Fashion
Gap’s Latest Campaign Features Diversity in an Amazing Way
Mainstream brands continue to make moves in showing more diversity in their campaigns and ads.
On the heels of American Eagle’s move to feature size-18 model Maxey Greene and big and tall model Thaddeus Coates in their latest jeans campaign, Gap has now unveiled its latest denim campaign, featuring Kelvin Davis, a big and tall male blogger and influencer. 
When Davis launched his fashion and lifestyle blog Notoriously Dapper in 2012, he had no idea where this new venture would take him. What started out as a way to share his self love and acceptance journey as a married man with a “dad bod” has now become a well-known brand.
Six years later, the former middle school teacher and coach is now a popular influencer with over 71K followers on Instagram, as well as an successful author, signed model and body positive advocate for all men. Davis has appeared in commercials/campaigns with DJ Khaled and David Ortiz for DXL, and in campaigns for Target and most recently Gap.
Davis is definitely kicking down the door in the men’s space, leading the way for other big and tall men to be seen mainstream. Along with brawn models Zack Miko, Miguel Perdomo and Scott Bayliss, Davis has definitely carved a place for himself in the modeling world as one of those trailblazers in the industry.
Davis told us exclusively how it felt to be a part of a mainstream campaign for a major brand representing the bigger guys out there:
“It feels great, amazing and phenomenal! GAP has always been a dream brand for me to work with. They are very inclusive and our messaging matches up perfectly. This campaign is all about the contagious of good. Good clothes, good vibes, good people and good moments. Good creates good, I’m beyond grateful that my platform and messaging has had this much of an good impact on society. I strive on positivity, so this makes everything come full circle for me.
And it’s quite honoring to represent bigger guys, men of color and fathers in such a positive light.”
Davis also recognizes the importance of being authentic in a world where influencers have power, using his platform to break barriers mainstream. He told us:
“Honestly, I’m just being the most authentic version of myself. I can’t be anyone else but Kelvin, no matter how I look. Being myself has helped me break barriers in the fashion industry. Being a bigger guy and a man of color can sometimes hinder me from certain opportunities but I have never let that stop me from being the best I can be. I know how it is to live in my body, I know the trials and tribulations I face daily. But I’m still kind, positive and love others the best way I can. That’s what is allowing me to break down those barriers and provide more positive representation and inclusiveness to this industry of modeling/influencing!!”
Kudos to Gap for using Davis in its latest campaign and we hope this leads to more larger bodies being seen on their website and campaigns, as well as perhaps a size expansion (yes please!).
To follow Kelvin Davis on Instagram, click here. To check out his blog Notoriously Dapper, click here.
His book Notoriously Dapper: How to Be a Modern Gentleman with Manners, Style and Body Confidence can be found on Amazon here.
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Feature
SwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
Inclusive Swimwear Brand Collaborates with Prominent Plus-Size Model Denise Bidot to Empower Aspiring Models…
Swimsuits For All, a pioneer in inclusive swimwear, proudly introduces its inaugural SwimStar All Stars campaign in partnership with renowned plus-size model and Swimsuits For All ambassador, Denise Bidot. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, nearly a decade following Denise’s groundbreaking “Beach Body, Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All in 2015, which showcased unretouched imagery aimed at promoting unapologetic confidence.
Denise Bidot and Swimsuits For All have jointly unveiled the SwimStar All Stars nationwide search, dedicated to discovering emerging talent in the realm of swimsuit modeling. Encouraging aspiring models to share their personal narratives, the initiative aims to inspire women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Following a rigorous selection process, Brittany Wilborn, Camryn Henry, and Sharon Clawson emerged as the chosen winners. In January 2024, these models embarked on a transformative journey to Harbour Island, where they had the unparalleled opportunity to shoot alongside Denise under the expert direction of internationally acclaimed photographer and director, Ben Watts.
Reflecting on the initiative, Denise Bidot remarked, “This was a truly exceptional opportunity to celebrate the diversity of plus-size models and cultivate an atmosphere of support, empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The camaraderie on set was palpable, and I am deeply honored to impart the wisdom and insights I’ve garnered throughout my career. Opportunities like these are scarce for plus-size models in the industry, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional team at Swimsuits for All to bring this campaign to fruition.”
The models showcased the latest swimwear offerings from the Swimsuits for All 2024 collection, featuring innovative designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, including:
Feel-good Fits: Addressing common concerns such as tummy bulges and fit issues, Swimsuits for All offers a range of fits designed to instill confidence and comfort in every body. Incorporating features like Power Mesh for a smooth, flattering silhouette, and adjustable straps for customizable support, the collection caters to various body types.
Bold Prints & Colors for Summer: The summer swimwear collection boasts vibrant colors and captivating prints, injecting excitement and personality into beach and poolside attire. From vivid neon hues to tropical motifs, the collection encourages self-expression and style experimentation.
Liquid Shine: Introducing Liquid Shine, a striking swim fabrication characterized by a glossy, liquid-like finish, adding an edgy allure to beachwear. Available in multiple silhouettes, including bikinis, Liquid Shine ensures you stand out with confidence.
Bikinis that Suit You Best: The Mix & Match Bikini collection offers a personalized approach to swimwear, allowing individuals to mix and match colors and silhouettes for a bespoke look tailored to their preferences.
Beyond showcasing inclusive swimwear designs, the SwimStar All Stars campaign embodies a celebration of women uplifting one another in an industry often marked by competitiveness. Throughout the week-long shoot, models engaged in one-on-one sessions with Denise, fostering meaningful dialogue about the evolving representation of plus-size bodies in swim and fashion.
Jordan Hauser, Senior Director of E-Commerce & Marketing, expressed, “This campaign transcends conventional notions of body positivity and representation in the swim and fashion industries. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity in reflecting the diverse experiences of our customer base. We are committed to fostering a movement where women find strength in unity, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Denise Bidot, one of the industry’s foremost advocates for inclusivity.”
The summer 2024 swimwear collection is now available. For further details about Swimsuits For All and the SwimStar All Stars campaign, please visit www.swimsuitsforall.com.
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@amandaneumanoficial
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