American artist KAWS is putting his own spin on Austria’s famed chocolate cake, the Sacher-Torte.
The American artist was tapped for this year's Sacher Artists’ Collection, an annual charity initiative that invites contemporary artists to redesign the iconic dessert’s wooden box package. The collectible release is limited to 1,000 boxes and is available for €80 ($93) at Sacher hotel locations in Vienna and Salzburg, as well as through its online store
For his version, KAWS reimagined his 2021 work SPOKE TOO SOON, which features COMPANION, the artist’s most famous character known for its crossed-out eyes and Mickey Mouse–like silhouette. In the painting, COMPANION’s hands appear to be climbing out of a pile of rubble.
“When I was invited to this project, it was a great opportunity to do something good for charity. I like the idea of hands climbing out and moving forward,” said KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly. “It adds a little humor to the idea of the cake.”
The Sacher-Torte is a sponge cake that combines chocolate sponge, apricot jam, and chocolate glaze. It was invented by 16-year-old apprentice chef Franz Sacher in 1832, when the court of Prince Metternich had requested a dessert for a special occasion. The original recipe, served at Hotel Sacher, has become one of Austria's most recognizable culinary exports.
KAWS has a well-known crossover appeal, mixing fine art, street culture, fashion, and design. The artist has a history of successful collaborations. In the fall of 2025, he was named the fashion brand UNIQLO’s first artist in residence. A 2019 design collaboration with the brand was met with fervent demand.
The collaboration marks the 18th edition of the limited edition collection, which launched in 2009. Past participating artists have included Robert Longo, Sarah Morris, Erwin Wurm, and Katherine Bernhardt. This year, all proceeds from the sale of the Sacher Artists’ Collection will be donated to NF Kinder, an Austrian nonprofit supporting children affected by neurofibromatosis. This rare genetic disorder can cause tumors, chronic pain, and neurological complications.
The collectible’s debut coincides with KAWS’s exhibition “Art & Comix” at the Albertina Museum in Vienna, on view through September 27th. The exhibition explores the interplay between comics, comic strips, cartoons, and fine art through KAWS’s work alongside a range of artists from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Raymond Pettibon to Joyce Pensato and Tschabalala Self.
“The collaboration with KAWS brings a new contemporary perspective to our house,” Alexandra Winkler, co-owner of Sacher, said in a statement. “As a family-run business, it is important to us to continually reinterpret tradition.”
