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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 | September 29, 1975 Altadena, California, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, 2024 (aged 48) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Cal State Northridge |
| Labels |
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| Spouse | Monica |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards |
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| 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 September 7, 2024.