#FreshJuice: @JoseCuervo 222nd anniversary (Pics)

Jose Cuervo is now 222 years old, and celebrated its anniversary with a limited edition capsule collection created by fashion designer Carlos Campos and painter and illustrator Ricardo Cavolo. The exquisite collection was unveiled at Kola House (408 W. 15th St.) on Feb. 15, and the invite-only event included Jose Cuervo cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and non-stop music from DJs Ibe Soliman and Public School’s Dao-Yi Chow. A four-bottle commemorative set depicts key periods in the tequila giant’s history, and features Cavolo’s striking artwork. These designs are also featured on clothing and accessories crafted by Campos for the perfect blend of structure, style, and awe. The bottles are called Heart, Devil, Lady and Music, and each has a story to tell:

The HEART of an industry- In 1795, the King of Spain granted Jose Antonio de Cuervo the first royal concession ever to produce tequila commercially. This singular event marked the birth of the tequila category, and made Jose Cuervo the heart of an entire industry.

The DEVIL’S water- When three barrels of Jose Cuervo tequila first crossed the border to the United States in 1873 the few Americans who dared to drink the fiery liquor claimed a spot among the last rogues of the West. The simple act of drinking Agua Del Diablo (the Devil’s water) imbued adventure at a time when Americans saw tequila as a mysterious, dangerous liquor.

A special LADY- In Mexico’s tumultuous years following its revolution, Jose Cuervo broke social convention by anointing a woman, Ana González-Rubio y de la Torre, as the head of the entire company. Jose Cuervo and its iconic brand of tequila would not be where it is today without this lady’s leadership and guidance in times of turmoil.

A MUSIC inspiration- As the spirit of intense expression, Jose Cuervo has inspired and fueled creativity in song. From the Rolling Stones’ legendary 1972 Tequila Sunrise Tour to countless agave-inspired anthems, Jose Cuervo continues to instigate and accent legendary performances as well as singular timeless moments throughout musical history. (Jose Cuervo 222nd anniversary press release)

Despite being chosen to conceptualize Jose Cuervo’s enormous history on the faces of four tequila bottles, Cavolo told FM Hip Hop that he was undaunted by the task. “It wasn’t that difficult because first of all, and probably the most necessary, they gave me total freedom to develop my own style, my own way of working with these four stories that we have,” he explained. The results are incredible, and the Spanish artist has much more in store for fans as he launches his own fashion label this year. “It’s like I’m being some kind of intruder, because I’ve always been like a plastic artist, working on illustrations or murals, or whatever. But fashion has been one of my passions as well. So, this year I’m launching my own clothing brand,” Cavolo revealed.

Meanwhile, Campos is fresh off of New York Fashion Week: Men’s, where he showcased minimalist styles that included elements of both summer and winter for Fall 2017. “I was in Argentina, and while it’s winter in America, it’s summer in South America,” the Honduran designer told FM Hip Hop. “That’s the reason I wanted to combine, basically, two collections. Every collection that I do is inspired by a Spanish character or a Spanish place– whether it’s Mexico, Honduras, or South America. My collections come from that.” Also not one to rest on his laurels, Campos is busy running his New York-based company and venturing beyond fashion. “Well, right now we are delivering much of the Fall collection that we showed [at NYFW: Men’s] into the stores. I also have my own cologne coming up, and we’re going to launch it in April. Also traveling for production, and working on the next collection.”

The Jose Cuervo 222nd anniversary capsule collection brought these unique talents together for a marvelous embodiment of the tequila brand’s spirit. “When they told me that I was going to collaborate with Cuervo and Mr. Cavolo, I said, ‘Wow, this is great,'” Campos recounted. “I respect and love his work, and it’s something that he has done so freely. As you know, my collections are very minimalist, and I do love color, but I feel like he has a freedom of doing color in a way that no one can do.” Campos’ Jose Cuervo capsule collection pieces include a simple white t-shirt, grey sweatshirt, and a navy bag, all emblazoned with Cavolo’s distinctive designs. “It’s easy to throw paint onto something when it’s consistent, as far as the way he draws the faces, the way that he draws the shapes and everything,” Campos said of Cavolo’s art. “So for me, half the work was done. I just want to add a little bit of what I do in terms of construction of the garment, and keep the lines inside the minimalist story because the color was already there.”

The Jose Cuervo 222nd anniversary event was attended by television personality Sharon Carpenter, fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, and top models Lucky Blue, Adonis Bosso, Luka Sabbat, and Michael Lockley. Fans 21 and over can visit Jose Cuervo’s website to learn more about the iconic company’s history, score new tequila recipes, or purchase the limited edition 222nd anniversary bottles. Those of drinking age can also follow Jose Cuervo on Twitter and Instagram. Check out the slideshow for photos from the stylish event.

Pics: Jose Cuervo 222nd Anniversary

Brownie Marie | IG: @browniemarie | Twitter: @mz_brownie

Related Topics: Epson’s Digital Couture Project 2017 | @EpsonAmerica @SeventhHouse