British painter Stuart Semple -- ever interested in expanding his art world horizons -- has teamed up with Italian maker of luxury down jackets Moncler to hand paint their iconic 6 foot mascot.

The piece debuted at Art Basel Miami a few months back and is now set to make its European debut in Milan at the Moncler flagship store on Via della Spiga. In addition to the mascot, Semple will show new works on canvas and stage a second round of his installation The Happy Clouds, which was first done in London in February of this year in conjunction with the Tate Modern.

Stuart Semple made the grey skies of London smile by releasing over 2000 pink "smiley faces" that then wafted up into the air and dissolved. The Happy Clouds temporary installation is just one of the creative undertakings of late by Stuart Semple, the rising star of post-pop art.

The young British artist will be in Milan together with Moncler during the Fuori Salone to present a new project resulting from collaboration with the company.

The collaboration between Moncler and Semple already had a high-impact precedent at the last Art Basel Miami with the realisation of "Moncler Toy".

Also, keep an eye out for information on Stuart's upcoming show at Anna Kustera in May. It's his first solo show in New York. I've seen a preview of the work and it's hot!

Stuart Semple
Moncler Boutique
Via della Spiga 7 / Milan
04.23 to 04.27.09
Opening party: 04.23.09 / 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The Happy Clouds
Della Scala / Milan
Evening of the 04.22.09

I Think We're Alone Now (2009)