ATLANTA — Back in April, 11Alive’s The A-Scene helped spread the word for Shaquille O’Neal’s search for men in the metro Atlanta area to appear in a campaign for JC Penney.
The basketball star just revealed the Shaq Big & Tall Model search winners Chukwukere Ekeh (AK), Alexander Cochran (Alex) and Ricky Vichot.
AK and Alex are from the area, and all three men are joining Shaq in the fall campaign for his Shaquille O’Neal XLG line with JCPenney.
According to The NPD Group, a third of American men today identify as either big, tall or big and tall, representing 10% of the U.S. menswear business.
Yet, when Shaq launched his tailored clothing line, Shaquille O’Neal XLG, exclusively at JCPenney in 2018, it was a challenge to find big and tall men to model the collection.
Shaquille O’Neal XLG is the mogul’s apparel line with JC Penney. The fashion line will offer over 60 unique styles of men’s suited separates, dress shirts, ties and belts in a range of sizes, all at affordable price points. Sale prices include a suit for $199.99, sport coat for $114.99 and dress shirt for $32.50. Big & tall men will discover suited separates and sport coats in sizes up to 64, belts up to 4XL, and extra-long ties.
Each piece features a modern, understated design combined with a classic fit, allowing for an effortless style that easily transitions from day to night. Plus, each garment is infused with performance features including cooling technology, stretch fabrics and flex collars to ensure ultimate comfort.
“Every big guy should have the opportunity to bring the sexy like I do, and I can’t wait to help men just like me look their best with a men’s clothing collection that not only fits their frames, but fits their wallets, too,” O'Neal said.
Wilhelmina had to search the streets of New York to find men that fit the bill. This nationwide search will solved an industry-wide need right here in Georgia.
The winners also earned a contract with Wilhelmina’s big & tall Titan division.
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