Boss presents inaugural ‘Boss Award’ in Miami Beach

Boss is further deepening its role as a patron of the international art scene and as a partner of Art Basel. At the inaugural Art Basel Awards Night in Miami Beach last week, the fashion house presented the Boss Award for Outstanding Achievement for the first time. The 2025 award goes to the artist Meriem Bennani, whose multimedia practice is renowned for its innovative, humorous, and critically engaged storytelling.

The Moroccan-born New Yorker works across a variety of artistic media, including video, sound, animation, sculpture, and large-scale installations. She is known for combining humour, pop-cultural aesthetics, and digital language in her narratives to create immersive, playful yet incisive works that resonate with audiences.

The prize was presented by CEO Daniel Grieder and creative director Marco Falcioni. The award will continue to recognise artistic practices that open up new perspectives and spark relevant social dialogue.

“I am deeply honoured to have my work recognised by such an iconic brand that has long championed innovative art that speaks to a wider public. This award inspires me to continue creating works that challenge perspectives and celebrate the beauty of collective experiences,” said Meriem Bennani at the award ceremony.

The highlight of the ceremony was the installation of an immersive catwalk entitled “1995–2025: 30 Years of Arts Sponsorship,” which spotlighted the brand’s arts patronage over the past three decades. Milestones included the “Paper Suit” by artist James Rosenquist from 1998, which marries the timeless craftsmanship of tailoring with the ephemerality of paper. Also featured were the Hugo Boss Prize, awarded for many years in collaboration with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum, and a retrospective of the Hugo Boss Asia Art Award, launched jointly with the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai.

“Art has been an integral part of our DNA for over 30 years, and our partnership with Art Basel takes our commitment to a new level. We are proud to present the inaugural Boss Award for Outstanding Achievement to its first recipient, Meriem Bennani. This award marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to shaping the future of art together,” said CEO Daniel Grieder.

“Fashion is an integral part of our everyday lives and serves as a bridge between the individual and society, often blurring the line between functionality and art. From our beginnings to our latest fashion show, Hugo Boss has been committed to the dialogue between fashion and contemporary art, as it continues to inspire innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking ideas,” added creative director Marco Falcioni.

The Boss Award is endowed with $100,000 and supports both future projects and a charitable initiative of the laureate’s choice. The award is open to living artists working across all media, with a particular focus on emerging talents who are shaping discussions within and beyond the art world.