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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Are you a college alumni? Tell us what you’re up to – we’d love to share your story! Email marketing@ucg.ac.uk.
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“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
