This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2007) |
Waraire Boswell (September 29, 1975 – July 31, 2024) was an American fashion designer and businessman. He launched his namesake label in 2003, specializing in bespoke suiting and ready-to-wear. In 2005, Boswell was named Mercedes Benz Classic Designer of the Year.
Waraire Boswell | |
---|---|
Born | Altadena, California, U.S. | September 29, 1975
Died | July 31, 2024 | (aged 48)
Nationality | American |
Education | Cal State Northridge |
Labels |
|
Spouse | Monica |
Children | 2 |
Awards |
|
Website | waraireboswell |
Early life and education
editBoswell was born in Altadena, California, on September 29, 1975.[1] He attended John Muir High School and graduated in 1993.[2] Thereafter, Boswell attended Cal State Northridge and majored in Radio/Television film.[2]
Career
editBoswell's early career included working as an agent-trainee at William Morris Endeavor and United Talent Agency.[3][4] He started designing suits for himself after having trouble finding clothing to fit his six-foot seven stature.[3] In 2003, he founded his namesake label and began offering custom suiting to professional athletes, talent agents, industry associates and celebrity clientele.[3][5][6] The next year, Boswell's designs were featured in GenArt's "Fresh Faces in Fashion" show in Los Angeles, California.[1] In March 2005, he showcased an accessories collection at the "Pret a PSP" show for the release of the PlayStation Portable.[7] The same year, he was named Mercedes Benz Classic Designer of the Year.[2][8]
In April 2014, Boswell co-launched a ready-to-wear line with Jace Lipstein.[9] In 2017, he partnered with McDonald's to design a contemporary collection of employee uniforms.[10] Boswell also collaborated with 1800 Tequila and Uproxx for their "Refined From The Raw" campaign.[11] He designed a three-piece "suit" made from a fabric initially purposed for space program parachutes.[11]
Boswell's work has been featured in trade magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Esquire and Vanity Fair.[2] In February 2019, he was noted by Women's Wear Daily as a member of the Black Design Collective.[12]
Death
editBoswell died on July 31, 2024, at the age of 48.[13][14][15]
References
edit- ^ a b Catalyst, Clint (November 18, 2004). "Off The Cuff". LA Weekly. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "2015 Hall of Fame Inductees". John Muir High School Alumni Association. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ a b c Chan, Stephanie (July 16, 2014). "ESPYS: Meet the Man Who Makes LeBron James' Suits". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ Boswell, Waraire. "Waraire Boswell" (Interview). Interviewed by Tam Vo. Los Angeles, California: Bevel. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
- ^ Pike, Laurie (October 8, 2013). "Why Kobe Bryant and LeBron James Got Their Custom Suits in Koreatown". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ Jester, Satchel B. (April 7, 2015). "Waraire Boswell Goes to Higher Heights with Bespoke Fashion for Men of Style and Substance". Upscale. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (March 15, 2005). "PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) Fuses Fashion and Technology in an Exclusive Designer Accessories Show" (Press Release). Sony. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ Ehlers, Sara (March 5, 2015). "Harlem's Fashion Row comes to Los Angeles". FashionUnited. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
- ^ Screws, Nic (March 14, 2014). "The Man Who Dresses the NBA Will Now Be Dressing You". Esquire. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ Fu, Joanna (April 21, 2017). "McDonald's Debuts New Uniforms by Waraire Boswell". Hypebeast. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ a b Evans, Jonathan (July 17, 2017). "This Entire Outfit Is Made of Repurposed Raw Materials". Esquire. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ Lockwood, Lisa (February 13, 2019). "Black Design Collective Established to Help Designers Navigate Industry". WWD. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ "Fashion Designer Waraire Boswell Passes Away at 48". BET. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ "Waraire Boswell". Instagram. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Feitelberg, Rosemary (August 2, 2024). "Waraire Boswell, Designer for LeBron James and McDonald's Uniforms, Dies at 48". Women's Wear Daily. Fairchild Media. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2024.