Blending precision with fragility and imperfection, the curvy collection is marked by a unique floral fil coupé velvet flower detail cut out by hand and re-embroidered onto wool bouclé for an artisan feel. It’s just one expression of the German luxury fashion house’s DNA of craftsmanship and superlative attention to detail to be seen in the collection.
Artistic director Jason Wu has steered the brand’s womenswear label for the last three years and his concepts traverse the common ground that art and fashion share with design, aesthetics, and creativity. Contrasting fabrics and textures are skilfully combined in a blend of the collection’s peacock colours (hot pink, cinnamon, emerald, ochre and grass); mesh, satin, felt and bouclé are united in dresses, while leather and suede are bonded to crepe to allow for architectural movement. (Remember, Wu is the man behind some of Michelle Obama’s most iconic looks.) Custom-woven chevron lace, contrasting fabrics, hand embroidery and a deconstructed finish punctuate the Boss AW16 collection from start to finish.
Of course, Wu’s genius traverses art and entrenches itself very much in the sphere of must-haves too. A perfect defence against a blustery wind is found in the tailored double-faced cashmere coat, featuring a cut cascade front and curvilinear seam detailing.
No outfit is complete without its accessories, which complement rather than perfectly match this ready-to-wear collection. To add an organic feel to the feminine fabrics, the new BOSS Bespoke hobo is presented in a layered patchwork of suede, calf hair, and brushed calfskin, while the signature BOSS Bespoke bag is joined by an oversize, unlined day tote. A subtle reference to men’s formalwear is found in the leather-and-calf-hair loafers which feature a welted last, while a zip-front boot with wood heel is a nod to the brand’s enduring ideals of form and function.
Soon to be available at the BOSS store in the Mall of Africa, the Fall/Winter collection promises a stylish season ahead, no matter what the weather.