Ozwald Boateng is a British-Ghanaian fashion designer and bespoke tailor who established his eponymous label on Savile Row in 1994, becoming the first Black tailor to open a shop on the street. Born in London in 1967 to Ghanaian parents, Boateng began making suits as a teenager and launched his career with a collection shown during London Fashion Week in 1994. He was appointed creative director of Givenchy Homme from 2003 to 2007.
Boateng's tailoring style is distinguished by its use of bold colors, unusual fabric combinations, and a modern slim silhouette that departed from traditional Savile Row conventions. His suits feature a longer jacket length, narrow shoulders, and a fitted waist, often executed in vibrant colors and patterns that reflect his West African heritage. The bespoke service starts at approximately 3,500 GBP for a two-piece suit.
The brand offers bespoke tailoring, made-to-measure, and a ready-to-wear collection. Boateng has dressed numerous high-profile clients, including Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, and Mick Jagger. He designed the costumes for the 2003 Matrix film trilogy. In 2006, he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to the fashion industry.
Boateng has expanded beyond traditional tailoring into broader luxury lifestyle projects, including interior design and property development in Ghana. However, the core of his business remains the Savile Row bespoke operation, which continues to produce tailored garments combining traditional British construction with contemporary design. The brand operates independently and is wholly owned by Boateng.