We are getting close the end of my round up of Body Positive men. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know these gents and learning about their perspectives as much as I have been. If you haven’t had a chance to read the rest, here’s the line up so far
Riccardo, Benjamin, Ady, Kavah and Troy
Today we get to talk to Marquis of Marquimode.com Marquis is a 25 year old fabulous man who is works as a Makeup Artist, Style Blogger and hope to one day be a Plus Size Model!
So let’s jump in and hear what Marquis has got to say!
(All his social media handles will be listed below so you can follow him and all his fabulousness)
How and why did you get started with modelling and/or blogging?
When I was 18 or 19 I had a close friend who ran her own personal blog whose followers would always give her the most positive and inspiring feedback that would really cheer her up. I enjoyed the look on her face when people would tell her how excited they were when she would post. I really envied the connection they had. So one day It inspired me to create Marquimode.com. l posted style ideas, outfits, even my makeup interests, anything I could find to connect with other people. As time progressed I noticed people really enjoyed what I was wearing and started noticing a lot of plus size people liking my posts and asking me “where they could purchase what I was wearing”. I started to feel the connection. I started directing more of my posts towards fashion and how to style someone who was plus size and give inspiration to anyone who could identify with my style and size. I really like(d) the idea of being able to connect with other people just because of the clothing I was wearing and how other people could relate to it. Shortly after, I created an instagram posting more outfits and more plus size style inspiration and i’ve continued ever since. Through my instagram I have gotten the opportunity to model for a few people and I’m hoping one day to become a working model, and represent a different image for the plus size male.
What was it like growing up as a plus size male and what are things like today for you?
Growing up, I actually wasn’t plus size. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I was very thin (unhealthy looking at times) and into the idea of having visible collarbones and hip bones. At the time, it wasn’t something I realized was unhealthy (like a lot of teens) I just figured I was supposed to be thin, being plus size wasn’t something I had even thought about.
Fast Forward to present day, things are a lot different. Being plus size is something I’m constantly aware of, especially as a male. Just like woman, I get small subtle reminder when shopping and something I want isn’t available in my size, but I also get reminded when I open my inbox and I get messages saying “Because of you, I have been experimenting with my style.” or “you’ve helped me find confidence to wear something I wouldn’t normally choose.” Things like that are what really motivate me to represent what “plus size” looks like.
Women plus size models and bloggers are really helping to change the game when it comes to what we see in media as well as how brands are able to reach their consumers however we are only starting to see this happen with plus size men. Why do you think this is so important and where do you see this going in the future?
Bloggers and influencers hold such an important piece in the way brands can connect with their audience nowadays. we have such a connection with our followers, so they really value our opinion on brands and designers we choose to promote and support. The connection between us makes it so easy to help smaller brands (or even larger ones) get the recognition they deserve. I think as mainstream media is becoming a more size (and gender) inclusive we will definitely see more plus size men being represented in fashion and other medias.
I recently heard someone say that being a plus size woman in today’s world is harder than it is to be a plus size male – do you think this is true, what are your thoughts either way?
Considering I am not a plus size woman, I can’t really speak for that experience, but in my opinion, this is very true.
Women are exposed to (with or without consent) a lot of judgement in many ways and society (still) really focuses a lot on women and what makes them “beautiful”. I feel like women get put under the microscope a lot more than men in many situations especially when it comes to their size and being plus size isn’t generally celebrated. Granted, we are definitely seeing more plus size figures in the media. It’s the everyday plus size women who aren’t in the media who live the day to day experience that also deserve the celebration.
Why do you think it’s so important to be a voice for other men?
Being a voice for “men” is important to me because representation is important. Just like women, we come in lots of shapes, sizes, heights, weights, and colors and mainstream media only portrays “fit” men. It’s important because not only do I represent something entirely different, but I represent a different kind of inspiration to someone who might think that be struggling with self-doubt or body image.
What is it like looking for a fashionable wardrobe as a plus size man? Are there limited options or do you have lots of options?
For me and my personal style I would say it is very limiting to what I can and cannot wear.
I generally have to shop several different stores in hopes to find what I’m looking for. although I can find a lot in my size, it generally fits weird, or is in a style that I don’t want.
What would you say your style is?
Masculine meets feminine and unusual.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to fashion?
Finding interesting and fashionable textiles, without spending my whole bank account for a single item.
What are some of your favourite go to brands?
I’m a BIG fan of Asos Curve, Forever 21 Plus and Old Navy. I thrift a lot of my clothes and I shop around for things that fit me at a lot of other retailers so it’s hard to dedicate myself to a lot of brands.
What is it like dating at a plus size man? Do you feel that you are judged based on your size?
Dating has been pretty fine for me, I’ve been in a relationship for a long time now I don’t think there was ever a judgement based on my size. I think if someone doesn’t want to get to know you based on your size, they probably aren’t worth getting to know anyways.
With the online popularity that you have been receiving, I am sure there also comes with it a little bit of negative attention. How do you manage to stay so positive when there are quite a few critics out there commenting on what you produce?
I think the combination of reminding myself of the goals I have and celebrating my accomplishments help me stay positive. Remembering that because of the work I created and the message i’m putting out there, I am getting recognized.
What does life look like for you outside the fashion world?
Life for me outside of the fashion world is pretty casual. I work as a makeup artist in New York so it’s makeup by day and skincare by night. 😀
What is the message you hope to portray to other plus size men?
All bodies are beautiful, so dress yours how you want.
What to see more of Marquis?
Blog: www.Marquimode.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Marquimode/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marquimode
Snapchat: Marquimode
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