July 08

Hugo Boss opened his clothing workshop in Metzingen in 1924, initially producing uniforms and workwear. During the 1930s, his company made uniforms for various organizations in Germany. After World War II, Boss shifted focus to men's suits and fashion, leading to international expansion. His clean, tailored designs became synonymous with modern elegance. The brand continued to grow after his death in 1948, eventually diversifying into fragrances and accessories. Today, Hugo Boss is recognized as a global luxury brand with a strong presence in fashion and lifestyle markets.

Philip Johnson was a visionary American architect whose career spanned over seven decades. He co-curated the seminal 1932 exhibition 'Modern Architecture: International Exhibition' at MoMA, helping introduce the International Style to America. His own designs ranged from the iconic Glass House in Connecticut to towering urban landmarks like the IDS Center in Minneapolis and PPG Place in Pittsburgh. Johnson later embraced postmodernism, evident in buildings such as the AT&T Building in New York. A two-time recipient of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, he left a lasting mark on architectural history before his death in 2005.

Julia Pirie joined MI5 in the early 1950s and spent her career infiltrating communist and extremist organizations in the United Kingdom. Known for her meticulous tradecraft and ability to blend into diverse social circles, she helped disrupt subversive networks and provided valuable intelligence to national security. Pirie maintained her cover for decades, earning respect within the service for her dedication and discretion. She retired quietly and passed away in 2008, leaving much of her work classified for years after her death.

Antonio Lamer was born on July 8, 1933, in Joliette, Quebec. He earned his law degree from Université Laval and practiced as a lawyer before his appointment to the Quebec Superior Court in 1978. Lamer was elevated to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1980 and became Chief Justice in 1990. During his decade-long tenure, he presided over landmark decisions on constitutional law, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and Indigenous rights. Lamer was respected for his clear legal reasoning and commitment to judicial independence. He retired in 2000 and passed away in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian jurisprudence.

Raquel Correa was born on July 8, 1934, in Santiago, Chile. She established herself as a leading voice at El Mercurio newspaper, conducting in-depth interviews with politicians, artists, and cultural figures. Correa’s journalism was marked by rigorous research, elegant prose, and a commitment to uncovering truth in turbulent political times. She received multiple awards for her contributions to Chilean media and mentored aspiring journalists throughout her career. Beyond print journalism, Correa participated in radio and television programs, broadening her influence. She passed away in 2012, remembered for her integrity and pioneering spirit in Chilean journalism.

Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Sales (born July 8, 1948) is an American activist whose work in the civil rights movement began at age 17 in St. Augustine, Florida. After witnessing the shooting of her friend by a police officer, she dedicated her life to combating racial injustice and violence. Sales co-founded the Spirit House Project to empower youth through art, music, and social awareness. As a senior fellow at the Center for Social Justice at Wake Forest University, she lectures on nonviolence, community building, and moral leadership. Sales has collaborated with leaders across faiths and movements, emphasizing compassion and solidarity. Her writings and speeches continue to inspire new generations of activists seeking justice and equality.

Ces Drilon is a leading Filipino broadcast journalist renowned for her fearless investigative reporting. She has hosted flagship news programs on ABS-CBN, covering crime, politics, and international affairs. Drilon's dedication to factual storytelling earned her numerous awards for journalism excellence. In 2008, she survived a high-profile kidnapping while reporting in Mindanao, further cementing her reputation for courage in the field. Over her decades-long career, Drilon has remained a vocal advocate for press freedom and journalistic integrity in the Philippines.