Dear Run Riot readers, if I mention the name 'Boombox', some of you will shrug bemused, while others might offer a pleasured gyrating gesture. Either way, allow me to set the record straight - Boombox is dead. It's already the stuff of club legend. Been, gone - whoosh! Like all brilliant heightened moments, it was an ephemeral flash of inspiration from which all sorts was born. For a  period of 3 fashion seasons (about 18 months in a normal calendar), this was the place to be. The stars were its people, the regulars who dressed up like walking pieces of art, and the stars (from pop queens to top models) lined up to be seen there. No one could have predicted the impact that Boombox would have on the world of opinion formers – but it did. The closer you were to the inner circle, the greater the career opportunities that would have opened to you.

Jerry Bouthier was one of the main Boombox DJs. Today he is one of the most sought after DJs – globally.

On his own or as JBAG (the act with producer Andrea Gorgerino), Jerry’s deejayed at numerous special events: the launch party extravaganza for Sonia Rykiel’s collection for H&M, Jean Paul Gaultier’s perfume launch Ma Dame, the British Independent Film Awards, Rykiel’s 40th anniversary, Prada’s art foundation Double Club, Eurostar’s 15th birthday as well as parties for Vivienne Westwood, concept store Colette, Givenchy, Cacharel, Wallpaper mag, Gareth Pugh, Moet Chandon, Top Shop, Giles Deacon, Swarovski, Uni-Qlo and many more.

There is a lot I could tell you about Jerry – but for this Fashion Week edition of Run Riot, we’ll focus on the fashion aspect. We see a lot of catwalk images but unfortunately we don’t hear the sound and yet a lot of thought goes into the music that accompanies the shows. When seated in the audience, when the lights go down and everyone goes quiet, the first thrill of the show as the bright lights blast, before the first outfit, is the first beat. Music is what makes the vibe.

In this respect, Jerry is a true master and indeed one of the most sought after DJs during the fashion season. To follow the review, it is somewhat logical to start with Jerry’s work on the Westwood catwalk shows, one of the most prestigious gigs on the circuit. Jerry covers all the Westwood shows (London, Paris and Milan).

LH: Tell us about your work with maison Westwood
JB: ‘For the first time in 4 years working with Westwood I didn’t do the SS’12 Gold Label show in Paris as they wanted to use some live music. For the Red Label SS’12 show in London, once again I worked with Red label’s Murray Blewett, one’s of Vivienne’s longstanding right-hand men who has a fine vision of the brand and an intensive knowledge of the collections, and her husband Andreas who is very good with music and has an instant flair for what will work on the catwalk. We do many shows together, up to 10 per year sometimes, so we’re constantly looking at redefining the way we do things together and what kind of music we use. Keeps it fresh and unpredictable, a challenge that usually pays off’.

LH: Pick one or two other designers you work with – how do you get inspired?
JB: ‘Working with Matthew Williamson is great as he’s so into music as a whole – the man used to go dance at The Haçienda – and has a very precise vision of how his show should look and sound like. Melodic, moving, racey... all the things I like. We fine tune things until the whole thing’s near perfect. With Peter Jensen (ace Danish designer based in London) it’s a special bond as I’ve started doing soundtracks for his shows what must be almost 10 years ago now. He’ll always be one of my favourites for menswear’.

LH: It’s that time of the year, you’re getting busy, who’s booked up so far on your list?
JB: ‘I have just finished Men’s fashion week, Korean designer Songzio in Paris and Westwood in Milan. For Women’s in London I’m working on the shows of Matthew Williamson, Peter Jensen, Osman (Yousefzada), Michael Van Der Ham, Sibling and Westwood. Probably more, it’s that time of year when the phone doesn’t stop ringing’.

So better let him get on with his work. And before I leave you, dear Run Riot reader, let me highlight Jerry’s discography from the Boombox (Ponystep followed) period:

Kitsuné-BoomBox (Kitsuné, F) 2007
Kitsuné-Ponystep (Kitsuné, F) 2010
Kitsuné is the uber trendy fashion/music/graphic studio, who have illustrated Jerry.

Check out the Boombox short film here.

For up to date info, find Jerry on FB.

Cheers!