James Corbin is a plus-sized high fashion model (having worked with the likes of Gucci, Valentino & Tommy Hilfiger), presenter, activist, YouTuber (@CorbinCaptures), television & radio producer and a writer. He regularly uses his platform to lead progressive conversations about male body image and inclusion in fashion. James has featured in profiles for The Guardian, Vogue and BBC.
We caught up with James to learn more about his career since graduating from City of Westminster College in 2017.
When did you know that you wanted to follow a career in fashion and media?
Well, I didn't know exactly! I was studying Level 3 Creative Media Production at City of Westminster College, and I’d then practice the skills I had learnt on my course by publishing my own content to YouTube. It was so much fun bringing friends together to create little shows, and it set me up well for a career in production. My modelling career started after a high-end fashion photographer found my YouTube platform, and opportunities rushed in after that. Production and fashion industries cross over in many ways because both require heaps of personal creativity.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
One of the most important projects I have worked on as a producer was a collaboration between Paramount and YouTube where we travelled across four different countries learning about the legacy of Nelson Mandela. It was good to be involved in a project that touched on my culture too, particularly when the film and television industry can lack diversity.
In fashion, I am proud to be part of a selection of models that are trailblazing in an industry that rarely acknowledges different body types. For example, I was the first ever plus-size model to be in a Valentino campaign. Again, if I didn't study Creative Media Production at City of Westminster College, I wouldn’t be doing this. The course taught me how to creatively build narrative, and how to film and edit. Thanks to my course and the experience I developed with my YouTube channel, I have had the skills and the tools to tell stories in the way that I want to throughout my career.
Have you noticed positive change since you started speaking up about body positivity in fashion?
Even five years ago, someone like me wouldn't exist. I have been using my platform to open the door to inclusivity; I want it to be something permanent across industries. My goal is to ensure that, wherever we look at our screens: in TV, film, fashion, we see real diversity.
I am an activist, and I work hard to make real change. I hold talks and I consult with brands behind the camera. There's a long way to go, but I am proud to be working with fashion and media industry to move things in the right direction for diversity and body positivity.
What advice would you give to our current students thinking about their careers?
When I was younger, I was convinced that I needed to do A-Levels to have the best career, but this conflicted with my interest in vocational courses, where you had more flexibility to choose your own path. I have always loved creating; I knew deep down that a vocational course was for me, and I am so glad that’s what I chose.
My advice to students studying a vocational course would be to really throw themselves into it. Dedicate the time to learning what you love and make the most of being in college. It’s a perfect time to immerse yourself, experiment and build a strong roster of skills. In creative courses particularly, don't limit yourself by thinking you should only pick up a certain piece of kit when you’re instructed to for a specific project. Teachers love it when students go out of their way to learn in their own time. Explore the tools that pique your interest outside of lessons and nurture your skills to get even better grades and thrive when you graduate. Also bear in mind there are tools you have access to in college that are very expensive to access once you leave!
