Item 2021.44 - Ozwald Boateng Checked Jacket

Ozwald Boateng was born in London to Ghanaian parents in 1967. He launched his own label in 1989 having studied Fashion at Southgate College. In 1994, he became the first British tailor to stage a catwalk presentation during Paris Fashion Week. The success of this enabled him to open his boutique on Vigo Street at the south end of Savile Row. In 2002, he moved fully into Savile Row; the first black tailor to do so. Between 2003 and 2007 he was Creative director of Givenchy Homme, resigning from this post after four years to focus exclusively on his own brand. In 2008 he launched a new headquarters and flagship store at 30 Savile Row. He is known for his distinctive take on traditional tailoring and custom designs, which draw on his African heritage via vibrant colour and textile use.