Ozwald Boateng is widely credited with introducing Savile Row tailoring to a new generation. In 1994 Ozwald became the first Savile Row tailor to show at the renowned International Menswear Collections, in Paris. In 2003 he was appointed Creative Director of Menswear at Givenchy, further securing his dominant position on the world fashion stage. Boateng's many clients include Laurence Fishburne, Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Keanu Reeves, and Mick Jagger. The 6-foot-4-inch Ozwald Boeteng is slim and bald, with a striking presence. Born in Ghana in the late 1960s and brought up in north London, Boateng studied computing before dropping out to pursue fashion.
While studying computing at Southwark College, he was introduced to cutting and designing clothes by his girlfriend at the time. Using his mother's old sewing machine, he started designing and selling clothes to his fellow students. At sixteen he sold his first collection to a menswear shop in Covent Garden, and by the time he was twenty-three, he had set himself up full time in business.
Boateng’s attention to detail and finish are most clearly demonstrated in his superb bespoke tailoring, for which he developed a stellar clientele. Today Ozwald Boateng’s distinguished and award winning designs are sold and celebrated internationally, and his unique approach to cut, colour, and detail has created a new look for men that is stylish and beautiful.
Boateng sees himself as more than a tailor, and more than a designer, so he coined the term 'Bespoke Couture' designing elegant clothing for men with distinctive and discriminating, edgy fashion tastes.
Ozwald with Wife Guynel
Ozwald with daughter AmeliaBoateng lives with his wife and two children in central London, and was recently named one of the 100 Great Black Britons by The Voice and the Greater London Authority. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2006 Queen's New Year's Honours.
Ozwald Boateng has been potrayed as fashion designer who personifies the courage needed to believe in oneself even in the most trying of times. With hardwork and perservearance Boateng constantly strives to realize his ambitious goals. Ozwald embodies the strength of human conviction and most importantly an uncompromising belief in himself and an unshakeable determination.OB'S TIPS FOR MENS DRESSING
"My view on what you should and shouldn’t wear is quite varied. You can get away with a bright coloured shirt and still look formal, provided the tie and the shirt work together and the shirt has a double cuff.
"The worst mistake you can make is wearing an ill-fitting suit. If you do it just looks rectangular.
"Soft collared shirts (collars without bones) are also a no-no, as are trousers with turn-ups.
"They break the line of the trouser and draw unnecessary attention to the trouser hem.
"It is always nice to see a bit of the shirt cuff from under the jacket and show that you are a true gentleman.
"If you want that Gentleman’s appearance you’ll need a well pressed shirt.
"With a shirt it’s all about the quality.
"A change of cufflinks can be used to easily change your look and say something different about your personality."
"And don't forget to always polish your shoes."
"The worst mistake you can make is wearing an ill-fitting suit. If you do it just looks rectangular.
"Soft collared shirts (collars without bones) are also a no-no, as are trousers with turn-ups.
"They break the line of the trouser and draw unnecessary attention to the trouser hem.
"It is always nice to see a bit of the shirt cuff from under the jacket and show that you are a true gentleman.
"If you want that Gentleman’s appearance you’ll need a well pressed shirt.
"With a shirt it’s all about the quality.
"A change of cufflinks can be used to easily change your look and say something different about your personality."
"And don't forget to always polish your shoes."
More Information
Ozwald Boateng Main Website
info@bespokecoutureltd.co.uk
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