Todays Story A Man’s Story
The Journey of Ozwald
Boateng
A film about the passion one man has for his work, for his family,
for Africa; all the while being stretched too thin to hold on to it all.
Director Varion Bonicos gives us an inside look into a 12-year
journey of the famed Ozwald Boateng. Everything looks so glamorous on the
outside, while Boateng globetrots, attends fashion events, conducts fashion
shows for both Givenchy and his own Label, is married a beautiful woman and has
two children who completely admire him. The highly inspirational documentary
divulges Boateng as he pours his heart and sole into his work; and even when
the world comes crashing down on him he continues to push forward.
The London Brute learned and mastered his design skills while
working as the youngest and first black tailor on Savile Row, in Mayfair, London. He became known for his exquisite tailoring
as well as for his personal taste in fashion. He always dressed to impress in
perfectly fitted bold colored suits, and his client list is that of some of Hollywood’s
best dressed celebrities: Will Smith, Jamie Fox, Keanu Reeves, Don Cheadle, Daniel
Day Lewis, Laurence Fishburn, Michael Bay, Wolfgang Puck, and the list goes on.
His career hit a peak when he was awarded “The Best Men’s Wear Designer” at the
2000 British Fashion Awards. His most admired designer Georgio Armani
complemented him as being one of the best tailors of our time. Clients have
referred to Boateng as being the epitome of classic British tailoring, temperamental,
and having an extraordinary African use of color. Boateng doesn’t stray far
from his parents’ African roots. In 2007 he coordinated a fashion show in Ghana
with the help of many successful American Businessmen and some African American
celebrities. He even went so far as to contact many world leaders to get
assistance in his charity, to expose the help that African countries need.
This film really continued to tug on my heart while watching
a man who is passionate about so many things but struggles to keep everything
together. He is constantly beating himself up over every detail and puts so
much pressure on himself to be perfect. The viewer is given a complete
backstage view of a high-end fashion show. During his earlier years working as
a designer for his own label he is a complete control freak. While on stage he is
happy and full of energy while he directs his models on the catwalk, but back
stage he is a total stress case, yelling at everyone and sulking in his
dressing room. This is a reflection of what was going on in his personal life. In
the end he is left with two failed marriages, a booming career and a thriving
new store on Savile Row. Anyone who has hit rock bottom and needs an uplifting
story should see this courageous film. Boateng teaches us that everyday is a
new chapter and it’s what we do with it that counts.
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