Dom Pérignon Presents 'HOUSE OF GESTURES' with Tilda Swinton and Olivier Saillard
On June 5 and 6, 2026, the prestigious champagne brand Dom Pérignon launched a captivating performance piece titled "HOUSE OF GESTURES" at the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. This artistic collaboration featured renowned actor and artist
Tilda Swinton, alongside curator and performer
Olivier Saillard. The performance is part of a broader creative initiative called "Creation is an Eternal Journey," which began in 2025, fostering a dialogue between innovative creators and the world of Dom Pérignon.
Set in the museum's stunning
Atrium, the piece explored themes of gestures, existence, and transformation. Drawing inspiration from the concept of "Place" - a pivotal element in Dom Pérignon's creative philosophy - the performance invited the audience on a sensory journey that transcended both space and time.
Among the attendees was Japanese artist
Ayumi Kusumi, who expressed her thoughts on the performance saying, "The way clothing transforms an individual's impression and emotions deeply resonated with me. I was reminded of the multifaceted nature of human expression. Tilda Swinton's presence and her precise movements were captivating; they elicited words within my heart without a single spoken dialogue."
This event also reflected on the compelling nature of Dom Pérignon, where champagne, art, and creative exchanges culminate into a beautifully designed narrative. As a brand, Dom Pérignon not only produces exceptional champagne but also celebrates the joy and possibility of creation itself, continually inspiring a diverse array of artists and creators.
A Journey of Endless Creativity
Dom Pérignon has long engaged in meaningful dialogues with iconic creators from various fields, enhancing its creative philosophy through collaborations that range from art to gastronomy. Since 2005, the brand has collaborated with luminaries such as
Karl Lagerfeld,
David Lynch,
Lenny Kravitz, and
Takashi Murakami, leading to the launch of its new chapter, “Creation is an Eternal Journey”, in 2025, marked by new conversations with creators like Tilda Swinton,
Zoe Kravitz, and
Anderson .Paak.
"HOUSE OF GESTURES" is a significant evolution of this creative dialogue, aiming to share the essence of Dom Pérignon's pursuit of innovation with a larger audience. The performance articulates how emotions, memories, and existence can be translated into art through clothing, gestures, and space. Each element within the performance becomes a conduit, reflecting the shared sentiments and narratives of those present, transforming the space into a rich tapestry of experiences.
The Concept of 'Place'
Vincent Chaperon, Dom Pérignon's Chief Winemaker, encapsulated the brand’s philosophy beautifully: "Great wine is a place inhabited by the soul. It is both a landscape and a portrait." Dom Pérignon is born from the Abbey of Hautvillers, a unique place where time and space intersect, allowing for emotions and memories to take root. Each vintage of Dom Pérignon is a product of this intersection, meticulously crafted from single vintage grapes aged over long periods, embodying the dialogue between nature, human intervention, and the passage of time.
The performance ''HOUSE OF GESTURES'' elevates the notion of 'Place' into a realm of theatrical artistry. Through clothing, physical movement, and spatial dynamics, it illustrates the transformation of emotions, memories, and existence. The stillness of the space morphs into a reflective 'Place' that transports the audience through an experience of overlapping time and feeling - a pursuit of emotional evocation deeply resonant with Dom Pérignon's own creative ethos.
Notably, the performance was also offered for public viewing at the Guggenheim Museum for a limited time.
Reflections from the Guests
Ayumi Kusumi's Insights
Kusumi elaborated on how the performance illuminated the dynamic transformation of perceptions based on clothing. She expressed her astonishment at how such art can evoke an 'aha' moment, reaffirming what we innately know, yet often overlook.
"My previous experiences with Dom Pérignon events have left me captivated by their meticulous design and the intertwining of champagne, art, space, and creative minds,” she remarked. “I find Dom Pérignon to be more than just a champagne producer; it’s a reminder of the joy and potential of creation itself. It embodies a brand that understands the natural forces that surpass human limits, striving to create the finest experiences. It’s no wonder that it attracts creators from around the globe, resonating deeply with their aspirations. Following the event, I was left with a profound sense of inspiration and contentment; it was a truly enriching experience.”
About Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton is an internationally acclaimed actor, artist, and performer noted for her versatile performances in films by directors such as
Wes Anderson,
Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and
Pedro Almodóvar. Beyond her film career, Swinton engages in creating art performances, including groundbreaking works like 'The Maybe' at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2013, and collaborations with Olivier Saillard on performances such as 'A Biographical Wardrobe' (2025) and 'Silent Models' (2026).
Tilda articulates her vision, saying, "Through performance, we aspire to create something genuine and original, a space for shared experiences in real-time. Great champagne shares this ethos: rooted in authenticity rather than representation or interpretation."
About Olivier Saillard
Olivier Saillard is a fashion historian, curator, and artistic director. He has previously led the Marseille Mode Museum and has worked as a curator for various prestigious institutions like the Palais Galliera. In 2018, he joined J.M. Weston as an artistic culture director and is currently the director of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation. Saillard’s poetic explorations in fashion through writing, curation, and performance have drawn acclaim, with notable works like 'Impossible Wardrobe' (2012) and 'Embodying Pasolini' (2022) in collaboration with Tilda Swinton.
The Legacy of Dom Pérignon
Founded in 1668, Dom Pierre Pérignon dedicated his life to producing the world’s finest wine, a mission that continues today. The pursuit of "Harmony" for Dom Pérignon transcends deliciousness; it embodies the essence of emotional creative expression. This quest includes finding perfection through precision, vibrancy, texture, minerality, complexity, and the remarkable finish that characterizes Dom Pérignon.
Dom Pérignon’s creation is anchored in a steadfast philosophy, ensuring that every vintage champagne is expressed solely from a single year’s harvest, without compromise, even if certain years fall short of its ideals. Time, too, plays a critical role - aging in darkness with sediment adds unique value and personality to each vintage, elevating it into unparalleled expressions.
With an unwavering pursuit and a touch of mystique, Dom Pérignon continues its eternal journey seeking perfect harmony in every bottle.