Coachella 2011
As 2011 comes to a close, we're taking this Friday afternoon to reflect on how truly amazing this past year has been. Just a couple of years ago, we were a new brand on the U.S. turf and no one but the Swedes could differentiate between what a Kanon Vodka and a Canon camera was. Fast forward to, well, now – and we're hopeful that you've at least heard our name, or better yet tasted our smooth flavor. What a journey it's been. If there's one resolution we have for the new year, it's this: that you (whomever and wherever you may be) will get to enjoy Kanon this year. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Before we officially ring in 2012 with a Twinkle cocktail in hand, take a journey back with us through our top 10 memories of 2011.
1. We Hosted the First Blogger Livestream
For the AW 2011 Fashion Week season, we were determined to top ourselves yet again, and that we did. To prove that we're not only knowledgeable about vodka (we're tech savvy too!) we hosted the first ever blogger livestream on Kanonvodka.com with the one and only Bryanboy. From shows to fashion parties to hotel rooms and beyond, we followed the outspoken blogger through it all and let you ask him questions along the way. Take a look back to relive some of the highlights.
2. We Starred In a Music Video
If you follow Swedish songstress Lykke Li, you probably remember the release of her "Sadness Is a Blessing" video back in April of this year. But what you might not remember is that the vodka she was downing shots of in between dance moves? Yeah, that was us. Us Swedes stick together through sadness AND happiness.
3. We Brought Midsummer Across the Atlantic
Until this past year, most of you would probably assume that the term "Midsummer" was referring to the mid-point of the summer season – not so. In actuality, it's our favorite Swedish holiday, and we were thrilled to bring the festivities to the States this year. With parties in both New York and LA, we DIYed floral crowns, danced around the maypole, and clinked cocktail glasses with friends well into the night. A success indeed.
4. We Landed in Whole Foods
As an organic spirit, Whole Foods might as well be our mecca. Which is why we could barely contain our excitement when the massive food market picked up Kanon in their West Coast stores. We even got our very own display cases. Win win.
5. We Tim Burton'd Out
For what was perhaps the best theme party we've ever attended (bold statement, we know, but true), we dressed up along with hundreds of other LA natives in our Tim Burton-inspired finest for LACMA's Halloween bash this October. And when every Tim Burton character from Edward Scissorhands and the Mad Hatter to the Red Queen are in attendance, you know it's bound to be a good party.
6. We Got Snapped by Bill Cunningham
Well, not exactly. To be a bit more specific, our New York marketing and events manager, Albie Hueston, was the subject behind the lens during Uniqlo's grand opening party. Needless to say, it was one of our proudest moments. See, what happens to one of us, happens to all.
7. We Sipped On Kanon Snow Cones with Phillip Lim
This past Coachella, we partnered with designer Phillip Lim to throw a kickass pool party overlooking the incredible Indio landscape. Between sipping (er, munching) on Kanon snow cones and catching up with FOKs like Rumi Neely and Elin Kling, we kept thinking to ourselves, life doesn't really get much better than this. We can't wait for Coachella 2012.
8. We Took Over the Bar at Milk Studios
In our dreams, entire bars are dedicated to serving Kanon cocktails – and that dream finally came true this past Fashion Week. With our own Kanon Bar (and neon blue signage to direct show-goers no less) on the Milk Studios premises, we served 5 designer-inspired cocktails to satisfy every discerning fashionista's taste buds.
9. We Partied With Alex Wang
Fashion Week veterans will tell you that Alex Wang's afterparty is one of the best of the week, and we confirmed that first-hand during the SS '12 show season. The fact of the matter is, the guy knows how to throw a theme party. And with all of the frat party themed props in place for his fête this year (Greek letters, glow sticks, pictures of naked women, etc) we were instantly transported back to our college years. The highlight of the night, however, came a bit later in the evening as rap group Odd Future took the stage – and took Kanon with them. You can catch it all on film here.
10. We Popped Our Art Basel Cherry
Last but not least is Art Basel – perhaps the most intense but insanely fun week we had all year. With 15 parties in 5 days down in Miami, we got our fair share of drinking done in between all of the art viewing and pool lounging on our schedules. We even broke bread with Tilda Swinton, herself. Not a bad work week if you ask us.
