Boss Embraces the Heat—and Water—in Miami
What’s better than a little sun and surf to break up the last weeks of winter? Boss joined the growing list of designers showing off-schedule this season and decamped to Miami to soak up the heat and present a collection inspired by the humid city. The likes of Maluma, Demi Lovato, and Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount went south for the week to take in the epic runway, staged at the waterfront Herald Plaza. The show sent Boss further into new territory, showing a see-now-buy-now range for spring/summer 2023 that is already available to shop online at boss.com. The assortment marks a new direction for Boss, highlighting its ability to adapt to the market and deliver high fashion while still sticking to its bread and butter: top-quality designs that are as stylish as they are comfortable.
The opening run of looks, modeled by none other than Pamela Anderson and supermodel Anok Yai, set the tone for the splashy show to come (literally). Models appeared to be walking on water, atop a slick black runway and surrounded by fountains misting water over the entire collection, so much so that by the end of each models’ walk, their outfits were damp, as if they had spent the last several minutes out to sea. Crinkled linen jackets in ecru and tans appeared light as air, complemented by sheer skirts and matching tops to counter the linen.
Boss definitely took cues from the style of Miami, which is by nature breezy to accommodate the stifling humidity and winds that come from the water. Officewear staples in black, white, and tan felt extra bouncy and free, and the classic pinstripe and grey marl suiting found new life as shift dresses, vests, and workwear skirts. The second half of the show saw models like Grace Elizabeth and Precious Lee in muted, slinky silk-and-mesh dresses that draped just so over the body, embracing a new sensuality that contrasts well with the typical tailoring we’re used to seeing from the brand.
The show leaned heavily into classicism with a twist, shown not only through the clothes, but via the diverse cast of characters. Everyone from aughts supermodel Omahyra Mota, Japanese superstar Naomi Watanabe, industry veteran Amber Valletta, and even DJ Khaled walked the runway (another one). Recently-retired stylist Law Roach even made an appearance in a three-piece suit. Naomi Campbell stomped out for the finale in a show-stopping black deconstructed halter-top suit gown—the ultimate Boss lady look. Even though the show pulled the brand into the future with a new focus on fashion-forward pieces, the timelessness and commitment to honoring its core customer shone through. All it took was jetting to the ultimate spring break location to unlock a new level.
Kevin LeBlanc is the Fashion Associate at ELLE Magazine. He covers fashion news, trends, and anything to do with Robyn Rihanna Fenty.