Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn has unveiled his groundbreaking design for the 2024 FA Cup trophy, heralding a new era in the tournament’s storied history.
Commissioned by the Football Association (FA), Slawn, celebrated for his vibrant and thought-provoking creations, was tasked with reimagining this iconic symbol of English football. His innovative approach is set to inject fresh energy into the tournament while honouring its rich heritage.
Slawn’s artistic journey from Lagos to London has garnered global acclaim. At just 23, he became the youngest designer of the Britannia statuette for the 2023 BRIT Awards. His career blossomed at Wafflesncream, Nigeria’s pioneering skate shop, where he and friends Leo and Onyedi formed the apparel group Motherlan, further gaining popularity in Nigeria and catching the attention of Virgil Abloh.
The collaboration between Slawn and the FA underscores the tournament’s cultural significance. The redesigned trophy will debut before the 2024 FA Cup final, symbolizing the FA’s dedication to celebrating diversity and promoting artistic expression.
The ‘Cup Culture’ event, hosted at Oval Studios in East London, celebrated the FA Cup’s cultural connections with art, music, and gaming. It featured a partnership between Slawn and Thomas Lyte, the FA’s official silverware provider, to craft a bespoke replica of the trophy. This event, attended by fashion, gaming, and music luminaries, underscored the FA Cup’s blend of tradition and innovation.
Born in Lagos, Slawn has made a name for himself with distinctive graffiti and collaborations with luminaries such as Skepta and Virgil Abloh. His work, defined by cartoon motifs and psychedelic forms, further creates a visually striking language that promises to bestow the FA Cup trophy with a daring new aesthetic.
After relocating to London in 2018 to study graphic design, Slawn began prolific painting during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, building a robust social media presence. His work debuted at Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in 2021, and in 2022, he also organized a charity auction at Sotheby’s with Skepta.
The redesigned FA Cup trophy, slated to grace Wembley for the 2024 final between Manchester City and Manchester United, reflects Slawn’s artistic vision as well as the tournament’s enduring legacy. This collaboration highlights the FA’s commitment to diversity and artistic innovation, ensuring the FA Cup remains a symbol of football’s unifying power.
