Girl, in the 90’s tell me where could you find a plus size event? I’ll wait! Now over the years, plus size events are everywhere and I’m here for them all. Raleigh serves as the home of the Crusade Of Curves Event, and I’m here with all the highlights!
Crusade of Curves is a four-day body positive movement and event, created to recognize the Curves of Carolina on the Fashion Runway. Mallory Robinson is the visionary behind the Crusade of Curves. Mallory, the face of FFFWeek 2017, has several non-profits that contribute to teaching plus size models how to strut with confidence, and she was announced this weekend as the North Carolina Ambassador for National Curves Day.
I was humbled to be a part of such a wonderful production, keep reading for all the deets!
The Full & Fit Wellness Expo was first up! This event started with a panel discussing topics such as: vegan eating, natural weight-loss, mental health, weight-loss surgeries, and HIV awareness. The panel’s message was uplifting and personal. Even myself as one of the panelist shared intimate words of how growing up bamboozled me into thinking that self-worth was tied to a smaller frame. As the event came to a close I hosted 30 minutes of Zumba! This was to encourage and push the message that I live for: Fitness Has No Size! Major shout out to my friend, Latoya Wright of The Fat Girl Of Fashion for capturing a few pics and Ashley Wall of SimplyCurvee for driving from Emporia, Virginia to dance with me.
Networking was next with the Curvy Connect Art & Fashion Mixer. I finally met one of my faves from Instagram who I have been stalking for a few years, Faith Costa. Faith is a plus size model, body positive advocate, and artist. She started her journey of body positivity, self love, and mental health awareness on Instagram. Her artwork is inspired by curvy bodies. So if you are looking for plus size artwork. This is your girl!!
Also, I finally met my birthday twin, The Curvy Housewife! She is jaw-dropping gorgeous, but we let time get away so I didn’t get a picture.
Saturday was all about fashion! Starting with the Plus Panel, hosted by Latoya Wright “The Fat Girl Of Fashion“. This panel was great, knowledgeable, and fashionable of course. Atlanta fashion designer, Ashuntay Hubbard of Christian Omeshun, shedded light on how plus size women beg for clothing that they do not buy. Ashuntay Hubbard also talked about how we must appreciate the brands that are working for us right now, instead of begging designer brands such as Balenciaga to expand their sizes. Gwen Devoe, trailblazer and creator of FFF Week, captivated the audience by talking about how she has hustled since birth and how a BOSS must be a jack of all trades. You must know it all, Gwen stated! The panel was lit, you just needed to be there!
Friday evening the models ripped the runway in collections from Shapely Louis, Divine Interventions, Massive, Embodi Collective, and more! I’m ready to show you guys what I snatched right off the runway!!
Lastly, The Desire To Inspire Breakfast closed out such a powerful weekend with speakers Brittany Garret, Yashica Russell, and Atoya Bellamy. This brunch was about living in your truth and not seeking validation from anyone!
North Cak was good to me and the Crusade Of Curves was far more powerful than my words could ever express. The entire experience was a highlight and I could leave nothing out.
“North Carolina come on and raise up, take your shirt off, twist it round your head, spin it like a helicopter’ in the words of Petey Pablo.. I know that was random, but that is all I could think of being in North Carolina this weekend!
Thanks again to the COC team for inviting me out!!
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