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DJ Peggy Gou is putting her own spin on Don Julio’s 1942 tequila bottle. The limited-edition artwork is emblazoned with a unique “194구” (구 is pronounced “Gou”) motif, which is inspired by her Korean heritage and love of fashion and art.
The unique bottle itself features a light blue-meets-mint-green hue that feels like chrome, as well as a glistening chrome cap that replaces the traditional wooden style. It also comes in a stunning iridescent purple keepsake box that features an illustration of Gou’s tattoo-clad hand holding a cowboy hat. Inside, the box features a brightly colored drawing of Gou and a message from the artist. “The design captures the essence of my artistic spirit, alongside the iconic legacy of Don Julio Gonzalez,” it says.
We caught up with Gou during the launch party celebrating the brand’s first-ever global collaboration — and a line formed around the block of the Tribeca location with fans who were excited about the potential of seeing Gou up close. At the party, VIP guests were treated to a “Gouvenier Shop” that had cowboy hat-shaped incense-holders, tote bags, T-shirts, baseball caps and other fun, whimsical goodies that were somehow perfectly on brand for the artist. Gou opened up about designing the one-of-a-kind bottle, and even shared her favorite clubs to party at on a night off.
Looking at the bottle, its design feels very much like you. Can you explain its look?
That’s exactly how I wanted people to feel. I mean, it’s iconic, but I wanted people to feel like there’s a little Peggy in there.
I wanted this to be a bottle that you want to keep even when you finish it. I wanted this bottle to be a kind of souvenir that you keep in your house, you know? And I tried to put my identity to it, as well as respecting Don Julio’s Mexican culture as well.
What musical elements and genres would you say go along with the bottle?
I would say — just because I was talking about my identity — it would be dance and electronic music. [Pointing at the lid] And this was supposed to be like a little disco ball!
You know, when I first saw it from a distance, I thought it was because a disco ball just makes so much sense!
Really?! That’s nice. It is like a mini disco ball.
Do you have a favorite tequila-based cocktail?
I just discovered it yesterday! It was something … I don’t think there’s a name. Maybe we need to give it a name. It was 1942 — well, 194Gou — butterfly pea and yuzu.
What’s one experience you wish everyone could have when drinking this bottle?
I’m always thinking to myself, “I want to worry about today tomorrow.” I want everybody to feel that way because as soon as you start drinking it, it’s a kind of a sign of [saying] let’s have fun. You know? Let’s not worry about what’s happening today.
What shows are you performing this summer that you’re most excited about?
I’m pretty excited about every show that I do, but I’m very excited to come back to New York in May. I’m coming to the Brooklyn Mirage on May 18. They renovated the whole thing and it’s just opening new and I believe I’m doing the opening. But the new space looks insane.
What’s your favorite club in NYC, and then around the world?
I personally haven’t been there when I wasn’t working, so I can’t say, but I really love Knockdown Center [in Queens]. I loved it — it was a kind of club that made me feel like I would love to come here on my day off.
And then around the world, there’s a club called OHM in Berlin. It’s a very tiny club and only has a capacity of 150 people, but that’s a very sick club.
The limited-edition 194구 bottle is available worldwide for $225, and is being released in limited quantities. It will be a true collector’s item for tequila enthusiasts and Peggy Gou stans alike. You can also find the regular edition of Don Julio 1942 on sites such as ReserveBar.com.
