Body diversity in the fashion industry is given a huge boost as the singer uses larger male model in Savage X Fenty show
From the rise of plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham to Lizzo on the cover of British Vogue, the fashion industry has embraced female body diversity in recent years. Larger male models, however, have struggled for acceptance. But at the launch of the latest lingerie collection from Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty this month, there was a step forward in the normalisation of plus-size male body types – with the show featuring Steven G, US size 2XL, modelling boxer briefs.
For the last three years the singer’s lingerie line has reset the dial on size, race and gender inclusivity, in contrast to the manicured perfection of such brands as Victoria’s Secret. This time Rihanna featured men’s underwear. Significantly, G’s images on the website did not appear in a separate “plus size” section. Screengrabs of the topless model went viral on Twitter, with users praising Rihanna’s use of larger body types. “Big men, just like women, are hardly represented in advertising but as Rihanna has proved here, the industry may want to rethink this,” tweeted author Rabia Chaudry.
