Got a man in your life 6’3 and up?  The Willis and Walker Spring 2012 collection is perfect for the really tall, dark, and handsome.  The biggest problem with fitting a tall man is finding something ready-to-wear without a tailor having to alter the sleeves or stitching in the hem of the pants.  Jackets pose a big problem.  The standard sizes tend to bunch up around the chest.  Let’s face it.  The dimensions on a tall guy are vastly different from your average sized man.

As a result of his 7-foot frame, designer and former NBA basketball player Kevin Willis founded Willis & Walker when he struggled to find clothes that would fit him.  Because of this struggle, he went on to receive a degree in fashion and textiles from Michigan State University and started a line specifically for men 6’3 and up.

The Willis and Walker’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection was showcased at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 13, 2011, during New York Fashion Week. This collection can be described as having a strong Motown influence from the 70s and 80s.  Kevin Willis was inspired by the Temptation’s signature suits.  The collection includes jackets with piping along the edges with subtle monochromatic contrasts.  Also showcased that evening were varying styles of tuxedos in black, charcoal gray, and ivory. The suits were constructed of cashmere and wool, and some with lilac and paisley lining.  This collection also featured denim, leather pants, and v-neck sweaters.  The denim pieces were inspired by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.  (Some of those pieces are even named after a few of Jackson’s hit songs, “Thriller” and “Billy Jean,” for example).  Lastly, was a selection of high-end leather bags and shoes.

The Willis and Walker collection isn’t for every tall man, but if you’re looking for well-constructed pieces with a bit of a “retro” feel, you might want to consider this line.

Check out the collection photographed by Arun Nevader.

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