Hugo Boss Nautical Boat and Clothing Launch

It was smooth sailing, pretty much anyway, during the invitation-only media luncheon hosted by Hugo Boss to celebrate the arrival of the “Hugo Boss II” Open 60 sailing boat in Toronto. Gusting winds prevented the full setting of the vessel’s translucent silvery-black BOSS-emblazoned sails, but McNabb Roick Events nonetheless produced a jaunty nautical-themed event at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery at the Harbourfront Centre. “We’re presenting a fun, tropical event that puts people in a sailing frame of mind,” beamed Hugo Boss marketing and PR rep, Sonya Easterbrook. “The boat, venue, decor, food, and entertainment all lend well to the atmosphere we want to create for our guests.”The McNabb Roick Events-designed decor used eye-catching nautical visuals, including miniature vinyl sails depicting digital images of the “Hugo Boss II” and nautical hardware and ropes placed throughout the venue. A scale model of the boat was displayed, but its effect was tempered by its inconspicuous placement in a corner behind a large planter. Colour tie-ins to the black-hulled, white-decked boat and its green and orange hints were evident in the florals from San Remo Florists and furnishings supplied by Signature Rentals. Tall black planters with soaring green ferns and white cascading blooms filled the venue. Green orchids resting in clear glass orbs topped black-tinted glass lounge tables, and round dining tables draped in a white cloth with green circle patterns were accentuated with green napkins and clear chairs. Caterwaiters from The Butler Did It wore green and white BOSS T-shirts with black slacks.

Eatertainment catered the seated luncheon for 30, serving a tri-colour heirloom tomato salad as a starter and a main dish of fillet of Atlantic baby halibut on sweet potato mash. A grilled veggie and tahini yogurt sauce phyllo bundle was offered as a vegetarian alternative. Amarula Cream sponsored a dessert tasting menu featuring cheesecake with Amarula caramel drizzle, Amarula chocolate mousse garnished with fresh mint, and Amarula crème brûlée with an orange rind twist. A black, silver-trimmed bar decked in green and white BOSS logos served wine and cocktails provided by Durbanville Hills of South Africa and Belvedere Vodka, respectively. Crew members and Hugo Boss representatives dined with the guests at each table.

The event also included a tour of the boat and a fashion show showcasing the sailing-inspired BOSS Green Spring/Summer 2007 and more conservative BOSS Black Cruise collections. Skipper Alex Thomson and his crew also entertained the guests while DJ Joey Caturay spun jazz-flavored lounge music through the sound and staging system provided by Westbury National Show Systems Ltd.