Name: Dave Silas

Age: 43

Location: Huntsville, Al

Hometown: Detroit, MI

1. What are your biggest Fashion Obstacles?

One of my biggest obstacles would be finding stylish clothing in my size. Being 280 lbs with broad shoulders, it is hard to find clothing off the rack that gives the same tailored fit and look as a standard size man. So, when purchasing a suit, the cut of the jacket and pants never seem to match. Being a 52L typically calls for a longer pants length and inseam which doesn’t fit properly. Therefore, everything must be altered. Being able to represent big men with confidence and being taken seriously in this industry, has also been a big obstacle. We’ve come a long way in the past 5 years and the industry is seemingly responding by offering better fits for jeans, sweaters, and slacks.

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

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, now residing in Huntsville, Alabama, my style definitely has the city feel with a Southern twist. Growing up in Motown, fashion was always a lifestyle from the boat hats with flashy colored suits, to the classic black suit. There is a serious love of Alligator shoes and zoot suits. I seem to shift directions considering my mood. Being from Detroit, I’m not afraid to take risks. However, my everyday style consists of Fitted ball caps, khakis, and happy socks.

3. Tell us about your biggest fashion nightmare and explain?

My biggest nightmare actually happened at a great grandmother’s funeral in 2001. I couldn’t find a suit to fit at the time so I put a suit together. The blazer was too big and the pants were too tight. In grief and crying, my pants split from the back. Horrible memory. Now, being a plus Male model, my biggest nightmare would be a repeat of that event on the runway. As a model, your job is to sell the clothing regardless of fit. You make it happen.

    4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years and how do you see yourself accomplishing it?

In 5 years, I see myself owning a multi-million dollar corporation. My passions are photography, modeling, and cigars. With photography, I see myself connecting and networking with industry greats and building a positive relationship to collaborate and make my dream a reality. I am constantly upgrading my equipment and looking to own my own state of the art photography studio by the end of the year.  As a model, I will continue to my confidence, hone my craft, educate myself in the business of the fashion world, while uplifting others. Cigars are my real passion so I’ve created my own premium cigar line, DeSilas Cigars, which will launch June 2018.

    5.  What do you feel is missing in fashion for men of your size?

I believe that there is a definite need for retailers to understand the true fit, cut and style of the Big and Tall Man. I feel there is a desire for a more classic look in menswear. We have a responsibility to teach our youth the proper way to dress. In my opinion, this will teach them respect in their appearance. It will give them morals and values because when you dress as a man, you think as a man. Fashion is not a trend it’s a Lifestyle.I also believe that there is a need for size equality in selections. What is offered in the smaller sizes are not always available in the larger sizes? We can and would wear the same colors and patterns as the smaller guys but we are not always afforded the same opportunities.