CATCHING UP WITH EUSTACE

Photographer | JaDee Murphy @jadeemurphy4u Model | Eustace Collens Jr. @collensjr Clothing | Porta Bella Fashion @portabellastores @portabellamenswear Stylist | Barry Jimenez @thafashionguru

Catching up with

EUSTACE COLLENS JR.

It’s been almost two years since I came back into the fashion industry. I must say I am starting to see that the industry is now starting to pay attention to the Big and Tall community and The Silver Fox and men and women models. They are now featured more in magazines, blogs, and there are several workshop classes that are being provided. However there is still not enough diversity in the fashion industry, especially on fashion week. The fashion industry has failed to cast a decent amount of Big and Tall models, Curvy models, and Silver Fox models. It seems to be a shortage of designers that are willing to dress them.

I recently had a shark tank moment where I was able to talk to the F.U.B.U. co-founders Daymond John and Carl Brown. Did you know that they have a suit line? Their suits are great, but no one really knows about it. I explained to them the need for the big and tall men and curvy women to be dressed by them. I want to see our curvy women in a power suit, looking like the strong Independent woman that they are. I want to see our big and tall men in a tailored suit looking dapper and not swimming in their clothes. Streetwear for the big men are cool, but we know that they can clean well and can be debonair. I was surprised that they listened and agreed with me. But talk is cheap, so let’s see what happens. There is a negative stigma and misconception about all the above mentioned fashion types. A lot of designers are quick to dress a slimmer and younger model not realizing that the other groups of models spend money, are dedicated to whomever dress them, can afford and will buy an outfit that has been fitted for them. What designers and advertising agencies fail to realize is that they have a broader audience. We are not waiting to have a seat at the table; we are setting our own tables and creating our own lanes. We now have award shows that recognize our work and accomplishments. Now we need to build our own agencies. I am so honored and proud to be part of the movement that is bringing diversity to the industry. They say there is strength in numbers. My greatest accomplishment coming back into the industry is helping others to for fulfill their dreams. There is no such thing as you are too big, too short, and too old to follow your dreams. I was once asked if I had a chance to go back in time what I would change. I wouldn’t change anything or give myself any new advice. I do believe that everything good or bad in the past has help to shape me into becoming the man I am now. You learn from your mistakes, which is the best teacher. STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS!

Follow me on instagram @collensjr. website www.eustacecollensjr.com

Photographer | JaDee Murphy @jadeemurphy4u Model | Eustace Collens Jr. @collensjr Clothing | Porta Bella Fashion @portabellastores @portabellamenswear Stylist | Barry Jimenez @thafashionguru

Photographer | JaDee Murphy @jadeemurphy4u Model | Eustace Collens Jr. @collensjr Clothing | Porta Bella Fashion @portabellastores @portabellamenswear Stylist | Barry Jimenez @thafashionguru

MVP Collections

In August 2016, MVP Collections was created as a solution inspired Big & Tall Menswear brand founded by Mo Vaughn, former three-time MLB All Star, 1995 MVP and Co-Founder, fashion industry veteran Diane Bennett with the mission to promote body positivity, diversity, equity and inclusivity. Since its inception MVP Collections has been in the forefront of promoting in communities nationally and globally using Online Omni-channel distribution, Direct to Consumer (DTC) and nextgen digital marketing strategies .The collections cater to the customers looking for stylish clothing options that fit both their personality and frame.

The Big & Tall customer has had limited options. While having clothing tailored can be costly, finding good quality and the perfect fit is essential. With these limits in the market place and Mo being the customer, he was inspired to create his vision with MVP Collections. Made in the USA, the collections offer a wide range of lifestyle looks in Athleisure, Premium Denim, graphic tees and shirts from sizes 1XL-6XL, 2XLT-4XLT, and 38-58”. The looks are designed to provide an easy transition from day to night.

Shop all these looks at www,MVPCollections.com

images provided by MVP Collections

images provided by MVP Collections

images provided by MVP Collections

images provided by MVP Collections

images provided by MVP Collections

images provided by MVP Collections

images provided by MVP Collections

Andre B

uffington

I’ve always had a passion for Fashion. For me it was how I expressed myself. I started off as being a stylist; putting together different looks for some of my friends, and family members. However, I always thought I could be doing more. I thought to myself why not try and model, so I did. I remember feeling very uncomfortable. I didn’t look like the other male models. I would show up to different model calls and think to myself why am I here. I second guessed myself all the time. I would always feel anxious when I arrived. I barely talked to anyone; I just felt out of place. Their physique was a lot different than mine and every male magazine that I’ve ever seen had models that all looked the same. I remember going to different model calls and being told that they had already picked the models that they needed and would contact me later for another show they were planning. I heard this story so many times and I became discouraged and stopped modeling for a while. Many of my friends would continue to ask me to assist them with styling photoshoots and fashion shows, so I did. I then began networking and ran into a couple of people who inspired me and gave me a chance. I can remember having a conversation with one of my close friends about modeling. She told me that if I was not confident with what I wanted to do, how could someone else take me serious. At this very moment it clicked. It was like a light bulb had gone off in my head and I knew exactly what I needed to do.

For months I began practicing different walks and poses. I would look at multiple videos of male models walking and watch different tutorials about posing. After all the practicing and research, I was ready. I had built my confidence up and realized that I had to make them choose me. Since then, I have walked in different shows all over the U.S and have done many photoshoots. Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m far from where I used to be. During this journey I have met some great inspirational people who have guided me in the right direction towards achieving my goals. I’m learning new things daily and this has become a rewarding experience. Perfecting my walk and poses is something for me that will never stop. Being a plus size model to me is more than just being a model. There is someone right now in the same position that I once was. They are doubting their self because they don’t fit the description. I plan to bring confidence and awareness to the fashion industry that you don’t have to be a certain size to be considered a model.

Throughout my modeling journey I plan to show other plus size models that they can still accomplish their dreams of being a model. I want other men with my physique to see me and be inspired. I want other plus size models to know that if there is a dream or goal that you want to achieve, go for it. Surround yourself with people who want you to make it just as bad as you do. Remember that there is always room for improvement. Never settle keep pushing regardless the circumstances that you may encounter. Don’t allow society or anyone else to hold you back or stop you from achieving your goals because you don’t fit that description. Make them change the description so that it fits you!

Photographer | Khrystian Kai McCalister @kaivisuals Model | Andre Buffington @ __whoisdre

Photographer | Khrystian Kai McCalister @kaivisuals Model | Andre Buffington @ __whoisdre

Photographer | Khrystian Kai McCalister @kaivisuals Model | Andre Buffington @ __whoisdre