Holding Court

Raptor Serge Ibaka charms fans at the opening of BOSS Yorkdale.

BOSS partnered with FASHION and Toronto Life to celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new flagship store in Yorkdale Shopping Centre recently. Naturally, they were joined by Toronto’s most fashionable, including Traci Melchor, FASHION’s own Bernadette Morra, Glen Baxter and, the evening’s special guest, Toronto Raptor Serge Ibaka, who had just returned from visiting his home country of the Republic of Congo with the Larry O’Brien trophy. (Ibaka sported a BOSS suit, of course.)

During the exclusive evening, guests explored the new BOSS Fall 2019 collection while enjoying delicious canapés from Daniel et Daniel and signature cocktails by Toronto’s Christina Veira featuring Glenfiddich 14 Year Old, Spirit of York and Seedlip. George Antonopoulos, FASHION’s creative and fashion director, presented his “editor’s picks” for shoppers to browse. Onstage, Ibaka spoke earnestly about how food was sometimes scarce while he was growing up, which is what inspired him to start the Serge Ibaka Foundation—a charity that works with the Regent Park Community Food Centre to provide thousands of free meals. BOSS was proud to donate 10 per cent of sales from the night toward the cause.

Bellosound spun remixes of Justin Bieber and Tina Turner throughout the night, while guests flocked to the BOSS-themed basketball photo booth for the perfect Instagram shot. At the end of the evening, guests left with a custom BOSS basketball and BOSS fragrance.