In the Miami heat, front-row guests at the Boss spring/summer 2023 show were treated to a literal splash thanks to a waterfall and synchronised fountains that flanked the sleek catwalk. After taking to Dubai for its first ‘see now, buy now’ show last year, the brand’s latest collection, Be Your Own Boss, found a dynamic home by the water.
“Miami is a multicultural hub,” explained Marco Falcioni, SVP of Creative Direction at Hugo Boss. “It’s an inspiring place.”
For a collection designed for those who play by their own rules, who better to open the show than ultimate boss, Pamela Anderson? Wearing a pale grey suit set with matching neutral knit and nude leather pumps, the actress and recent Broadway star set the tone.
Inspired by “self-determined individuality” in an ever-changing world, the show was all about progressing casualwear and reinvigorating classics. Falcioni was particularly drawn to the dichotomy of past and present, and the “exquisite tension” in mixing up clothes and turning traditional styling on its head.
Looks played on this contrast, layering the force of structured and opaque designs with fluid and sheer pieces. Buttery silks swanned down the runway, anchored by smooth, solid outerwear. “This powerful juxtaposition serves as the cornerstone of a new exploration in prints, tones, and textures, opening the door to a world that invites a creative, visual dialogue,” said Falcioni of the collection. “It is a sartorial reflection in looking back to move boldly forward into the future and embody the spirit of a true Boss.”
Demonstrating this power, clothes were refined and polished, but styled and worn with an attitude befitting a boss, even implementing off-kilter details to make a statement. Misaligned pinstripes, deconstructed waistcoats and oversized fits were a departure from Boss’ beginnings but were an assertion of the individuality its clothes celebrate.
Looks didn’t deviate too far from the brand’s bread-and-butter tailoring and premium basics, though, with plenty for loyal fans to sweep up. The brand’s signature tones of black, white, and camel were still present, but a highlight of the show was the use of warm, powdery neutrals.
Casting was highly intentional, boasting a cast of trailblazers known for doing things their own way. Pamela Anderson’s son Brandon Thomas Lee joined her, as well as Naomi Campbell, Law Roach, K-pop star BM, Precious Lee, Candice Swanepoel, Amber Valletta, DJ Khaled, Indya Moore, Naomi Watanabe, Khaby Lame, Gottmik, and Violet Chachki.
In true boss fashion, the brand isn’t waiting around to hit the market, with around 30 per cent of the looks shown ready to shop immediately after their public debut. And because classics are always done right with Boss, you can rest assured they’ll take you from season to season.
This article originally appeared on Grazia International