Fenty Raises the Stakes on the Male Plus Size Body

Savage Fenty X Amazon

Rihanna and Amazon had a killer fashion show highlighting her hit namesake intimates line, Savage Fenty. Presenting the second volume of this installment, the plus-size buzz was more about the models used as opposed to the garments featured. Showcasing models like Steven Green, Souizz and Dexter Mayfield set the internet on fire and I already had my marshmallows out.

For years the plus size male physique has hidden in the shadows. To some, it could seem like as the body positive revolution continued, the men seemed to get left behind or boxed in by our own double standards. Well, on October 2nd Rihanna came through and the spotlight was on all things big and surprisingly not just tall. The level of size inclusivity on display for the world to see was something the fashion world has never seen before.

Normally the world big is associated with the word tall leaving the some asking. what about me? That question was no more, as the show went viral with phrases like “plus size male,” “bhm,” and “big boy season” trending on Twitter. What I especially enjoyed was the types of men featured. Usually when it comes to fashion, from my observations, you see either very effeminate men or the polar opposite '“urban” type. This show has this, that and everything in between which left most of us saying “Victoria Secret who?'“

Why is this important?

At Shapely we’re a big proponent of representation. There are some things that one wouldn’t believe they can do, until they see it. I find it extremely important to see the plus size body in print, media and advertising. What I find most significant is the amount of men that got a big boost of confidence after watching this and the amount of people that had a new appreciation for all things big and handsome. In a recent conversation with fellow Shapely contributor Justin Harris, he stated he has never seen such a response and it did in fact, make him feel good.

What could this mean? The same way women would like their bodies normalized and people to love them in public the way they do in private, is the same way plus size men say they would like to be received. It cannot stop at the Savage Fenty fashion show, we have to show up every day until others understand that this is us in all or glory.

Photo: Courtesy of Glamour.com