Boss Black plays it chic

Hugo Boss opened Berlin Fashion Week last night with its new 'Boss Black' collection for Autumn/Winter 2009-10. The models paraded the latest creations in for 700 guests inside a huge greenhouse in the historical Botanical Gardens in the Berlin suburb of Dahlem. Boss Black played it safe in these economically uncertain times with signature suits and staples in cool colours.

As the show started, three huge skyscrapers lit up behind the stage and model Julia Stegner kicked off the show in a white trouser suit. Tapered, baggy women's trousers and tulip-shaped skirts with boxed pleated were themes of the collection, matched with satin and sheer tops.

The menswear collection saw a lot of Boss staples, like military overcoats, single-breasted suits, short biker jackets – all cut with very straight lines.

The palate was distinctly wintry: white, black and brown. The only hint of red came in the form of a red silk shift dress. In the menswear collection, a red collar and tie brightened up a fresh white shirt. As for fabrics, we saw wool mix and cashmere chunky knits, both in scarves and men's sweaters. There were also creped silk dresses and satin eveningwear.

And the models? The big names were Julia Stegner and Lars Burmeister, who has been the face of Boss for five seasons, and is about to start shooting the new Boss campaign. The head designer of Boss Black, Ingo Wilts, came out to take a bow at the end of the show. He's been with the company since 1997. Actress Milla Jovovich, who was in the front row sporting a black dress cinched with red sash, brought star factor to the evening.