Maluma at MET Gala 2023

Photographer: Cesar Pimienta
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Stylist: Ugo Mozie
Outfit: custom Boss by Marco Falcioni
Groomer: Cynthia Alvarez
Tie: custom Boss
Scarf: custom Boss
Sunglasses: Bottega Veneta
Jewelry: El Russo & Co.

This Wednesday I wanted to delve deeper into the meaning of a specific outfit: that of Maluma at this year’s MET Gala. I know it may have looked like a simple one but trust me when I tell you it wasn’t.

Let’s analyze it.

For the Gala, Maluma wore a head-to-toe grey custom Boss ensemble, complete with a custom fringe-embellished silk scarf with a unique, embroidered message that tied in with the overall MET Gala theme.

He combined his outfit with black shiny boots, a statement tennis necklace with matching bracelet, two cocktail rings with a pink gem and a pair of black Bottega Veneta Edgy cat-eye glossy acetate sunglasses with detailed gold-tone bars at the arms and smokey grey lenses.

One of the reasons why I wanted to write about this outfit was that probably not many people grasped the fact that the words on Maluma‘s scarf were written on a note that Karl Lagerfeld himself addressed to Hugo Boss‘ former chairman and creative director Werner Baldessarini (who is Austrian, hence why it was written in German).

In a phone interview with Gaby Keiderling for Esquire, the Colombian entertainer and SVP of creative direction at Boss Marco Falcioni, also revealed the inspiration behind the look, deeply tied with the history of the brand: “It’s a beautiful, beautiful outfit. We were all part of it. I think the creative process was pretty fun” said Maluma.

The inspiration came directly from Hugo Boss‘ 1998 Spring/Summer lookbook, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld.

Falcioni added: “The defining accessory is a fringe-embellished, silk scarf. It is subtly embroidered with Karl Lagerfeld‘s words from a handwritten note addressed to the former creative director and designer of Hugo Boss, the same year he shot the black-and-white lookbook.”

Dear friend,
congratulations on your nomination.
I read about it on WWD today and I am very happy for you.
I wish you success and best regards.

Your Karl Lagerfeld

In German it was written in a formal and polite way, which required the use of capital letters while using possessive adjectives and personal pronouns.

Maluma‘s grooming was courtesy of Cynthia Alvarez, who created for him a super tight braided look. Right now he is recording an album called “Don Juan“, which he defines as a “mix of James Bond, Bruce Wayne and Hugh Hefner“–for that reason he dressed more classy, adding an element of street style with the braids. It’s how balances between his present style and his past one without forgetting about the street style that made him who he is.

As for his skincare and makeup, he is simply a no fuss guy, that’s why Alvarez keeps everything supernatural and simple.

The Colombian singer-songwriter has been constantly working with stylist Ugo Mozie, who has helped him establish important relationships with brands, indeed Boss will partner with him for his world tour.

Mozie elevated his style, giving him an even more interesting appeal, and most of all he has helped him shape a meaningful narrative around his persona and the message Maluma wants to send his people. They are definitely an interesting duo to watch.

We acknowledge talent here, and there is plenty as you can see. We also shouldn’t forget Ugo‘s role as an activist and advocate for diversity.