PARIS, Jan 31, 2007/ FW/ --- When the invitation for the Givenchy Menswear show arrived to editors and writers, there was a collective surprise from everyone that it was a presentation and not a catwalk show.

“Where is Ozwald Boateng?” a question that fashionistas had been asking even during the Milan Menswear Fall 2007 season wherein Ozwald was a no show for his eponymous menswear line.

Because there was no official announcement from the House of Givenchy, rumors were rife during menswear week in Paris, until almost the last day when the maison announced that the charismatic British designer have taken a ‘consulting’ role for Givenchy Homme.

So, at the Givenchy presentation, though Ozwald Boateng was not personally present, his spirit was definitely there as the razor sharp collection with the signature Boateng touches were displayed on mannequins.

Slim fitting blousons, square-shoulders on coats and jackets with geometric wide lapels and straight leg trousers that do not constrict movement.

Boateng who debuted at Givenchy Homme during the Spring 2005 Paris Menswear season in July 2004 made the illustrious French fashion house young and hip with his upbeat and modern designs.

He also brought back Hollywood to Givenchy, who until today is always identified with ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and Audrey Hepburn. With celebrity names like Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Jaime Foxx among Boateng’s friends, Givenchy Homme also began to shine among the hip crowd.

But, even good things have to end. And though Ozwald Boateng’s collaboration with Givenchy has been commercially successful, and he has not really left the house, the feeling that it would end soon was very apparent among the Paris fashion crowd.

So, if this is the end, ‘Thank you Ozwald for all the beautiful memories.’

But, if this is just a short break, then, we will keep our fingers crossed that next season you are once again back on the runway!

Givenchy

Givenchy

Givenchy

Givenchy