British architect Zaha Hadid has been named as the designer of the 2017 BRIT Award trophy, which is to be unveiled later this year.
Hadid tragically died earlier this year, but had already commenced work on the iconic statuette, after she was offered the project in January. Her team of designers have completed the work she started and have carried on Hadid’s vision of a 3D statuette.
Maha Kutay of Zaha Madid Designs said:
“Our design expresses Zaha’s unwavering belief in progress and optimism for the future and a break from the norm.”
Previous years statuettes have benefitted from makeovers by some of Britain’s most eminent designers and artists, such as Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Vivienne Westwood. The recognisable shape of the statuettes – the helmeted lady – has not changed since the mid-1990s. Kutay explains:
“The statue had previously been used as a canvas for artists to paint on for the last few years.”
Five statuettes will complete the project, with the concept representing diversity and transition. It is not yet clear if the statuettes will be glass awards or made from some other substance.
According to Jason Iley, chairman of the BRITs, Zaha Hadid was chosen for the project because she was innovative and original, and her work was culturally relevant. He described her as ‘the perfect choice’ for the design of the piece.
The BRIT Awards 2017 are due to be screened live from the O2 Arena in London on Wednesday, February 22.
