Can there be such a thing as a beauty event without opulent looks? If NaturallyCurly is involved, the answer is no. We brought the signature “Texture on the Runway” Fashion Show back to Beautycon 2024 to serve fierce looks. Known to bring the community, boldness, and color, this runway show stands out in the crowd.
Somewhat reminiscent of the Bronner Brothers Beauty Shows of the past, it exhibits the voluminous creativity that comes from embracing different hair types. With a panel of expert beauty judges, a fabulous host, dancers, stylists, and models dressed to the nine, the entire experience was glamor materialized.
In elegant, sweeping moves, three interpretive dancers made their way across the Beautycon Main Stage ahead of the models. Dressed in all black with abstract face and body paint, the performers took hold of audiences’ focus and prepared them for the beauty that was about to unfold. Out came six stunning hair models of different textures and hues, all styled by the flawless efforts of celebrity hair artist Monae Everett. Fashion stylist Amiraa Vee dressed the collective in iridescent, chromatic looks that expertly complimented the dynamic hairstyles and offered Zenon-approved, avant garde ensembles.
Host and hair artist Kiyah Wright ushered the show along with her jovial stage presence, sharing that energy with the whole room. Refinery29 Senior Editorial Director Carli Whitwell, Global Beauty Director Sara Tan, and ESSENCE Senior Beauty Editor Akili King were the resident judges offering commentary and reactions to the looks as they came down the runway.
King mentioned being captivated by the model whose textured hair was fashioned into a multi-tiered ring style that framed the front of their body like a decorative neck piece—a look King hadn’t seen before. Tan adored the halo-shaped updo constructed of gravity-defying afro puffs, finished with a braided hairline and rhinestone accents. Whitwell’s look of choice was the bantu-knotted mohawk with pattern-braided sides. Other standout looks included gorgeous ginger curls cascading from a high half-up pony style, a makeshift crown with colorful yarn woven throughout bundled locs, and a classic high-top fade.
Inspired guests then got to try their hand at modeling, by entering into an impromptu “best looks” competition for a chance to win a VIP Beautycon goody bag. A selection of eager beauties were plucked from the crowd to strut their individual style on stage and the audience cheered for the finalists. In tune with the theme of the overall weekend, Wright and our fabulous judges brought the convention to a close by celebrating the unique beauty community that came out to share space together.
