BIG AND TALL MEN TAKE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK BY STORM WITH THE BIGGER PICTURE
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has long been the epicenter of global fashion trends, a place where the slim and trim have traditionally dominated the runway. But in a refreshing twist, the latest season showcased a seismic shift – the rise of big and tall men in the fashion industry. This diverse inclusion has not only challenged the status quo but turned heads and sparked conversations around the globe about the future of fashion. For years, fashion has been criticized for its narrow representation of body types, mainly celebrating figures that rarely mirror the everyday consumer. However, this year's NYFW marked a groundbreaking moment a big group of change-makers, a few designers and brands wholeheartedly embraced larger male models in a very intentional, fun filled two-day event, thereby illuminating inclusivity and body positivity.
Body positivity has been gaining momentum, with social media movements and consumer demand for diversity applying pressure on the fashion industry to broaden its horizons. This has led to a surge in plus-size female models walking the runways, and now men are finally receiving their long-overdue representation. The inclusion of big and tall models has been ushered in by a combination of forward-thinking individuals, designers, bold fashion houses, and the growing market demand for plus-size men's fashion. Traditionally, big and tall men have been relegated to specialty stores with limited options, but the times are now changing. With brands showcasing more body types, the message is clear: fashion is for everyone, and style knows no size or gender. An amazing panel of Big and Tall men spent the morning sharing their experiences and points of view in regards to the state of big and tall fashion within the industry. The room was moved by the powerful dialogue that gave a balanced dose of real-world experiences matched with a strong call to action that assures us that the Big and Tall community is strong and it's here to stay!! The attendees were great, the interviews were amazing, and the food was absolutely delicious, provided to us by Chef Gary Pyrus of @bfcateringllc. An impressionable, energy fueled fashion mob followed, where the Big and Tall participants took to the NY streets to make a bold statement, with the help of celebrity photographer Derek Blanks @Mrdblanks and the amazing performers of The Pretty Big Movement @prettybigmovement, led by Akira Armstrong @iamakiraarmstrong.
Designers and stylists teams, @riclamar_ Rico Lamar @Patriciaalwayzalady and @khayali_boutique @velvedorestyle Ronald Collins casted models @iambigcamofficial @bmadden59 @dexterlawrence18 @iam_cking @dougylicious @enbyelliott @chubbydiaries @chris_superior who are above the standard industry sizes, in the Indie Fashion Show, offering a more relatable and diverse runway experience to the NYFW scene. Men of all shapes and sizes walked the runway in a variety of styles, from classic suits to avant-garde pieces, breaking the mold of what a fashion model is "supposed" to look like. The impact of this representation is multifaceted. For the industry, it's about tapping into an underserved market and recognizing the buying power of plus-size consumers. It's a calculated move that signifies a broader cultural shift and an understanding that inclusion can also be profitable. For the consumers, especially the plus-size male audience, it’s an empowering shift. The visibility of big and tall men on these high-profile platforms offers a counter-narrative to the stereotyped ideals of male beauty. It allows men of larger sizes to see themselves reflected in the fashion narratives and to feel valued within the cultural zeitgeist. This inclusivity doesn't just open up more style options; it also provides a boost to self-esteem and encourages a body-positive outlook. Additionally, the runway inclusion has compelled brands to rethink their sizing ranges and design philosophies, leading to more options and better fits for big and tall men off-the-rack. This opens the door to a more personal and expressive relationship with fashion for men who have been historically marginalized by the industry's sizing standards.
New York Fashion Week's embrace of big and tall men will usher in a new era of inclusivity and body diversity. It's a long overdue, but most welcome societal progression that draws attention to the notion that fashion should cater to all, not just a select few. With big and tall men now making waves on one of the most influential stages in the industry, it sends a powerful message: the definition of what is fashionable is evolving, and that evolution is inclusive. The ripples from The Bigger Picture X NYFW will likely be felt across the fashion landscape for years to come. As other fashion weeks around the world take note and inclusivity becomes the norm rather than the exception, we stand on the cusp of a revolution in the industry. Big and tall men have taken New York Fashion Week by storm, and the applause resonating from the audience as well as the streets is not just for the fashion on display but for the barriers being broken down.
photo credits: @mrdblanks
