Ozwald Boateng reveals all at UCA screening
World famous fashion designer Ozwald Boateng OBE inspired students and members of the public at a special screening of his new film A Man's Story at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) at Epsom last night (21 March).
The Savile Row tailor, who received an honorary Master of Arts degree from UCA in 2011, answered questions from the audience about his life, career and future ambitions.
Ozwald Boateng said: "I wanted to do this special screening at UCA to show my appreciation and love for the University after they awarded me the honorary Master of Arts degree last year but also because this is a University of creatives.
"I've heard that the film inspires lots of people and I wanted to make sure creative people and students have access to it so hopefully it can give them that extra confidence to continue along their chosen path and succeed.
"I was really impressed by the students and the work I saw today before the screening. It was clear to me that they're learning from the base level which is absolutely crucial because you've got to know how to make the ideas that you're sketching and have in your head."
Over the past two decades Ozwald has redefined men's bespoke tailoring and his flagship Savile Row store is at the forefront of men's fashion. His trademark suits have been worn by the likes of President Barack Obama, Mick Jagger, Samuel L Jackson and P Diddy.
A Man's Story charts Ozwald's meteoric rise on Savile Row and around the world. Varon Bonicos' film follows the style icon over a 12-year period, capturing his private moments as well as his high-profile launch events, such as his store opening on Savile Row, and OBE at Buckingham Palace. The feature-length documentary is now available to buy at HMV, Amazon and iTunes.
UCA Vice-Chancellor Dr Simon Ofield-Kerr, who hosted the event, said: "We were delighted to welcome Ozwald back to UCA. His answers were honest, entertaining and, most importantly, inspiring for our students.
"Ozwald has been a great ambassador for UCA since receiving his honorary degree and we are looking forward to working closely with him again soon."
Ozwald complemented the live Q&A with a special online chat via UCA's official Twitter page.
UCA Epsom has a proud tradition of producing successful tailors and fashion designers. In 2009, graduate Kathryn Sargent became the first woman to be appointed Head Cutter on Savile Row, at Gieves & Hawkes. She has just started up her own bespoke tailoring company.
For more information contact:
David Reilly, Press Officer, UCA
T: 01252 892939
E: dreilly@ucreative.ac.uk
