THE BIGGER PICTURE UNVEILS A PIONEERING CELEBRATION OF SIZE DIVERSITY IN MEN'S FASHION AT NYFW MENS+
The Bigger Picture is gearing up to provide opportunities for underrepresented BIG & TALL Men to learn, grow, and connect through its inaugural events dedicated to promoting size diversity in plus-size male fashion. Happening in various locations across New York City from February 9 to February 10, 2024, New York Fashion Week Mens+ assures an extraordinary experience for all attendees.
NYFW Mens+ kicks off with an influencer photoshoot highlighting BIG & TALL Men on Friday, February 9, 2024. This event pays tribute to the iconic Andre Leon Talley's legacy as a champion of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Generously sponsored by Johnny Bigg USA, Jim's Formal Wear, and National Curves Day, Inc., this campaign will showcase designs by esteemed designers like Designs by DeAngelo, Sins of Many, Velve Dore, and Daniel's Leather.
Debbie Bos Santos, Senior Marketing Manager of Johnny Bigg USA, expresses the brand's commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to feel seen and valued in the fashion landscape. She states,
"As a brand dedicated to celebrating BIG & TALL men, we believe in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to feel seen and valued within the fashion landscape."
On Saturday, February 10, 2024, NYFW Mens+ will host 'The State of the BIG & TALL Community' panel discussion and press conference, featuring prominent figures such as Christian King, Jeff Jenkins, Dexter Lawrence, Chris Paul, Anthony Douglas, and Cameron Boyland. Cameron Boyland, the founder, expresses his excitement about being a change advocate and trailblazer for plus-size men on the runway. He emphasizes that representation should not be limited, and inclusivity in the fashion industry is essential.
Sponsors like Big Fig Mattress contribute to the inclusive narrative by embracing big and tall men's fashion. They aim to break stereotypes and ensure that every individual feels confident and comfortable in their skin.
The festivities continue with the Big and Tall Fashion Mob, now expanded into a weekend-long celebration. Attendees will enjoy a flash fashion mob curated by content king Derek Blanks, featuring models showcasing winter and noir fashion and captivating performances from The Pretty Big Movement, all dedicated to advocating size diversity. The weekend concludes with The Bigger Picture's Indie Fashion Show - BIG & TALL Segment, sponsored by Villon Cognac.
The grand finale fashion show will spotlight inclusive designs, highlighting the diversity and style of men's plus-size fashion by featured designers Rico Lamar, Ronald Collins, and Sakinah Zahran.
QSM: How did the idea for The Bigger Picture event come about, and what inspired you to focus on promoting awareness for the Big and Tall Fashion industry?
Cameron: The concept for The Bigger Picture emerged during discussions among my colleagues and me, addressing the inadequate representation of plus-size men in the fashion industry. Our conversation highlighted the industry's inconsistency in promoting awareness for the Big and Tall Fashion Community.
United by our experience modeling for Rihanna's Savage × Fenty plus-size men's lingerie, we came together with a shared goal. Beyond commercial value, we sought more opportunities to be authentically represented, conveying that men of all backgrounds, above the standard sample size, are eager to embrace luxury fashion. The enduring lack of diversity and inclusion for Big & Tall individuals on the fashion week runway has been a longstanding concern. Despite constituting over 70% of the United States population categorized as "Plus Size," they have often been treated as a minority within the industry.
QSM: Could you share more about the involvement of Big and Tall Men in the flash mob at Times Square and their participation in one of the New York Fashion Week Shows? What can attendees expect from these activities?
Cameron: The Big & Tall “Fashion Mob” will follow after 'The State of the BIG & TALL Community' panel discussion and press conference on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Chinatown, New York. Spearheading NYFW MENS+ are some larger-than-life personalities, such as Christian King (Nick Cannon's Wild' N Out Comedian), Jeff Jenkins (Never Say Never Nat Geo TV Host and Founder of the Chubby Diaries), Dexter Lawrence (Nose Tackle, New York Giants), Chris Paul (Offensive Lineman, Washington Commanders), Anthony Douglas (Big Brother Canada Season 7) and Cameron Boyland (DXL's Big Model Search Contest Winner and Founder of The Bigger Picture).
The festivities continue with the reprise of the Big and Tall Fashion Mob, which has expanded into a weekend-long celebration. Attendees will experience a flash fashion mob curated by the famed content king Derek Blanks. Models showcasing winter, noir fashion, and captivating performances from The Pretty Big Movement, all dedicated to advocating size diversity, will be featured. The Bigger Picture will close the weekend with its Indie Fashion Show - BIG & TALL Segment, sponsored by Villon Cognac.
