This is not the first time Kusama and the champagne house have collaborated. Back in 2006, the dialogue between artist and maison began when Kusama reinterpreted an original portrait of Madame Clicquot Ponsardin using her famous polka dots. The artwork was sold at a charity auction in Tokyo. ‘More than 150 years separate Madame Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama,’ the champagne house will tell you. ‘And yet almost as many common points unite their unique and fascinating destinies.’ Born in Reims in 1777, Nicole Barbe Ponsardin married François Clicquot, son of the founder of Maison Clicquot. Developing a passion and knowledge for champagne making and distribution, the young Madame Clicquot took over the family business  after her husband’s untimely death in 1805. In an era when women were mostly excluded from the male-oriented business world, Madame Clicquot dared to assume the role as head of the company with verve and determination, audaciousness and intelligence. Yayoi Kusama’s life has been similarly courageous and unconventional. Born in 1929, and growing up in a subservient, patriarchal society, the Japanese artist’s work has transcended Pop and Minimalism, her highly influential career taking in painting, performance art, grand scale, experiential presentations, outdoor sculpture, literature, poetry, films, fashion, design, cosmetics and architectural interventions. ‘These two daring figures demonstrate strong and flawless commitment and today, their destinies converge in an unparalleled collaboration.’