Business Speakers
Ozwald Boateng OBE is an iconic British fashion designer.
Ozwald has had a transformational impact on menswear fashion for almost three decades. Designs are aesthetically rooted in Savile Row tradition, but defined by international style, detail and artistry.
He sees himself as both tailor and a designer and in being so, coined the term ‘bespoke couturier‘.
His instinctive use of colour, cut and fabric fuses traditional classic British tailoring with a high-end modern design. Focusing on the refinement of a man’s silhouette and enhancing the experience for the wearer, Ozwald Boateng brings tailoring to a new generation of men.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Ozwald began tailoring at the age of 16 – entirely self-taught.
In his early twenties, and having dressed celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page and Spike Lee, Ozwald set up a design studio on London’s Portobello Road. He started a journey that would see him change the course of men’s fashion, becoming one of the most recognisable names in the industry.
Boateng’s unique approach to tailoring and design has coveted the attention of some of the world’s famous men. Clients range from business leaders to Heads of State, Royalty and celebrated figures from music, film and entertainment.
As a result, he has designed and created wardrobe pieces for a number of iconic television shows and movies, including:
- Black Panther
- Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
- Gangster No. 1
- Will Smith for Bad Boys 2
- Sex & The City
- The Matrix: Reloaded
In 2003, Bernard Arnault appointed Ozwaled as Creative Director for Menswear for Givenchy.
In 2006, Ozwald Boateng was awarded an OBE by the HM the Queen for Services to the Clothing Industry.
Ozwald Boateng also co-founded the Made In Africa Foundation. The foundation was set up in 2011 alongside Kola Aluko and Atlantic Energy to support and fund master plans and feasibility studies for transformational and large scale developments and infrastructure projects across the African continent. A funding mechanism was introduced to assist successful businesses in Africa to transform their existing investments and prospects and give Africa Independence through development and infrastructure.
The World Economic Forum named Ozwald as a Young Global Leader. Bestowed annually, this award recognises the most distinguished 250 young leaders under 40 from around the world.
Furthermore, Harvard University presented Boateng with the prestigious Veritas Award. The award was in recognition for his pioneering fashion career and for being an outstanding catalyst for global socio-economic development, particularly throughout Africa.
