MODEL SPOTLIGHT: KORREN KIRVEN
QSM: WOW! From Football to modeling, tell me more about that journey? How did that happen and why?
image shot by Nick Urteaga @coastalflicks / Model Korren Kirven @iamkirv is wearing Johnny Bigg
Korren: I Grew up in Washington DC and moved to Virginia, where I started playing football at age 6. Played all the through high school, where I became one of the top football players in the country. I amassed over 50 full scholarships offers to play football at the top institutions in America. I committed to playing football at the university of Alabama where I won multiple conference and national championships. I then went to the NFL where I bounced around from a few NFL teams then finally jumped into modeling at the start of Covid-2019, after I realized the lack of representation in the industry.
QSM: So, let’s get this one over with. Is Korren single and available? Or are you off the market?
Korren: At the moment I am focusing on my career and trying to become the best version of myself.
QSM: I appreciate that answer. Sorry ladies and gentlemen, you aren’t getting anything out of these gentlemen lol! Tell me something about Korren that would surprise people to learn.
Korren: Something that people would be surprised to hear is that I am an avid trading card collector, Pokémon, Yugioh etc. I also religiously watch anime, that’s my nerd hobby of choice.
QSM: Growing up, did you ever see yourself as a model? What was or is your career goal?
Korren: Growing up I wanted to be a professional football player and an Astronaut. Modeling was never a huge interest of mine. I just really enjoyed taking pictures and capturing the moment. It wasn’t until 2019 when professional football slowed down for me when I realized how there was a lack of size inclusivity in the fashion world. I wanted to make a change, so I reached out to Modeling agencies and signed with TRUE model management out of New York. To answer the question, I never saw myself as a model, but people gave me the confidence, that I can indeed become one so I that’s what I decided to do.
QSM: The Big & Tall industry has come a long way, and much like the rest of the plus industry, we still have a lot more work to do. What changes do you want to see and what is Korren’s contribution to that change?
Korren: I want to see more representation word wide when it comes to clothing. All sizes should be represented, it would be nice to be able to walk into a store and actually have the same shopping experience of someone who wears a medium. Designer stores would be the catalyst for change if they were to introduce extended sizes, and the smaller companies would follow suit. My contribution would be me being there when those bigger brands extend their sizes so I can model it and get the image out there that bigger guys and dress and look nice while doing it.
QSM: How would you describe your personal fashion style and why?
Korren: I would describe my personal Fashion style as Sexy, Effortless, and Edgy. I like to blur the line of what is acceptable for a masculine man. I dress differently and I’m ok with that.
QSM: What are your top three places to shop?
Korren: My top 3 places to shop are SSENSE, ASOS, FarFetch
QSM: Please share where people can follow you Korren and reach you for possible bookings. And thank you for your time, and all you do for the Big & Tall industry.
Korren: You can follow me on Instagram at @Iamkirv and on TikTok at @Korrenkirven. If you are interested in booking you can email me at korrennkirven@gmail.com
