Ed Mendoza is making clothes for “the big, beautiful and different.”

Ed Mendoza is making clothes for “the big, beautiful and different.” YPulse’s Representation in Action trend report found that 42% of BIPOC young consumers say it is important for the fashion industry to reflect diversity and inclusivity—and Ed Mendoza is an emerging designer trying to make that happen. Earlier this year, the Central Saint Martins MA graduate student won the L’Oréal Professional Prize award for his apparel collection that served as “a deep exploration of textiles, the body and his multicultural identity.” According to Mendoza, who was able to present his collection during London Fashion Week, he wanted to make clothes for plus-size men and non-binary wearers. Much of his collection features “bold illustrations and psychedelic prints,” and other symbols and designs inspired by his Peruvian and Caribbean roots. According to one of Mendoza’s models: “Ed’s collection is about bright colours and it shows that as bigger people, we want fashionable pieces and we want to have options. It was refreshing because there has been so much diversity in age, race, and religion, but size seems to be the last barrier to be crossed.” (i-d)