HE WEARS BR | Our Style Wingman of the Month Soouizz
When it comes to style, confidence is king.
Big and Tall. Extended Sizes. Brawn. However you want to label it, it refers to a group of men who are often underserved and unrepresented. Until now. Meet Soouizz, a menswear model and influencer who is redefining style and changing the game—one post at a time.
What is your story? Tell us a little about yourself. I come from Lagos, Nigeria. Born and raised. Been living in NY now for about 10 years. Been a creative/Model for about 7 out of those 10 years.
Define your style. Where do you draw inspiration for your style? How does your style influence your creativity/what you do? My style is Clean, Cozy, Jiggy, Versatile. No matter the look I’m trying to go for, I always make sure my comfort comes first, I’m pretty particular about detail down to the feel, the touch of the material. All the little details matter. I draw inspiration from just living in New York, there are so many different people, different styles to tap into and it constantly rotates— so it Influences Everything.
Traditionally, there can be a lack of options for big and tall styles—especially for younger guys. How have you been able to create your own style given these limitations? Definitely a lack of options! Initially I started off thrifting, then I found ASOS and at the time they had not really started the plus-size movement but regardless they had bigger options than the brands I knew out here in America. Standing out has always been my forte even when I’m not trying to, so I decided to tap more into that strength and go all the way in, I started to incorporate some of my thrifted items, accessorize my looks, add some pieces from brands and before you know it, I really started to look different from everyone around me, going blonde and what not ha-ha!
I know you have many followers and supporters who look up to you. Who are role models in your life you look up to? My role model right now is Skepta lol Love his messages in his records and the fact that he’s a Nigerian who has a shoe line collab with Nike. Goals! Also, Rihanna is one of my role models right now because she keeps creating more opportunities for Young creative Black people like Myself. And she’s fire!
When we initially talked, you mentioned that you want to make sure everything you do is inclusive to all. What are ways you create an inclusive space for others? That’s a good question. I’d say I’m creating an inclusive space for others by LISTENING. Some people only listen so they could speak. To find a true solution to being inclusive, my approach is to listen to those who don’t feel like they’re getting representation, take it in and then figure out a way to come up with a solution rather than explaining away points as to why they are not being included.
How has this year and the different social events that have transpired influenced your art? This year has been the biggest influence in my art, Ever! I’ve learned so much about myself this year, how much perseverance I truly have within me. Serenity, unclogged headspace, Just Joy in being able to exist as who I am in today’s society. Letting the world know that I exist, that we exist as black people and we are excelling even in a pandemic, even amongst police brutality. We’re still here!
We really liked when you said, “If I can rock it, anybody else can”. What other advice and encouragement do you have for others who want to feel confident in their style? If you feel confident in whatever you’re wearing, it doesn’t matter what it is (could be a garbage bag), when people see how you carry yourself, they will automatically love it on you. Don’t do anything for people, do it for yourself. I talk to myself constantly and at the first glance, people might call me crazy but that's just me, I tell myself all the time how handsome I am, and I gas myself up before anyone else has to do it to make me feel good about myself. Self-Love. It comes from within. If you see it in yourself, then others will see it in you.
Favorite BR item? How would you incorporate it into your style? The corduroy puffer vest!! Love it, love corduroy. It's the perfect Fall piece as well because it's sleeveless so you can dress it up with a t-shirt or a button-up or even a turtleneck/sweater. Your choices are limitless, honestly.
What are three to five staples every guy needs to be fresh? Mmm. Fresh pair of White Kicks. Sunglasses to block the haters off. Your wallet to hold all your essentials. The best cologne you can lay your hands on. And lastly: your confidence on your back but don’t get too cocky. Be nice to people.
GET SOOUIZZ'S LOOKS
Look 1: Corduroy Puffer Vest, Organic Cotton Henley, Straight Legacy Jean, Roll Cuff Beanie, Nicklas Suede Sneaker, Colin Sunglasses
Look 2: Cable-Knit Sweater, Slim Traveler Pant, Nicklas Suede Sneaker
When it comes to style, confidence is king.
