On Location: Anish Kapoor captures ‘reflections from the past’ with new Rémy Martin XO decanter

UK. The House of Rémy Martin has partnered with renowned British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor to unveil a reinterpretation of the Rémy Martin XO decanter, alongside a striking artwork inspired by the spirit’s sensorial depth. 

The limited-edition bottle and Kapoor’s sculptural installation were revealed last night (15 May) at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.  

The unveiling was attended by Kapoor and Rémy Martin Chief Executive Officer Jean-Philippe Hecquet, who shared insights into the creative partnership and its exploration of colour, form and the multidimensional nature of Rémy Martin XO. 

The Moodie Davitt Report was on location as guests gathered to celebrate the fusion of art and Cognac craftsmanship. 

Speaking at the event, Kapoor reflected on the personal significance of the collaboration. “There was a sense from the beginning of this project with Rémy Martin that it refers to my history,” he said. “My father used to drink it when I was a boy in India, and I carried that with me.” 

Hecquet remarked, “Rémy Martin XO perfectly embodies the heritage and savoir-faire of the maison.   

“It is the ultimate expression of our terroir, offering an exceptionally smooth, full-bodied blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne that gradually releases a wealth of harmonious aromas.   

“Its opulent radiance paired with the timeless design of its magnificent decanter has inspired Anish Kapoor, whose creation now becomes a part of our brand’s enduring legacy.”  

Art meets Cognac in travel retail 

The House of Rémy Martin is leveraging the travel retail channel to reach a diverse audience, showcasing the Rémy Martin XO Anish Kapoor Limited Edition in partnership with selected retailer partners around the world. 

The travel retail launch is supported by immersive activations that take passengers on a sensory journey to the world of Rémy Martin XO. 

The roll-out begins this month at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station in partnership with Avolta, and at Hong Kong International Airport with China Duty Free Group. 

Additional promotions are planned for key airports, including London Heathrow, Zayed International and Paris Charles de Gaulle later this summer. 

The high-profile activations are themed ‘Mirror Infinite Possibilities’, drawing inspiration from Kapoor’s artwork and the new decanter. The concept includes a three-step shopper engagement experience. 

The first step, ‘Reflecting Memories’, uses digital gamification to prompt travellers to recall personal memories linked to Rémy Martin, which are then translated into a customised cocktail recipe.  

In the second step, ‘Interlocking Lights and Colours’, a glorifier display allows travellers to observe how the Rémy Martin XO liquid interacts with light at different angles through the limited-edition decanter.  

‘Mirroring Infinite Possibilities’ is the final step, offering a concave mirror installation referencing Kapoor’s sculptural work. The experience concludes with product tastings and curated food pairings. 

A sculptural reflection 

Kapoor has reinterpreted the Rémy Martin XO decanter as a minimalist form with a concave centre in amber tones.  

He modified the original glass mould to create a smooth front surface that merges with the classic scooped back, highlighting the decanter’s curved shape and reflective qualities. 

Kapoor explained, “I was working with the designers to make the decanter, thinking about the liquid and how it functions – this liquid that I originally knew through my father and have carried with me from the past over the years – so it has become present and real. I toyed with it and decided on a much simpler design.” 

Rémy Martin Executive Director Amaury Vinclet said, “It’s the nature of the relationship between Rémy Martin and Anish Kapoor that makes this collaboration truly exceptional – two visionaries on a constant quest for excellence. 

“We feel privileged that the artist chose to work on this project because of a personal connection, a memory that shaped his idea of excellence.  

“It radiates the energy of Rémy Martin XO, capturing reflections from the past, and promises a new future, unlocking a sensory space between time and place, art and savoir faire.” 

The artwork Kapoor has created for the House of Rémy Martin forms part of his recent series of painted mirror works.  

The large concave mirror draws viewers into its layered tones, which reference the varied shades of Rémy Martin XO eaux de vie – from pale gold to deep amber – blended and aged in French oak casks. 

Kapoor said, “I began to think about a work that would sit alongside the Rémy Martin bottle. It has this radiant presence, it shows through. The colour is the most direct way of getting into it. I wanted to translate those reflections.” 

As viewers move around the work, the colours shift and new reflections emerge. He explained, “I had to search for this colour, because it’s a liquid and as the light changes, it changes – and the concave mirror captures its reflective qualities.”  

The sculpture gives form to the visual qualities of Rémy Martin XO, drawing on its changing tones and aromatic complexity.