The Emirates FA Cup is steeped in tradition – how could it not be, given the first final was played all the way back in March 1882.
But the tournament, and the trophy itself, is also an integral part of popular culture in England.
So, what better way to mark the run-up to the FA Cup final than an event that celebrates everything magical about a competition that always gives far more than it takes.
The FA’s ‘Cup Culture’ event was hosted at the Oval Studios in East London and brought together leading figures from fashion, gaming, music and art.
The Emirates FA Cup is, and always has been, a fusion of modernity and the values which define the competition. And that was very much in evidence as Nigerian artist, Olaolu Slawn, who designed the 2023 Brit Awards, came together with Thomas Lyte, The FA’s official silverware provider.
Our team at Thomas Lyte designed and made the current edition of the FA Cup in 2011. Arsenal were the first team to lift it after their comeback win against Hull City at Wembley in 2014. Our English luxury brand is synonymous with some of sport’s most iconic trophies. From our work with The FA, to the Men’s and Women’s Six Nations trophies in rugby, right through to the ICC World Test Championship Mace in cricket, and the ATP tour finals in tennis, Thomas Lyte’s sporting reach is unparalleled.
Slawn, meanwhile, has had his work acclaimed by the likes of Vogue and Sotheby’s. In collaboration with Thomas Lyte, he used his unique style to craft a bespoke one-off replica of the Emirates FA Cup. It’s a design that simultaneously pays homage to the trophy but also the global impact the tournament continues to have year-after-year embracing new and diverse audiences. Initially teased on the official Emirates FA Cup Instagram in the weeks before the final, the FA Cup trophy, and Slawn’s interpretation of it, were on display at Wembley, providing a centrepiece attraction.
Players, staff and guests alike were inevitably drawn to the Nigerian’s unique take on the original trophy.
The Cup Culture event itself had something for everyone. Not least gaming lovers, with The Sideman’s Tobi Brown (TBJZL) hosting an EAFC Tournament. It’s a continuation of The Sidemen’s work with the sport and follows their Sideman Charity Match, which took place at the London Stadium and raised over £2.4m. With 130m YouTube subscribers, the match was watched by thousands in the stadium and millions online.
Music for the event was provided by football fanatic and UK rap star AJ Tracey. A VR headset meanwhile gave a truly immersive FA Cup experience for all those willing to give it a try.
Nothing beats the real thing, of course, but as Thomas Lyte and Slawn have proved this summer; a unique take on a classic can still prove a show-stopper, and make history in the process.
Read our case study on the design process and crafting process as this Slawn x Thomas Lyte collaboration unfolded.
Read about our press mentions and awards for the project
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