June 16th: Today's Feature

June

Ozwald Boateng, OBE (born 28 February 1967) is an English fashion designer, best known for his trademark twist on classic tailoring and bespoke styles.

Early life

Born in London's Muswell Hill district on 28 February 1967, Ozwald Boateng was raised by Ghanaian parents who instilled in him a love for fashion. At just eight years old, his mother gifted him his first suit, a stylish double-breasted ensemble in purple mohair. Boateng's passion for design grew when he took on a summer job at 14, sewing linings into suits.

While pursuing computer science at Southgate College, Boateng's interest in fashion intensified thanks to his then-girlfriend, who introduced him to cutting and designing. Armed with his mother's old sewing machine, he began creating and selling his designs to fellow students. This led him to switch his studies and graduate in fashion and design. Boateng's talent was recognised when he assisted a friend in creating clothes for a fashion show, which resulted in his first collection being sold at a menswear shop in Covent Garden. In 1991, he opened his own studio on Portobello Road, and in 1994, he made history as the first tailor to showcase a catwalk presentation during Paris Fashion Week.

Career

Mentored by Tommy Nutter, Boateng opened his boutique on Vigo Street in 1995 after the success of the Paris show in 1994, bringing a contemporary approach to menswear design to Savile Row and attracting a younger demographic. Boateng fully moved into Savile Row in June 2002.

Boateng expanded his brand in 2003 by launching a new line of perfumes for women called Bespoke, featuring two different vials of fragrance in an elegant bottle. He was honoured with a 20-year retrospective event at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2005, and in 2008, he opened his flagship store and headquarters at No. 30 Savile Row, co-designed by British-Ghanaian Architect David Adjaye. The store, the largest on Savile Row, remains the only Black-owned store on the street and has been managed by Bespoke manager Khalid Fakhour since 2010.

Boateng made a strategic move in 2007 by consolidating the corporate headquarters of his company with his newly revamped flagship store located on Savile Row. This decision not only brought together the administrative functions of the business with the retail space but also enhanced the overall brand experience for customers. By integrating the two entities, Boateng aimed to streamline operations and create a seamless connection between the brand's identity and its physical presence in a prestigious location.

Apart from offering a personalised bespoke service to clients, Boateng expanded his offerings by introducing two ready-to-wear collections annually. These collections are manufactured at the former Chester Barrie factory situated in Crewe, Cheshire. By utilising the facilities at this factory, Boateng ensures that his ready-to-wear pieces maintain the same level of quality and craftsmanship that his brand is known for. This strategic production decision not only allows Boateng to cater to a wider audience but also upholds the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional products to customers.

Boateng's show at London Fashion Week, 2010

Bernard Arnault, the President of LVMH, made the decision to appoint Boateng as the Creative Director of Menswear at Givenchy, a renowned French Fashion house. Boateng, in a 2019 interview with Icon Mann, shared that his primary objective at the time was to revolutionise the concept of the French gentleman. He expressed his satisfaction in successfully achieving this goal. Boateng's debut collection was showcased in July 2004 at the prestigious Hotel de Ville in Paris. However, Boateng's association with Givenchy came to an end after the Spring 2007 collection.

In 2004, Boateng was approached by Coutts to design a cutting-edge Super-Premium credit card. The result was the Coutts "World Credit Card," which featured Boateng's signature imperial purple colour. The design aimed to convey a sense of modernity and unparalleled elegance. This innovative credit card design was well-received and effectively communicated Coutts' commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Boateng's creative prowess extended beyond the realm of fashion. In the same year, he was entrusted by John Agyekum Kufuor, the President of the Republic of Ghana, to curate and organise a show at the ninth annual African Union summit. This significant event took place in Accra and coincided with the commemoration of 200 years since the end of the transatlantic slave trade and Ghana's 50 years of independence. Boateng's expertise and artistic vision were instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful showcase that celebrated African culture and history on an international platform.

British Airways announced in 2018 that Boateng had been selected as the designer for its upcoming uniform, which would be unveiled during the organisation's centenary celebrations. This decision sparked controversy among both customers and staff, as they had expected the uniform to be a collaboration with the renowned British brand Burberry. Boateng dedicated four years to meticulously working with various departments within the airline to ensure that the uniform met the needs of those who would wear it. Finally, in 2023, British Airways launched Boateng's "British Airways x Ozwald Boateng" collection as part of their "A British Original" campaign.

Film & Television

Boateng has crafted unique costumes for various films and TV series such as Mo' Better Blues, Hannibal, Rush Hour, Sex & the City and The Matrix, showcasing his talent in costume design for the entertainment industry.

Director Varon Bonicos documented Boateng's journey from 1998 to 2010 in the feature documentary A Man's Story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the designer's life and work, which was released in March 2012.

Boateng's creative endeavours extend beyond costume design, as he has also ventured into creating and directing his own film projects, demonstrating his versatility and passion for storytelling through different mediums.

Charity

In 2008, Boateng was selected to serve on the REACH committee, a distinguished group tasked with identifying and enlisting national role models dedicated to empowering black boys and fostering their ambitions. This appointment underscored Boateng's commitment to promoting positive change and inspiring young individuals to reach their full potential. By actively participating in this initiative, Boateng demonstrated a strong dedication to uplifting communities and advocating for inclusivity and diversity.

Teaming up with Kola Aluko through Atlantic Energy, Boateng co-founded the Made in Africa Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in the UK. The foundation's primary objective is to support the advancement of the African continent by offering initial funding for feasibility studies and business development related to large-scale infrastructure projects in the region. Through this philanthropic endeavour, Boateng aimed to contribute to sustainable growth and economic development in Africa, while challenging stereotypes and reshaping perceptions about the continent.

Boateng's involvement as a special guest panellist at the 2018 London Business School African summit further highlighted his dedication to promoting business opportunities and collaboration within the African community. During the summit, Boateng played a key role in launching the Remember To Rise art collaboration, a significant project aimed at celebrating African art and culture. By engaging in such initiatives, Boateng continues to leverage his influence and expertise to foster creativity, innovation, and unity among individuals passionate about Africa's rich heritage and potential for growth.