Texture on the Runway Afterglow

Bellas, I’m still basking in the afterglow. Last weekend, Texture on the Runway hit NYC. It was everything we dreamed it would be. The room was packed, the crowd was dressed to the nines, and the people behind the scenes and on the stage were a veritable who’s who of the natural hair world. It was such a beautiful celebration of how far we’ve come, and such a wonderful indicator of how far we have to go.

It was such a full day and such a fulfilling moment. Where do I begin? I’ll begin with what I wore. How about that?

You know I love my indie designers, right? Let me introduce you to my latest favorite! I’m wearing a custom faux leather skirt by Nicole and Madeline, an indie designer based in Washington DC who is a born and raised Trini like me! My top is from Melissa McCarthy’s line, Seven and I bought it at Nordstrom Rack. I got these adorable beaded flats at Macy’s. And my necklace is by Chicago indie designer JazJewelz.

Michelle and I were so enthralled by the turnout and the energy. We got a lot of love for our stage presence and chemistry afterwards and that felt GREAT. I still get nervous before big moments and working with her helped me get over my usual anxiety!

 

“Texture on the Runway wildly exceeded my expectations. It truly was a joyous celebration of texture in all of it’s beautiful forms – from big beautiful ‘fros to defined ringlets to sexy waves. The incredible energy a at the event is sure to ripple throughout the beauty world, sending the message that there is no one standard of beauty. From the models on the runway to the incredible audience of influencers, Texture on the Runway was a celebration of how far we’ve come and that texture truly does transcend ethnicity,” says Michelle. I couldn’t agree more!

The event was so positive and affirming. SO many people came out and it was FREEZING cold! And behind the scenes, some of the biggest names in natural hair were there to style and model. Click here to see all the pics via NaturallyCurly.com!

I switched up my hair thanks to the amazing folks at Hair Rules! This is internationally renowned stylist Dickey Anthony, and his incredible colorist Aimee Lynn. I had the BEST time at their salon. More to come on that experience. Thank you Dickey and Aimee!

Johnny Wright is an absolute riot and a joy. So much fun backstage and on stage!

Behind the scenes for Creme of Nature, Chuckie Amos SLAYED that hair!

Target was the exclusive retailer sponsor, and SO many natural-focused hair brands sent models down the runway, including Au Naturale by Dark and Lovely, Cantu, Creme of Nature, Design Essentials and Garnier. Some of the top influencers in the natural hair space were there to support, promote and share including @LoveBrownSugar, @Naptural85, @__LipstickNCurlss__, @TarenGuy, @BlakIzBeautyful, @CurlsandCouture, @AvielleAmor, @OwnByFemme, @AfricaMiranda, @Gypsy_intheCity, @DressUpWithJess, @HeyGorJess and @Mini_Marley!

The step and repeat was in high demand! I took my moment early.

 

 

So many of my beauty and hair besties were in the building! Let me share my loves with you!

HAD to grab a moment with my amiga Christina of Love Brown Sugar. She was the hostess for the evening and helped to align all of the amazing influencers who turned up and turned out!

 

 

I FINALLY got to meet the gorgeous Naptural85 and share a moment of mutual admiration. She’s such a sweetheart and such a powerhouse!

Christene Carr and Felicia Walker-Benson of This That Beauty and Face Flawless Skin came out to show love!

The gorgeous Taren Guy was in the building!

OK so HOW gorgeous is Africa Miranda? She’s amazingly sweet and down to earth. So glad we met!

 

My BOO Jessica Andrews of Glamazons Blog AKA @DressUpWithJess was there to support and show love! Aren’t her shoes THE CUTEST?

Jenelle AKA Kinky Curly Coily Me is such a lovely, genuine person. So wonderful to see her!

Mahisha Dellinger, the founder of Curls was in the building! Love her brand and her spirit!

Michelle and the TextureMedia Team and I were SO delighted. Thank you to everyone who came out in brick, 3 degree, dangerous cold to enjoy the fun with us. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to promote and celebrate this event with us. Thank you to everyone who clicked, RT’d or said words of support online. Not everyone is here for the curly revolution, but it already has begun and it’s growing stronger every day. Here’s to the next Texture on the Runway. May it be even bigger and more glorious than this year’s!