TALKING DIVERSITY IN FASHION IN TORONTO

Bruce from Chubstr at DiversityNOW 2014

Last week, I had the pleasure of heading to Toronto to speak about diversity in fashion at Ryerson University’s School of Fashion on a panel moderated by Dr. Ben Barry. Joining me on the panel was Valerie of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, Sharon Hayward of Adios Barbie, and the amazing Marie Denee, of The Curvy Fashionista. Each of us told our stories, and answered Dr. Barry’s questions about diversity in fashion – where it is lacking, how we’re making it work in a world that doesn’t focus on us, and how it can be made better.

Marie Denee & Bruce from Chubstr

The turnout was great, the conversation was amazing, and I left inspired by the people I met and the experiences everyone shared. It’s great to see people using their voices to be heard in an industry and culture that generally overlooks them. You know what else was great? The style! There were people of all sorts of sizes, ethnicities and backgrounds there to listen to what the panel had to say, and it was great to see such a variety of personal style on display.

Peter and Bruce Sturgell from Chubstr

I also had the pleasure of meeting people like Diana from Dare Mag and Karen from Curvy Canadian, who are also doing some amazing things for the community. The dapper gentleman you see above is Peter, who we’ve featured in the past. You couldn’t meet a nicer guy.

The DiversityNOW crowd

All in all, Toronto was amazing. I’ll most definitely be visiting again soon!

Bruce Sturgell Chubstr at Ryerson University in Toronto

What’s Bruce Wearing?

Jacket: Jacket from the Essential Blue Suit, by Indochino (Made to measure for any size)

Shirt: Merona Checkered Button Down from Target (XXL)

Jeans: AG Graduate Jeans (size 42, but I normally wear a 46, and these are SUPER COMFORTABLE. They actually stretch.)

Shoes: Wolverine 1883 Orville Chukka Boot (Size 12)

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