From A-list actors to supermodels, the BOSS Black showcase was packed to the brim with star power.

THE galaxy of stars that descended upon Beijing, China last month for a Hugo Boss event was truly impressive. But one celebrity’s presence outshone his peers.

East is red: Models, led by Carmen Kass, sashayed through glittering angular arches that turned the catwalk into a surreal psychedelic tunnel at the BOSS Black showcase.

Chow Yun-Fat’s appearance at the finale of the BOSS Black Fall/Winter 2012 showcase got the loudest applause of the evening. All he had to do was strut down the runway, looking dapper and suave, and he got a standing ovation from devout fans.

The Hong Kong actor – who was announced as the Asian face of BOSS Selection – was also surprised with a birthday song as it was his 57th birthday.

When he saw Carina Lau (his co-star in Let The Bullets Fly) in the front row, he leaned over to give her a hug and a kiss. “I was nervous but it was pretty fun!” he was quoted as saying at his turn on the catwalk. “I saw Carina in the audience … she is very pretty!”

After the show, the ever-smiling thespian was mobbed by guests and media members. “I feel, I look like Donnie Yen because he always wears a red suit,” he jested, referring to his claret velvet tuxedo.

Top male model Jon Kortajarena, in a smart casual ensemble, carries a chunky bag.

Apart from Chow, A-listers at the event were Hollywood stars Tilda Swinton (as lean and androgynous as ever, garbed in a BOSS Black suit) and Ryan Philippe (the ex-husband of Reese Witherspoon brought his girlfriend Paulina Slagter). Other celebrities spotted were Korean actor Jang Hyuk, Miss World Zhang Zilin, British model Georgia May Jagger, Chinese actor Wu Chun, Hong Kong model Mandy Lieu and British actress-model China Chow.

The star wattage translated to the runway as well. Never before have I seen so many top models – both male and female – gathered under one roof. Estonia-born supermodel Carmen Kass led the way; she was joined by Arizona Muse, Joan Smalls, Toni Garrn, Jessica Stam, Fei Fei Sun, Tyson Ballou, Mathias Lauridsen, Philip Huang, Alex Lundqvist, Ben Hill, Xiao Wen, Kasia Struss and Gabriel Aubry (better known as Halle Berry’s ex).

The event – in conjunction with Hugo Boss’ 30th anniversary in the Asian market – was held in an impressive building which houses the National Agricultural Exhibition Center.

Constructed in 1959, it is one of the largest architectural complexes built in Beijing shortly after the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed. One of its exhibition halls’ façade is inspired by classical Chinese culture.

Star studded: Actress Tilda Swinton strikes a pose between Eyan Allen (left) and Kevin Lobo, the creative directors of BOSS Black womenswear and menswear, respectively, at the BOSS Black showcase

The models sashayed through glittering angular arches that turned the catwalk into a surreal psychedelic tunnel along the 356.6m long runway.

Headlined “Modern Luxury”, the BOSS Black range featured both monochrome looks and rich colour stories. The 53 looks were designed by Eyan Allen (who is BOSS Black womenswear brand and creative director) and Kevin Lobo (BOSS Black menswear brand and creative director). Sixteen looks from the BOSS Selection collection – specially created for the Beijing extravangaza – were also presented as the second part of the show.

“To do something of this magnitude is a milestone for the brand and we wanted to give the Asian market this wonderful boost because it’s already so successful,” Allen was quoted as saying.

The BOSS Black collection radiates a new mode of elegance based on urban design. The new take on classic pieces, enhanced by unique detailing, lend the looks their signature elegance. Womenswear featured fresh takes on classic pieces enhanced by impeccable detailing. As for menswear, an unusual nicotine shade livened up the palette and bags appeared as chunky business-like valises.

Actor Ryan Phillippe and his girlfriend Paulina Slagter are all smiles as they arrive at the event.

Of the sleek, old movie-inspired looks, Allen said, “I’ve added leather corsetry to add some attitude.”

Following the showcase, guests were ushered to a cocktail reception in a garden which – in traditional Chinese style – is fringed by a gracefully curved lake. It was a balmy night and most of the guests were garbed in their evening best. An adjacent building was the venue of an exquisite dinner featuring modern and traditional Chinese cuisine.

Entertainment was provided by the Berlin Capital Dance Orchestra, while DJ Michel Gaubert spun music at the after-party, where guests danced the night away.

The event was flanked by an international online and social media campaign that culminated with the first 3D live stream of the fashion show.

“The Beijing fashion show undoubtedly ranks among the year’s top highlights for Hugo Boss and represents a milestone in the company’s success on the Chinese and Asian markets,” said Philipp Wolff, senior vice president communication at Hugo Boss.

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