Zach Miko draws eyes when he enters a room, and the rule of thumb did not fail when he became IMG’s first-ever Brawn model boldly ushering in a forward look into the evolution of fashion

Raised in Stratford, Connecticut, Miko’s first love has always been acting. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Miko moved to New York City to pursue his passion. Since then, he has appeared in guest-starring roles on CBS’ Limitless and NBC’s Shades of Blue and is currently a member of the highly lauded T. Schreiber Studio. He is also one-half of the acclaimed musical comedy duo, The Dreamstalks.

Now, Miko’s career has turned toward the camera under a different lens. His big break into modeling was as internet-rattling as it was millennially on-brand. IMG’s President, Ivan Bart, discovered the former bartender after stumbling upon his Instagram account. Though Miko had already landed his first gig with Target’s Big and Tall campaign, his down-to-Earth social presence, charming humor and bearded good looks secured him a spot with IMG, casually launching the New England native into fashion history.

A burgeoning modeling career has also provided Miko a platform to promote body positivity for all. Fans can regularly find body-acceptance posts and support for other Curve and Brawn models throughout his Instagram.

In addition to serving as Target’s first and only plus-size male model, Miko helped UNIQLO introduce extended sizes for men to the brand, modeled for Nordstrom and Levi’s as well as various brands catering to Big and Tall customers. He’s appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine and in press for Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, and People among others. If ever there was a consensus throughout the media, it’s that Zach Miko is spearheading the brawn movement.