By Norma Llyaman / Photography courtesy of Chase Tyler

Known for her amazing style and fashion design for the plus-size gal, Rene’ of Rene’ Tyler Designs is a national treasure in the RUBENESQUE Fashion Circuit. From New York to Los Angeles Fashion Week, the Rene’ Tyler brand has been strong and independent, but most importantly, it is based out of Las Vegas. But the most crucial facet of this local jewel is her Queer son Chas Tyler, Executive Creative Consultant and media influencer for the brand.

Norma has been wearing the Rene’ Tyler brand for many years and finally got a chance to escape into the designer showroom with the creative genius to chat and dish on MEN’S FASHION!

Rene’ Tyler and Chase Tyler at New York Fashion Week

Norma loves ALL FASHION. Tell us what your current view is on MEN’S Fashion?

Men’s fashion has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go, specifically in size, inclusivity, and individuality. We need more unique and diverse perspectives in the fashion space for men, and I am working on changing that in the near future.

Norma is a big boned man in a dress who loves to “Step Out” when not applying the mascara! How are you influencing big men’s fashion? Any tips?

I am influencing big and tall men’s fashion by creating niche content specifically tailored for people who look like me. Whether they are 6’4 with broad shoulders, or 5’0 with a rounder mid-section/stomach area. My ultimate goal is to help you find your personal style. My advice is to buy for your current size, not the size you want to be. Find things you will wear, time and time again, especially if it is an expensive piece. And, most importantly, find things that YOU feel great in!

Who are your FASHION influences?

My all-time biggest influence is the late, great André Leon Talley. He was a force in fashion and has inspired me since I was a kid. To see a black man from the South become the right-hand assistant to Diana Vreeland, be flown to Paris to be fashion editor at Interview Magazine, and eventually Women’s Wear Daily, and later become a contributing editor at Vogue. He showed me that it was possible!

My other influences are my mother and father. My dad unfortunately passed away in 2019 from prostate cancer, but as a kid, I saw him put on a suit every day for work, and it showed me that how you dress and show up in the world has an impact and effect on people.
My mom, whom I currently work with for our brand Rene’ Tyler, has always supported and loved me as a black gay man. She and I have been working together for almost 15 years, and I have her to thank for my sense of fashion and style. She dresses up any chance she gets, even if it is to go to the grocery store.

CHASE, I ADORE YOU! Norma would run away with you, but she is a married woman! BUT tell me, who is Chase Tyler? Where is he going next, and what is he doing next?

Chase Tyler is a black gay man trying to make his mark in the world. He views fashion as an art form and is always looking for ways to create and inspire others to be authentically themselves. A philosophy I like to live by is ‘learn to embrace the silence, because no matter what, there will always be noise’.

I want to create and develop a clothing line for individuals sizes XL and up, comprised of current and modern clothes, always staying true to classic styles that people can wear every day.

My next big project is Cut To The Chase Creative Agency. A full-service creative agency that includes styling services, social media management, and branding services that can help take your business/product to the next level. I plan on launching at the end of the summer, and I am looking for clients from all industries, especially LGBTQIA+ community members. I know how hard it can be to get your brand out there, and I want to lend my services to get you where you want to go!

You know Auntie Norma is frugal! Tell us how we can be more fashion-forward with a budget?

The best way to be fashionable on a budget is to consider buying second-hand/thrifting. While it can be hard to find clothing in larger sizes that way, you can always purchase pieces on sale. I like to shop for staple items at a great price or in the off-season. For example, I am a jackets/coats guy, and I buy them in the summer when it’s 100 degrees in Vegas. That’s when they’re super affordable.

I also recommend buying things in pairs, for example, if you have a favorite t-shirt or pair of jeans. Get both pairs and wear them interchangeably to get the most bang for your buck. This way, you aren’t constantly buying the same things repeatedly.

Tell me what you see as some Queer Trends!

Trends that have been influenced by the queer establishment are bold colors and patterns. A trend I love is a monochromatic look, where everything is one solid color. For example, I love the color red, and I would wear a red blazer with a red shirt, fun sequin red trousers, and a red loafer. Play with color and see what works best for you!

Another Hot trend is gender-neutral clothing. I find some of my best pieces in the plus-size women’s section from some of my favorite brands online. Plus-size clothing has come a long way, and oftentimes I find pieces that are statement-making, or classic, that no one can tell are from the women’s section.

No one will ask, “Hey, did you get that from the women’s section?” They are going to say, “Wow, you look great!”

www.renetyler.com
Instagram: @cuttothechasefashion

This article was originally published in the 2025 Arts & Entertainment Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.