Special innovators, custom designers with unparalleled light Walea Boswell He passed away at the age of 48, having made a great contribution to the fashion industry.
Known for recreating power suits and menswear for A-list celebrities and athletes such as Jay-Z, Will Smith, Kanye West and LeBron James, Warea was a change-maker with an iconic history.
Born September 29, 1975 in Altadena, California, Boswell (affectionately known as “BOZ”) passed away on July 31, 2024 after “private battles.” However, he did not leave this world without sharing his incredible artistry.
His family wrote in an Instagram post:
Throughout the struggle, Walea never let the situation sway him from his design mission to create the perfect wardrobe that will make his clients feel their best at their best moments. “Creating the perfect suit is ironically similar to life,” says Walea. “The irony is that nothing in life is perfect, but it’s similar in that you have control over whether it fits you or not.”
This pioneering designer began his career California State University, Northridge There he studied radio and television film before beginning his career with the United Talent Agency and the William Morris Agency.
Like other actors, BOZ aspires to a poised and sophisticated appearance, but struggled to find suits that fit his 6-foot-7 frame, so he began designing his own suits, which quickly caught the attention and popularity of his peers and entertainment industry executives.
In 2002, this graceful giant launched his own eponymous brand, WARAIRE BOSWELL, with custom made ready-to-wear clothing.
He used his entrepreneurial spirit and unique sensibility to develop a specialized market for professional athletes like himself, including NBA stars such as the late Kobe Bryant, Tristan Thompson and Kevin Durant. From tailored suits to sportswear, he has always strived to inspire customers around the world.
His incredible attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship have earned him many accolades, including being named Mercedes-Benz Classic Designer of the Year in 2005.
BOZ is McDonald’s to revamp uniforms in 2017This comes after the fast-food chain asked him to revamp the attire for its North American staff.
In addition to working with companies such as Nike, American Express and Fear of God, Boswell’s work has been featured in major fashion magazines such as Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair.
Waleah Boswell always saw the world from an artist’s perspective: he saw beauty in everything and was not afraid to think outside the box.
BOZ used his innate knowledge and innovative techniques to perfectly design the functional needs of each garment, using the finest fabrics and upcycling from thrift stores. His designs were monumental with immense style and elegance.
Boswell has undoubtedly left his mark on the fashion industry as a whole, creating a clear blueprint for other designers to follow. Follow that example.
He was a unique, first-rate, champion who blazed new trails and understood the power of his talent. This is an unimaginable loss for many, and Waliare Boswell leaves behind a legacy of richness of mind, body and soul.
He is survived by his wife, Monica Boswell, his two children, Miles and Mason, his mother, Ann Boswell, and his sister, Kasmin Boswell.
Our deepest condolences to the Boswell family.
“Every person born is born with a glorious imprint from the Creator. We are born with creativity from the Creator. I think each of us is born with creativity.“- Maya Angelou
Photo credit: @krisyanphoto, IG/Reproduced, Waraire.com