What do Lollapalooza India, Spotify Rap 91, and NH7 Weekender have in common besides a fantastic line-up of artists? For me, it’s the overall set design and visual curation. From their eye-catching announcement posts on Instagram to quirky invites, everything tells a story. All of this came to life with the hard work and talent of Aaquib Wani and his team.
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Aaquib Wani is a self-taught designer from New Delhi with a portfolio featuring an array of brands and collaborations a visual artist could only wish for. He has used his striking design skills to employ a variety of mediums, from spaces, festivals, sports kits, and interiors with interactive installations to some of the most talked about weddings in the country. His love affair with sports isn’t a new story. The artist has worked on Team India’s jerseys and kits for the Asian Games, T20 cricket World Cup, and many more. The latest feathers in his cap are his meticulously designed Team India Jerseys for the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics.
The artist sat down with ELLE to discuss his creative process, inspirations, and more.
ELLE: Take us through the design process of creating Team India’s kit for the Olympics.
Aaquib Wani: This six-month-long process started with developing narratives that would effectively share a story for this global event. After this, we delved into the form and functionality aspect of the jersey, ensuring maximum comfort while wearing it by designing a new custom silhouette. Once that was finalised, we focused on the print that would adorn the jersey, exploring multiple concepts before settling on the idea of terrain that encapsulates the essence of India’s landscapes, celebrating its diversity and strength.
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This process was a journey that blended creativity with cultural homage. Each jersey design reflects the resilience and beauty of our terrains, mirroring the athletes’ journey from these lands. From the peaks of the Himalayas to the vast plains, every contour, ridge, and flow of our country has been meticulously considered. This thoughtful process ensures that the kit is not just a uniform but a symbol of national pride and identity.
ELLE: How did the collaboration with JSW Group happen?
Aaquib Wani: The collaboration with JSW Group was a natural progression of shared values and vision. Last year, JSW Group approached us to design the jerseys for the Asian Games, and the results were fantastic. This year, we were up against some of the biggest names in fashion design, but we were fortunate enough to win the spot for this prestigious event. JSW Group has always been at the forefront of promoting sports and supporting athletes in India. When they approached us with the opportunity to design the Olympic kit, we saw it as a perfect alignment of our creative capabilities and their commitment to excellence in sports. The partnership was built on mutual respect and the goal of creating something iconic for Team India at the Paris Olympics 2024.
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ELLE: The designs proudly carry the Indian sentiment without going overboard with blatant and brash messaging. How did you achieve that?
Aaquib Wani: Previously, we often saw stock vector graphics of the tricolour being used, and we wanted to change that. Having worked on many jersey designs, we always noticed that more thought needed to be put into these. We saw this as an opportunity to use this canvas and introduce a narrative. Achieving a balance between pride and subtlety was crucial. We focused on the story behind our designs – the terrains of India. Our approach was to let the landscapes speak for themselves through intricate patterns and colours that symbolise the diverse topography of our nation.
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We avoided overt symbols and opted for designs that evoke a sense of belonging and pride through elegance and depth. By embedding the essence of our landscapes, we created sophisticated jerseys deeply rooted in Indian heritage. We conducted extensive research and adapted designs meant not just for one sport but for everything India has qualified for, including the entire Casual kit comprising a travel range, training, and tracksuits. The iterations included adaptations for Hockey, Table Tennis, Tennis, Badminton, Golf, Shooting, Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting, and Rowing.
ELLE: How did it feel personally to fashion all the stars of India’s sports squad, like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and more?
Aaquib Wani: It was an incredible honour and a deeply humbling experience to design for such esteemed athletes. Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and the entire sports squad are not just athletes but icons who inspire millions. Knowing these stars will wear our designs at the Olympics is a source of immense pride. It’s fulfilling to think that the athletes will carry a piece of India’s spirit and strength as they compete on the world stage.
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ELLE: What is the next project you are most excited about?
Aaquib Wani: I’m currently thrilled about a variety of upcoming projects. Firstly, I’m working on designing interiors for an experiential dessert bar, which promises to blend sensory delights with immersive design. Additionally, I’m deeply involved in crafting unique wedding experiences that celebrate love and culture through innovative design. One particularly exciting endeavour involves designing something extraordinary for an international brand. Unfortunately, I can’t spill the beans on this one until it’s officially launched, thanks to those pesky NDAs!
On the creative front, I’m also diving into the vibrant world of music festivals, with designs lined up for iconic events like Sunburn, Lollapalooza India, and Bandland. These projects allow me to fuse my passion for design with the pulsating energy of live music and cultural expression. I am also eagerly planning a couple of dynamic brand activations that promise to captivate and engage audiences in unique ways. It’s an exhilarating lineup, and I can’t wait to bring each of these visions to life.
