Man of the Week is back! This time around, we’re introducing you to stylish plus size men from around the globe. We’ll talk to these guys about who they are, what they do and what style is to them. Let’s kick things off with 25 year old Ivanlandle Vicente, aka Ivan the Future Boy. Though he describes himself on IG as “an awkward potato in cute clothes,” he’s a guy with a unique sense of style and an interesting perspective.
In our interview, Ivan talks gaming, creating a unique look and the lack of designer streetwear for big men.
Photo: Instagram
Where are you based? I know you’re traveling now, but do you normally live in San Francisco?
I live in Daly City, which is like two cartwheels away from San Francisco, but I was born and raised in the Philippines. I grew up there. I moved [from the Philippines] to Pittsburgh, PA in 2014 and I moved to the Bay somewhere around 2015.
Photo: Instagram
What do you do when you’re not traveling the world and posting amazing photos to Instagram?
I’m an avid gamer. I mainly play Overwatch and League of Legends. When I’m not doing that, I listen to music and binge on late 90’s to early 2000’s music videos on Youtube!
Photo: Instagram
I feel like your looks are pretty uniquely you, which isn’t something everyone is able to easily pull off. How do you describe your style?
“Steaze:” style with eaze. My style varies, but it’s mostly streetwear inspired. I like wearing something I could walk around town in during the day and then wear to the bars for some drinks that night.
Photo: Instagram
What are your favorite plus size men’s clothing brands?
As we all know, ASOS has a good selection when it comes to men’s plus sizes. There are so many options now. Amazon in particular carries brands I like such as Carhartt and Ben Davis. I can go on all day listing brands Amazon carries in sizes XL-3XL and up.
Photo: Instagram
The photos you put up on IG seem to have a pretty cohesive style, whether it’s your photos or the images you’re designing and posting there. Is there a specific message or idea you’re trying to get across to your followers?
Theres really no deep story behind my “theme.” To be honest, I just started posting three pictures at a time just because a lot times I get stuck with 43 photos on my camera roll and it’s so hard to pick “the one.” The other pictures I post with quotes and lyrics are photos I take on the daily while walking around and stuff. I don’t want my instagram account to be just all pictures of me. I guess I can say it’s my way of creatively venting!
Photo: Instagram
What gets you inspired?
I’m inspired by the messages I get from my followers. Every once in a while I’ll get a note from someone saying thank you for the style tips [or talking about] how they get inspired by my confidence and how I carry myself. Little do they know, I get the drive to put up photos because of them.
I’m also inspired by my really really close friends who are crazy sneakerheads and streetwear junkies. We share ideas and we all have the same love for shoes and clothes. You guys know who you are!
Photo: Instagram
What’s missing in big men’s fashion, in your opinion?
Selection. Just MORE selection. Specifically from high end designers. It sucks that I have a couple of designer streetwear pieces, but the only reason they fit me is because they were meant to be worn “Oversized” and when I put them on, they fit like a regular garment. I get it, it’s business, but for the amount of people wanting more options maybe it’s time for them to make a move. Extend your sizes, listen to the people. LISTEN TO ME! [laughs]
Follow Ivan on Instagram at @ivanthefutureboy.
