Boss presents the 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 opening night of the Art Basel Awards in Miami Beach last week, the fashion house presented the Boss Award for Outstanding Achievement for the first time. The 2025 award goes to artist Meriem Bennani, whose multimedia practice is recognized for its innovative, humorous and critically engaged storytelling.

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

The award was presented by CEO Daniel Grieder and Creative Director Marco Falcioni. The award will continue to recognize artistic practices that open new perspectives and generate relevant social dialogue.

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

The highlight of the ceremony was the installation of an immersive catwalk titled “1995-2025: 30 Years of Artistic Sponsorship,” which highlighted the brand's artistic sponsorship over the past three decades. Highlights include artist James Rosenquist's 1998 “Paper Suit,” which combines the timeless craftsmanship of tailoring with the ephemerality of paper. Also featured was 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 Prize, launched jointly with the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai.

“Art has been an integral part of our DNA for more than 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 daily lives and serves as a bridge between the individual and society, often blurring the line between functionality and art. From our inception to our latest fashion show, Hugo Boss has been committed to the dialogue between fashion and contemporary art, while continuing to inspire innovation, creativity and forward-thinking ideas,” added creative director Marco Falcioni.

The Boss Award is worth $100,000 and supports both future projects and a charitable initiative of the winner's choice. The award is open to living artists working in all media, with a focus on emerging talents who are shaping debates inside and outside the art world.