- Starbucks dropped a limited edition cup collection with print and textile designer Shadé Akanbi on July 8.
- The three-piece collection, inspired by her ancestry and travels, features two cold cups and one tumbler.
- The cups are available at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. until supplies last.
Starbucks' latest artist collaboration cup series is the perfect vessel for all of your favorite drinks.
For years, Starbucks has collaborated with artists and brands to produce limited-edition merchandise collections, such as their Brazil-inspired collab with fashion brand Farm Rio earlier this year.
The latest artist to be tapped for a drinkware design is print and textile creator Shadé Akanbi. The majority of Akanbi's designs come from her cultural background and travels as a Nigerian-American from the San Francisco Bay Area, utilizing gorgeous patterns and geometric designs in her art. The special edition cup collection was released on July 8 and is available in participating stores throughout the U.S. while supplies last.
“In my art, there are so many little pieces of me and stories of places I’ve been," Akanbi said. "I hope this collection sparks the curiosity to travel more or taps into a memory, like it does for me."
Berber Diamond Cold Cup with Straw Charm
The first of two cold cups in the collection, the Berber Diamond Cold Cup with Straw Charm ($24.95, 24-ounces) was inspired by designs of traditional Moroccan rugs. This venti-size cup also features a batik bone bead-style charm.
"Batik beads originated in Ghana and Kenya but have traveled globally," Akanbi said. “There’s so much history and love in these handmade goods.”
Kente Stripe Tumbler
Based on a design from the Akanbi's "Pattern of the Dae" social media series, the tumbler ($22.95, 12-0unces) is inspired by the rich significance of Ghanaian Kente cloth. The warm drink container perfectly fits a tall-sized beverage.
Batik Beads Cold Cup
Last in the series is the Batik Beads Stainless Steel Cold Cup ($29.95, 24-ounces). Set against a bronze backdrop, emulating jewelry from Senegal, Mexico and Kenya, the cup features images of bone beads. "This feels personal and beautiful. I hope people connect with it," said Akanbi. The insulated cold drink container can fit a venti-size beverage.
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
