A rather dapper debut
Founded in 1939 in Milan, Italy, Boggi made its way to Asia relatively late. Its first store in Hong Kong was in 2012; its success saw others swiftly popping up in the region. Its first boutique in Kuala Lumpur – located in Suria KLCC – opened in 2015 with new stores being planned for Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru.
At the inaugural international designers’ gala night of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur (MBFWKL), Boggi Milano’s field manager Stefano Leonardi prepares for the brand’s Malaysian runway debut. “Malaysia is a growing market for us and being part of MBFWKL gives us more visibility.” (Other designers that night included Julien MacDonald from the UK and Thomas Wee from Singapore.)
The collection was Boggi’s Spring/Summer, predicated on what Leonardi describes as “gentlemen-inspired.” He says: “it’s for the man who’s honest to himself and knows what he wants.” What has worked well for the brand, according to Leonardi, is the idea of versability for which the brand has earned its renown. “There’s something for everyone,” says Leonardi, adding that Boggi dresses men from ages 18 to 80. From tailored macro-structured wool jackets to Prince of Wales check jackets in a wool/silk blend, the apparel which hit the runway offered a wide spectrum of styles.
Men in Malaysia, says Leonardi, like to experiment with colours. “They are adventurous, compared wtih the British who are more conservative. The sense of fashion here is growing and customers are always looking for something unique.”
Asked to recommend a must-have item for men’s wardrobe, Leonardi replies: “You cannot go wrong with a pair of white trousers, it goes very well with a blue jacket. It shows off the wearer’s personality, that you can have fun with clothes.”