Big and Tall. Extended Sizes. Brawn. However you want to label it, it refers to a group of men who are often underserved and unrepresented. Until now. Meet Soouizz, a menswear model and influencer who is redefining style and changing the game—one post at a time.
What is your story? Tell us a little about yourself. I come from Lagos, Nigeria. Born and raised. Been living in NY now for about 10 years. Been a creative/Model for about 7 out of those 10 years.
Define your style. Where do you draw inspiration for your style? How does your style influence your creativity/what you do? My style is Clean, Cozy, Jiggy, Versatile. No matter the look I’m trying to go for, I always make sure my comfort comes first, I’m pretty particular about detail down to the feel, the touch of the material. All the little details matter. I draw inspiration from just living in New York, there are so many different people, different styles to tap into and it constantly rotates— so it Influences Everything.
Traditionally, there can be a lack of options for big and tall styles—especially for younger guys. How have you been able to create your own style given these limitations? Definitely a lack of options! Initially I started off thrifting, then I found ASOS and at the time they had not really started the plus-size movement but regardless they had bigger options than the brands I knew out here in America. Standing out has always been my forte even when I’m not trying to, so I decided to tap more into that strength and go all the way in, I started to incorporate some of my thrifted items, accessorize my looks, add some pieces from brands and before you know it, I really started to look different from everyone around me, going blonde and what not ha-ha!
I know you have many followers and supporters who look up to you. Who are role models in your life you look up to? My role model right now is Skepta lol Love his messages in his records and the fact that he’s a Nigerian who has a shoe line collab with Nike. Goals! Also, Rihanna is one of my role models right now because she keeps creating more opportunities for Young creative Black people like Myself. And she’s fire!
When we initially talked, you mentioned that you want to make sure everything you do is inclusive to all. What are ways you create an inclusive space for others? That’s a good question. I’d say I’m creating an inclusive space for others by LISTENING. Some people only listen so they could speak. To find a true solution to being inclusive, my approach is to listen to those who don’t feel like they’re getting representation, take it in and then figure out a way to come up with a solution rather than explaining away points as to why they are not being included.
How has this year and the different social events that have transpired influenced your art? This year has been the biggest influence in my art, Ever! I’ve learned so much about myself this year, how much perseverance I truly have within me. Serenity, unclogged headspace, Just Joy in being able to exist as who I am in today’s society. Letting the world know that I exist, that we exist as black people and we are excelling even in a pandemic, even amongst police brutality. We’re still here!
We really liked when you said, “If I can rock it, anybody else can”. What other advice and encouragement do you have for others who want to feel confident in their style? If you feel confident in whatever you’re wearing, it doesn’t matter what it is (could be a garbage bag), when people see how you carry yourself, they will automatically love it on you. Don’t do anything for people, do it for yourself. I talk to myself constantly and at the first glance, people might call me crazy but that's just me, I tell myself all the time how handsome I am, and I gas myself up before anyone else has to do it to make me feel good about myself. Self-Love. It comes from within. If you see it in yourself, then others will see it in you.
Favorite BR item? How would you incorporate it into your style? The corduroy puffer vest!! Love it, love corduroy. It's the perfect Fall piece as well because it's sleeveless so you can dress it up with a t-shirt or a button-up or even a turtleneck/sweater. Your choices are limitless, honestly.
What are three to five staples every guy needs to be fresh? Mmm. Fresh pair of White Kicks. Sunglasses to block the haters off. Your wallet to hold all your essentials. The best cologne you can lay your hands on. And lastly: your confidence on your back but don’t get too cocky. Be nice to people.
GET SOOUIZZ'S LOOKS
Look 1: Corduroy Puffer Vest, Organic Cotton Henley, Straight Legacy Jean, Roll Cuff Beanie, Nicklas Suede Sneaker, Colin Sunglasses
Look 2: Cable-Knit Sweater, Slim Traveler Pant, Nicklas Suede Sneaker
