XL’s Featured Tribe’s Men Shelby Gatewood

1. What are your biggest fashion obstacles?

One of my biggest fashion obstacles is finding a shirt to fit just perfect.  Not too big, but not too much right, sleeves long enough?  No.  Ugh!  I’m 6’9 270 pounds so my arms are pretty long, but I’m broad and my shoulders are big and the struggle is always hard when it comes to a good dress shirt.

2. Where are you from and what are biggest fashion trends in your city?

I’m from Chesapeake, Va. two up two down!  Born and raised.  Chesapeake is part of the tidewater area (757) Most people not from VA only know of Norfolk or VA beach.  All in the same area.   You can literally find so many different fashion trends here because it is a huge military area.  Mainly you see most people wearing the typical Jordan’s, true religion jeans and t-shirt.  The tailored look is here as well though.  It’s a couple of dapper gents in this area that stand out.  We pretty much all know each other for the most part.

3. Tell us about your biggest fashion nightmare and if it came true do explain. (attach a picture if you can)

Biggest fashion nightmare?  Ordering something and it not fitting correctly and I have no choice but to wear it or wear something that  I have already to a event.  I’ve worn a blazer with holes in it to a wedding before and no one noticed it.  Luckily it was dark lol.

4. What are some of your biggest style inspirations?

Davidson Fere’, Nick Wooster, Fabolous( street style), GQ of course, just to name a few that pop out to me.  I take my style from some of everybody, from the best-dressed person tailored to a T and even the nerdy guy who doesn’t really know how to put things together.  I like to be versatile with my fashion; if I’m gong to a black tie event, I wasn’t to turn heads!  But if I’m just going to s day party, I want to be able to dress down with the best of them as well.  There is art in everything and fashion is art.

5.Where do you see yourself in five years and who do you see yourself doing?

In 5 years I see myself building my business Superior Lyfestyle more and more.  It’s an online fashion store that features men’s suit accessories such as ties, tie-clips and etc.  I want to start to feature products for the bearded gentleman as well in the near future.  Doing more hands on and Internet personal stylings.  I want to be able to style someone who lives around the corner or someone who lives 3,000 miles away as well.  I want my name to be a household name in the fashion world.  Especially for big and tall fellas.  We use to get overlooked and now we are shining bright!

6.What do you feel is missing in fashion for the men of size?

In men of size I feel that they play it safe when it comes to fashion for us.  They will make things for us but it will be basic and we have to try spice it up to make it ours.  We can pull off just about anything a smaller person can pull off.  Maybe better because we stand out even more in a crowd.  I would like to see more creativity when it comes to big and tall clothing for sure.  Mmmm maybe that’s my next project.