Night'
Central to the collaboration is the creation of "My Heart That Blooms in The Darkness of The Night," a limited-edition sculpture designed by Kusama. This piece, limited to just 100 numbered editions, features a vibrant flower with psychedelic stems, petals, and leaves made from copper and resin, all adorned with Kusama’s signature polka dots. The sculpture cradles a bottle of La Grande Dame 2012, encapsulating it in a whimsical yet protective embrace.
The name and design of the sculpture evoke a message of hope and resilience, reflecting the spirit of renewal and beauty emerging from challenging times. Kusama’s artwork, with its bold colours and playful patterns, serves as a beacon of positivity, much like Madame Clicquot’s vision of a champagne that is both pleasing to the eye and delightful to the taste. Get in touch with Lougher to start collecting exclusive Yayoi Kusama artworks.
The collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama for La Grande Dame 2012 is more than just a meeting of champagne and art; it is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and timeless elegance. This limited-edition release not only honours the legacy of Madame Clicquot but also brings Kusama’s unique artistic vision to a wider audience. Together, they have created a masterpiece that embodies the joyous and effervescent spirit of champagne, reminding us all to find beauty and optimism in every moment.
