The collaboration between Liberty London and S'well has become a celebrated example of how art and consumer brand can come together to create products that are not only functional but also visually stunning. This partnership, which began in 2017 and renewed a few times, showcases Liberty’s rich textile heritage, marrying it with S'well’s mission to reduce single-use plastics through their innovative insulated bottles.
The Liberty x S’well collaboration has its roots in a shared appreciation for artistry and sustainability. Liberty London, known for its iconic floral prints, has long been an innovator in textile design. Its archive of over 55,000 prints has inspired countless collaborations, but the partnership with S’well brought something new—a fusion of eco-conscious functionality with classic British design.
The collection featured limited-edition S’well bottles, adorned with some of Liberty’s most beloved floral and paisley patterns, creating what Liberty London’s Design Director called “a celebration of artistry on a reusable canvas.” This collaboration, popular in global retail chains like Starbucks, demonstrated how premium design and environmental responsibility can coexist. It was a massive success, with over 300,000 bottles sold in just six weeks.
S'well’s approach to design has always been inspired by art, and this collaboration allowed the brand to draw from Liberty’s rich textile history. According to S'well’s founder Sarah Kauss, the textiles and patterns used in their collaborations were more than just decorative—they were a statement of intention. Each bottle became a miniature work of art, with Liberty’s prints breathing new life into everyday products.
As the founder explained in an interview, S’well often looks to textiles for inspiration. The intricate Liberty designs, with their bold colors and historic significance, were a perfect fit for the brand’s ethos. Whether wrapping a bottle in Liberty’s delicate florals or bold paisleys, the products exuded a sense of timeless beauty while promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
What makes the Liberty x S’well collaboration particularly special is its ability to combine environmentalism with style. Liberty’s prints, traditionally used in luxury textiles, have now entered the homes and daily routines of eco-conscious consumers. Through collaborations like this, the art of textiles is no longer confined to clothing and interiors—it can be a part of everyday life, even in something as simple as a water bottle.
Beyond their commercial success, these collaborations serve as an example of how brands can leverage licensing to tell meaningful stories, engage new audiences, and support global sustainability efforts. Liberty’s commitment to reducing plastic waste aligns perfectly with S'well’s mission, proving that great design can also drive positive environmental change.
As S’well continues to explore more textile-inspired designs, it’s clear that the art of collaboration will remain at the heart of its brand. Through partnerships like these, the intersection of art, fashion, and sustainability becomes not just a trend but a movement.
The collaboration between Liberty London and S'well exemplifies the type of partnerships ARTiSTORY aspires to create. In December 2023, ARTiSTORY brought William Morris's iconic designs from the British Library to life through a collaboration with an upscale glass drink ware brand MU16. This partnership produced an exclusive crystal glassware collection, launching in early 2024. The line beautifully merges Morris's nature-inspired motifs with modern craftsmanship, offering consumers an artistic escape from contemporary life.
