SK Rapid Wien, commonly known as Rapid Wien or simply Rapid, is one of Austria’s most historic and successful football clubs. Founded in 1899 and based in Vienna, the club has won a record number of Austrian league titles and is widely recognised for its passionate supporter culture and strong working-class identity. Rapid also holds the unique distinction of being the only non-German club to have won the German championship, claiming the title in 1941 while Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany.
These concept kit designs explore how Rapid’s history, identity, and cultural roots can be interpreted through modern football shirt design. Each kit uses simplified graphic ideas, colour, and pattern to reference the club’s heritage and Vienna’s character, while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The aim was to respect Rapid’s tradition while presenting fresh kit concepts suited to the modern game.
The Rapid Wien home, away, and third kit concepts form a cohesive set that interprets club identity and Viennese culture through a modern design approach.
The Rapid Wien third shirt concept celebrates the club’s status as Austria’s most successful team through a lavish gold colour palette accented with white detailing. The design is inspired by the façade of the Secession Building, referencing Vienna’s rich artistic heritage and the building’s iconic ornamental style.
A subtle floral pattern in light and dark gold forms the focal point of the shirt, echoing the embossed detailing found on the Secession Building. Dark gold sleeves, gold-toned club and manufacturer branding, and a contrasting gold and white sponsor mark enhance the premium aesthetic, while white collar and sleeve cuffs reference the building’s pale concrete surface.
On the back, the pattern is removed to leave a plain gold upper back for clear player name and number visibility. The Secessionist motto “Der Zeit ihre Kunst. Der Kunst ihre Freiheit” is embroidered beneath the back collar, reflecting both the movement’s philosophy and the idea of football as an art form.
As part of this project, the Rapid Wien club badge has been refined into a more minimal and contemporary form. Key elements from previous iterations are simplified, with the colour palette reduced to emphasise the club’s iconic green and white. Red and blue are removed, while gold replaces yellow to better reflect prestige and tradition.
The shield is enlarged and incorporates horizontal striping inspired by Rapid’s home shirts, while the traditional wreath is reduced to a clean gold ring. The Rapid wordmark is presented prominently in white on green for clarity, with the club’s founding year placed at the base of the shield and three gold stars aligned above to represent the club’s 32 league titles.