Ozwald Boateng - Speaker

Celebrating over 30 years in fashion, Ozwald Boateng conceived a new silhouette, function and palette for international menswear; creating a concept of style and luxury for men not previously envisaged but desired by men everywhere. Born in London, Ozwald Boateng was inspired by the immaculate suits his father wore. Later, he would fall in love with an artist and help her finish her collection for a fashion show; he had a foresight of his future. 

Following this vision, he sold his first collection to a menswear shop in Covent Garden. He was only 16. After spending time with Tommy Nutter, the iconic tailor for the Beatles and the Stones, Ozwald Boateng visualised his future: he would have a shop on Savile Row that would offer ‘bespoke couture’, suits an expressive cut that would enhance the wearer’s spirit and character. Ozwald Boateng began working earnestly towards his goal of opening a studio on the Portobello Road in 1991. 

Recognizing the potential that English tailoring could have on the world’s fashion scene, Ozwald Boateng staged his first catwalk presentation during Paris Fashion Week in 1994 introducing “Classic with a Twist” to the world and becoming the first English Tailor to do so. The success was felt immediately, and his boutique was opened on at the south end of Savile Row, in 1995. In 2003 Ozwald Boateng was appointed the first Creative Director at Givenchy Homme, part of the LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. This huge success relaunched the now hugely successful menswear brand. 

In 2007 Ozwald Boateng relocated its flagship store and HQ to a prominent location at 30 Savile Row. Designed with David Adjaye, the flagship store is the blueprint for the global expansion. In parallel to his career in fashion Ozwald Boateng has demonstrated his creativity through film. He is known for opening each fashion show with a short film depicting the collection's essence. His skills in writing and directing short films have been critically acclaimed and awarded. Ozwald Boateng’s innovative approach to design has attracted several high-profile collaborations, such as Coutts & Co, Johnnie Walker and Virgin and most recently, the partnership with the UK’s national airline ‘British Airways’ and Poltrona Frau, furniture.