There aren’t many fashion designers who can claim to be responsible for revolutionising Savile Row, being the first tailor to stage a catwalk show in Paris and pick up an OBE from the Queen for his contribution to fashion. Then again, there aren’t many designers like Ozwald Boateng.
Following Boateng's first men’s show in London for nearly two decades, ShortList’s style director caught up with the man to discuss his absence from the London fashion scene and who his favourite Bond is. Naturally...
How does it feel to be back at London Fashion Week after nearly 20 years?
It’s really good. I’ve always been quite frustrated because I could never show in London. I’ve always had a lot of support from the French fashion press, but I didn’t get that over here. It’s a real shame that there’s not a men’s platform in London and I couldn’t be a part of fashion week.
How do you think the men’s fashion market has grown in the past 25 years?
It’s been amazing. What you have to remember is when I first started there weren’t any men’s mags. There was iD and The Face, which were like Bibles. But now, for the first time men are really allowed to be into fashion, it’s been a liberation.
What can we expect from you in future?
I see myself opening more stores, moving into women’s wear, I think i'm ready for that. Then I see myself making movies. I’ve been making short films for years, so it’s nothing new. So I'm very keen on directing, I did a documentary film, I’m really excited about, it’s out next year.
Quick Fire Round. Your favourite airline?
Virgin. I do a lot of flights with Virgin.
Favourite fragrance?
I have a fragrance I get it made especially, in Paris, but I keep the location a secret.
Favourite Bond?
Daniel Craig. I have to say, he's done an amazing job. Connery’s always up there, but Craig’s been amazing. I grew up with Roger Moore, that’s my time, but Roger Moore in Live and Let Die was sensational. All cracking Bonds."
Paul Newman or Robert Redford?
That’s a hard one. Newman has all the greats, Cool Hand Luke, but Redford was so good looking, I mean they’re both so good looking, you kind of forget until you see Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid. They’re neck and neck.
Double breasted or single breasted?
Difficult. I’d say single. Double’s more formal and single’s more casual.
Navy or Camel?
Navy.
Cameron or Clegg?
Has to be Cameron. He’s really of the moment.
Log-on on Friday to see Adrian Clark, Shortlist style director's pick of the menswear highlights from London Fashion Week.
Picture: Rex Features
