At 6’7″, Waraire Boswell stood tall in more ways than one. The man who once dreamed of becoming a pro basketball player instead found his calling dressing the NBA’s elite. Now, the fashion world mourns the loss of this design maverick, with Kayla Nicole, media personality and ex-girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, joining the chorus of grief.

Nicole posted a photo of the designer in her Instagram stories, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to send one up for this legend of a man with the sweetest spirit,” she wrote. “May your transition be easy and soul rest in peace, Boswell. Sending so much love to his family and friends who are undoubtedly deeply impacted by this tragic loss.”

Boswell, 48, passed away on July 31, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. The cause of death remains undisclosed, leaving fans and friends grappling with the sudden loss of a fashion maverick who turned his struggles with finding well-fitted clothes into a thriving career.

An alumnus of California State University at Northridge, Boswell’s journey began in the bustling halls of talent agencies. “I started thinking about the future,” he once said as per the Hollywood Reporter, “and I realized my business isn’t scalable.” This forward-thinking approach led him from United Talent Agency and William Morris Agency to the quiet corners of his Koreatown workshop, where he honed his craft.

“I enjoy the one-on-one with my clients,” Boswell told The Hollywood Reporter, a testament to the personal touch that set him apart in a world of mass production. His client list read like a who’s who of sports and entertainment: Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Jay Z, Kobe Bryant, Will Smith, and Ellen DeGeneres, to name a few.

Boswell’s magic touch knew no bounds. He dressed Kaepernick for his GQ cover, tailored suits for Jay-Z, and even took on the Herculean task of revamping McDonald’s uniforms for over 860,000 employees across North America. His work was characterized by “comfortable, quality techniques applied to a spectrum of fabrics, giving his work a unique sensibility.”

But perhaps his most impressive feat was his ability to connect. NBA star Tyson Chandler once said, “I recommend Boswell to friends in and out of the league because I know he is an honest guy, very professional, and he’ll do an excellent job.” It’s this blend of skill and sincerity that made Boswell more than just a designer – he was a confidant, a friend, a legend.

Boswell’s fashion ethos

Boswell built his namesake brand on the foundations of craftsmanship, teamwork, and love through the lens of historical art. He was known for his elevated tailoring and interpretations of “The Suit”. “Creating the perfect suit is ironically similar to life,” Waraire would say. “Ironic because nothing in life is perfect, but similar because you can control how it fits you.”

Boswell’s impact reached far beyond the realm of fashion. He spent a great deal of time focusing his creative efforts on building a strong fashion infrastructure to help other designers maximize their potential. “Infrastructure starts with family, then becomes a legacy when you inject love into what you do,” he often said.

While the family has asked for privacy as they take time to grieve, they’ve promised to share updates regarding the memorial service at a later date. In the meantime, Boswell’s infectious personality, creative talents, and the love he injected into everything he did will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Meanwhile, Nicole’s connection to Boswell likely stems from her deep involvement in the sports world. A Pepperdine University graduate in broadcast journalism, Nicole has been an on-air sports journalist, landing hosting gigs at ESPN and Barstool Sports. She’s covered the NFL and NBA, even serving as a courtside reporter for the Los Angeles Lakers.

As the fashion and sports worlds continue to reel from this loss, Kayla Nicole’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the man behind the suits. Waraire Boswell may have dressed giants, but it was his giant heart that truly set him apart. As he once said, reflecting on his move to downtown LA, “It’s rehydrating my business.” Little did he know, he was continuously rehydrating the spirits of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion landscape and the hearts of many.