Calling all plus-size male models, IMG needs you!
Body positivity, gender fluidity and racial diversity, are today being embraced by the fashion industry in ways they never have been before. But many of these steps towards a more inclusive future have largely benefitted women — until now. After adding plus-size female models to its books in 2014, revolutionary model agency IMG announced today it will be introducing its very own men’s plus-size division, appropriately named Brawn. “The body positive messaging and size diversity is something that’s relevant and something that continues to be on everybody’s mind. We have to extend the conversation for men,” Ivan Bart, president at IMG Models told WWD. “Brawn has a body positive message. Brawn is physical strength.”
First to be signed to Brawn’s books is actor, comedian, and writer Zach Miko, who stands at 6 ft, 6 inches tall and has a waistline of 40 inches. But not only is about continuing the cultural conversation about diversity or giving visibility to a plethora of different body shapes, Bart wants to push brands into catering to larger sizes. “In 2016, everybody has some vanity. Everyone wants to wear great clothes and everyone wants to look fashionable,” Bart said. “We have to start asking for more options.” To quote plus-size model Tess Munster: #effyourbeautystandards
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Image via @zachmiko