Ozwald Boateng's Fashion Show at the Apollo Was an Exploration of Authentic Identity

The Ghanaian-British designer presented a new collection inspired by his African roots and the Harlem Renaissance.

Ozwald Boateng's Fashion Show at the Apollo Was an Exploration of Authentic Identity
Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images.

Ozwald Boateng, the Ghanaian-British fashion designer known for his meticulous bespoke suits, recently held a fashion show at the iconic Apollo Theater in partnership with social networking platform, Vero.

When he made the announcement of the show, the designer floated around the abbrevation "AI" which we all know as "artificial intelligence," but this time, however, it was intended to stand for "authentic identity," CNNreports.

The models casted were a diverse multigenerational array of who's who in fashion, music and in Black Hollywood including Michael K. Williams, Jidenna, Adesuwa Aighewi, Aldis Hodge, Jo-Ani Johnson and more. They donned Boateng's classic three-piece suits as well as silk ensembles with wax print-inspired ensembles, Ethiopian-inspired jewlery across hues of greens, blues, earth-tones, grey and white.

"We live in a time where Authentic Identity is becoming a crucial part of who we are and the journey we are on," Boateng says to CNN.

Take a look at a few of our favorite looks below.


Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images.

Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images.

Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images.

Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images.

A photo of three models wearing Dye Lab’s pieces.
Fashion

15 Ethical and Sustainable African Fashion Brands You Need to Know

These brands are preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting local artisans, while using eco-friendly materials and transforming the fashion world’s impact on the environment.

A photo of South African designer Thebe Magugu in a black suit at the "Annees Palace" - 20th "Diner De La Mode" as part of Paris Fashion Week at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on July 06, 2023 in Paris, France.
News

11 African Menswear Designers Leading the Industry Right Now

These designers are bringing fresh perspectives and unique style to the African fashion scene.