The late Stephen “tWitch” Boss has been honored as part of a limited-edition clothing collection by The Gap and The Brooklyn Circus, which the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” dancer and DJ modeled for before her death.
Brands released photos of Boss as part of the launch on Tuesday.
“When Stephen and I first saw images from his campaign, we were moved to tears,” his wife, Allison Holker Boss, said in a Gap press release. “He was so moved by how they captured his true essence and was excited to see the world.”
Boss was a fan of both brands before befriending Brooklyn Circus founder and designer Ouigi Theodore, according to Gap. Photographer John Midgley captured the images for the campaign.
“I remember when he was on set, he was extremely encouraging, and the way he was on set supporting Ouigi was something that really moved me,” Pictures actor Indya Moore, who appears and in the campaign. , people said. “It was something that stayed with me and I thought about it all the time.”
The line launched on Tuesday, just ahead of Black History Month, and includes varsity jackets, sweaters and more. The collaboration “explores the concepts of individuality, movement, and modern education, combining academia, black music and culture, and street style from the 1960s to the present,” according to the press release.
The campaign also features “Euphoria” star Javon Walton and activist Bethann Hardison, among others.
Boss appeared on MTV’s “The Wade Robson Project”, “Star Search” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. The talented dancer joined “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” as a DJ in 2014 and eventually became an integral part and familiar face of the show.
He died in December in a suicide.
Gap said it would support a mental health organization as a tribute to the boss.
“In Stephen’s honor, Gap is supporting The 988 Lifeline by donating to Vibrant Emotional Health,” the press release said. “Vibrant operates 988 Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support and counseling to people in crisis or emotional distress.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also get SMS support by visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat. Outside the US please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.
