Once a year, plus-size babes from all over the world flood the streets of New York City to experience the epic three-day event known as The CurvyCon. The convention hosts hordes of plus-size brands, fashionistas, models, and influencers — together, they encourage guests to get inspired, get active, and get shopping; it's the ultimate embrace of all things curvy.
I attended this year's fabulous CurvyCon, and here's absolutely everything I experienced there.
The weekend began with one big kickoff party, where CurvyCon cofounder CeCe Olisa — and everybody else — got busy on the dance floor!
The event space, by the way, was located smack dab in the middle of NYC's fashion capital: 5th Avenue.
Because CurvyCon takes place during New York Fashion Week, street style is naturally a huge part of the celebration. Everyone was expected to bring their A game, so I busted out my baddest bitch outfit.
Model Faith Costa followed suit in this sultry see-through number, which looked just as fierce and fabulous as she is.
CurvyCon cofounder Chastity Garner Valentine also brought the fire in a must-have Premme co-ord set.
Everything at CurvyCon has a positive message, and every vendor used huge signage to call attention to body diversity. It's the best part about CurvyCon — well, besides the shopping.
The event space where the convention was held had endless photo opportunities with supercute activations! I couldn't resist sitting on a throne and assuming my natural role of "Confidence Queen."
The CurvyCon's mission is to empower and inspire, and the decor was a great way to push this message!
Attendees also enjoyed posing at walls that displayed messages of positivity and self-love.
At the Loft runway show, I sat alongside plus-size influencers (@outofthecorner, @iamnikkifree, @phat_girl_fresh) as we enjoyed watching the fashions strut down the runway.
This year's fashion show was inclusive of different plus-size body types instead of the typical hourglass bodies that curvy runways are wont to feature exclusively.
And that's still not all the CurvyCon had to offer. Tennis champion Venus Williams and singer Lizzo spoke on a panel to announce the #TeeUpChange Campaign with the CFDA, which was presented by Dia & Co.
This is a game changer! The goal is to help educate designers on size diversity.
And actress Gabourey Sidibe served as the convention's keynote speaker! She brought her charm and wit as she dropped several gems about confidence and authenticity.
Overall, CurvyCon 2018 was an experience I'll remember for a lifetime.
It was amazing to be present among so many beautiful and inspiring women with diverse bodies, backgrounds, and styles. Even better, I finally got to see some runway models with bodies that looked like mine.
That's well worth the hassle of commuting to Midtown on a weekend.
