The fashion and beauty industry is currently being revolutionized by inclusivity. Retail brands and designers are taking heed to the various complexities of women. Meanwhile, bloggers and influencers of today are tapping into designated communities around size inclusivity and body positivity such as theCurvyCon.
We’re 99 days away from one of the biggest statements during New York Fashion Week. Coined the “nexus point for plus size fashion” by Vogue magazine, this event is not just for influencers. TheCurvyCon has been providing an elevated in-person shopping experience for plus size women since 2015. Founders CeCe Olisa and Chastity Garner Valentine decided to take their roles as influencers to the next level by offering plus size women a heightened shopping experience that they may not have experienced in their day to day lives.
We all have the same 24 hours as Beyonce but for Olisa and Valentine, their days were filled with long work hours, their own financial backing and constant dreams about what theCurvyCon would look like.
“We wanted to fill a void of giving our girls an elevated experience so they feel appreciated, loved and they can enjoy fashion, fitness and an array of other things,” Chastity says.
The CurvyCon’s success and growth in momentum has led to doubled ticket sales and larger venues. One of Olisa and Garner’s biggest accomplishments is moving to a venue on 5th Ave, one of New York’s most popular shopping districts.
Primary sponsors and featured retailers include Anthropologie, Rachel Roy, JCPenney, Target, Macy’s, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, and at this point any major retailer that sells women’s clothes, according to CeCe. Recording artist Lizzo, Gabourey Sidibe, FashionBombDaily’s Claire Sulmers and style and body positive advocate Gabi Gregg, who sells plus-size swimwear for women, have all attended.
Topics up for discussion included being black in the white, male-dominated industry, breaking stereotypes, and style and fashion tips from Emme, the first plus-size supermodel. There will also be fashion Q&A’s, workshops, and breakout sessions about finding confidence.
“Something really important to us is building the confidence of the people at theCurvyCon. It’s not just for influencers. Its to build up women to be more confident in everyday life. Just like our Looks n Wellness event,” CeCe explained. “We always do a nice fitness moment to make sure that people have a sense of body positivity and what kind of fitness they like. It’s also about being able to be in a safe space and feel comfortable to try new things.”
The CurvyCon returns to New York Fashion Week at Center 415 this September and tickets are almost sold-out. Join their email list for exclusive offers and deals about theCurvyCon.