The Fear of God founder recalls far more than Boswell’s design talent, though. “I remember his hugs, his laughs, and our smiles together,” he says. “He was elegant and the cleanest 6’7” dude you would ever meet. He inspired me to be a great example for my kids and our community, and he’s one of the unsung heroes for so many people. It was tough for me to speak at his funeral.”

After designing for some of the world’s most stylish men and women, Boswell went on to collaborate with major fashion brands and leading companies including the NBA, McDonald’s, American Express, Mitchell & Ness, and Nike. But even with his laundry list of accolades and achievements, “Boswell always felt a thrust to do more,” says frequent collaborator, Joshua Kissi.

Kissi—a photographer, filmmaker, and family friend who joined Monica for this interview—befriended Boswell in 2013 at a trade show in Las Vegas. The two shared similar interests in art, design, and entrepreneurship, and often collaborated on projects that helped buffer Boswell’s creative vision.

“Working in fashion is not easy, but what Boz was able to do well was to reinvent himself with a certain level of class,” Kissi says. “Whether it was designing a new suit, or having a new haircut, he constantly engaged with information and education, and was super passionate about the importance of Black ownership.”

Actor and producer Aldis Hodge shared similar sentiments over email. “We were good friends. We worked on a few cool projects together, including my character’s bespoke look in the film Black Adam.”

Courtesy of Aldis Hodge, via Vogue