IMG Models, one of the nation’s largest modeling agencies, has has created a new division for plus-sized male models.
And the Brawn division, as it’s been dubbed, has signed its first model: Six-foot Zach Miko, who appeared in Target’s campaign for Mossimo last year.
“Brawn has a body positive message. Brawn is physical strength,” IMG president Ivan Bart told WWD.
Corporate America has been addressing body positivity in women for some time, with Whitney Thompson winning Top Model and Robyn Lawley and Ashley Graham appearing in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issues.
Now, it’s men’s turn.
“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,” says Bart. “I want every man in America to say, ’I can do that’ when they see Zach.”
Signing Miko was no mere PR stunt: Bart knows first-hand how lacking the fashion-industry is when it comes to catering to diverse sizes.
“I consider myself a beefy, stocky kind of guy—or whatever buzzword you want to use. I’m in the fashion business and I’m required to dress fashionably but yet I have size issues,” Bart said.
“Everyone wants to wear great clothes and everyone wants to look fashionable. We have to start asking for more options.”