The fashion show is a grand finale set to showcase inclusive designs, highlighting the diversity and style of men's plus-size fashion by featured designers Rico Lamar, Ronald Collins, and Sakinah Zahran.
QSM: The partnership with National Curves Day Inc. sounds intriguing. How did this collaboration come about, and what role does National Curves Day Inc. play in The Bigger Picture event?
Cameron: National Curves Day has been a steadfast community partner since the inception of The Bigger Picture, fostering a significant collaboration that addresses the gaps in plus-size fashion. As the movement gained momentum, there arose a collective desire to empower men facing societal norms and challenges. National Curves Day evolved into a COED (inclusive) initiative, aligning with the organization's mission of Embrace, Encourage, Empower, which now serves both men and women with equal purpose.
QSM: Can you highlight some of the key sponsors supporting The Bigger Picture event? How important are these partnerships in achieving the goals of promoting awareness for the Big and Tall Fashion industry?
Cameron: The partnerships with plus-size brands such as Big Fig Mattress, Johnny Bigg USA, Jim’s Formal Wear, Winston Box, and Newton’s in sponsorship of NYFW MENS+, presented by The Bigger Picture, play a crucial role in achieving the goals of promoting awareness for the Big and Tall Fashion industry. These collaborations are integral in amplifying the message of size diversity and inclusion, contributing significantly to the broader mission of fostering awareness and representation within the fashion landscape.
“At Big Fig, we firmly believe in fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the plus-size community. Our commitment extends beyond providing exceptional sleep solutions; it encompasses empowering individuals of all shapes and sizes. Supporting Big & Tall men's fashion is not just a choice; it's a reflection of our dedication to inclusivity. Every body deserves to feel seen, heard, and represented. By embracing and endorsing big and tall men's fashion, we contribute to a more inclusive narrative, breaking stereotypes, and ensuring that every individual feels confident and comfortable in their own skin. At Big Fig, we recognize the power of representation, and we stand proudly as advocates for a more diverse and inclusive world."
"As a brand dedicated to celebrating BIG & TALL men, we believe in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to feel seen and valued within the fashion landscape," said Debbie Bos Santos, Senior Marketing Manager of Johnny Bigg USA.
QSM: What impact do you hope The Bigger Picture event will have on the perception of Big and Tall fashion, and what positive changes do you anticipate in the industry following the event?
Cameron: The Bigger Picture event aims to reshape perceptions of Big and Tall fashion by fostering inclusivity and representation. I anticipate a positive shift in the industry with increased awareness and acceptance of plus-size men in both commercial and high fashion realms. By showcasing diverse and authentic representations, we aspire to debunk stereotypes and emphasize that this isn't just a passing trend but a significant aspect of the fashion landscape. The ultimate goal is to instigate a lasting change in the industry's perception, creating a more inclusive and empowering space for all body types.
QSM: Are there any specific challenges or misconceptions about Big and Tall fashion that you aim to address through The Bigger Picture, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Cameron: Through The Bigger Picture, we aim to tackle specific challenges and misconceptions surrounding Big and Tall fashion. One prominent misconception we are determined to address is the misguided notion that promoting this fashion promotes obesity. Our focus is on encouraging individuals to embrace their current selves while aspiring to become the best version of who they can be.
By showcasing diverse representations and styles, we strive to break down stereotypes and emphasize that size is not a limitation to confidence and style. The event aims to challenge preconceived notions, highlighting that everyone deserves to feel confident and stylish, regardless of their size. It's about recognizing that we are more than mere labels and fostering a positive and empowering narrative within the fashion industry for individuals of all sizes.
QSM: For those interested in attending or supporting The Bigger Picture event, what steps can they take to get involved or contribute to the cause?
Cameron: To attend or support The Bigger Picture event, individuals can register at www.thebiggerpicture.live. We welcome volunteers, press & media, and additional guests. For those interested in joining our management and creative teams, please reach out via email at contact@thebiggerpicture.live.
Beyond the event, The Bigger Picture offers additional products & services, including Model development coaching aligned with our "How to Become A Model" E-book. We specialize in brand development consulting and provide a network of resources catering to the vision and demand for the plus-size male.
All images shot by Rielle Oase @really_rielle
