What better way to celebrate 20 years of NaturallyCurly than with an epic display of textured hair on the runway at New York Fashion Week?
Once again, Texture on the Runway powered by Sally Beauty, proved itself as the most diverse show during New York Fashion Week (in my humble opinion”>. With models of all sizes, ages, curl types, ethnicities, and genders, NaturallyCurly’s biggest hair event of the year exemplified that beauty comes in every form.
The runway showcased iconic hair and fashion looks from seven of our favorite hair brands: Camille Rose Naturals, Cantu, Carol’s Daughter, Creme of Nature, Mielle, Shea Moisture, and The Mane Choice. Check out my top 20 looks from the show below!
1. Co-founder of NaturallyCurly Michelle Breyer and Afro-Latina rapper Amara La Negra MC’d the event together in bright monochrome outfits that absolutely stunned.
2. Amara La Negra’s second look of the night stole the show when she performed a brand new song on stage for the audience.
3. This opening look from Camille Rose Naturals set the precedent for a truly iconic around-the-world-themed show that prioritized diversity.
4. Camille Rose Naturals’ second runway look was another one of my favorites of the night. Brushed out pigtails!? So much yes. I’m never wearing basic pigtails again!
5. This was one of the fiercest looks of the night. From the face jewelry and heavy eyeshadow, to the long braided extensions, this whole look brought drama to the runway.
6. Cantu was the second runway show of the night and came through with a New Orleans-themed show including a full jazz band that surprised us all by popping up in the audience! When the bride came down the runway to the beat of the band, we were all shook.
7. Cantu also had a flower girl prance down the runway that sent my ovaries on fire. How cute is she!?
8. Speaking of ovaries aflame, Lisa Price came down the runway with her daughter after rapping her version of Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement.” Iconic.
9. Staying true to their brand identity, Carol’s Daughter themed their runway show “mother and child.” Last year supermodel Deandra Forrest walked down the runway pregnant; this year she strutted first solo, and then again with her baby on her hip. Mothers are incredible.
10. Creme of Nature stepped up their game with an Afro-Punk Queen Bee theme. This was one of my favorite looks from their show.
11. Blue lips and melanin are so hot right now, making this look from Creme of Nature right on trend — with a dash of Queen Bee drama in all the right ways.
12. Creme of Nature also brought some beautiful men down the runway. Praying that the men’s natural hair movement is moving to more long-haired curly men!
13. Not going to lie, Mielle really brought the house down with their show. Hair was truly the focus because the models barely wore any clothes! Instead, the models’ bodies were fully painted as they walked and danced down the runway.
14. This model was one of my favorites from the whole night. She walked to the beat of Nikki Minaj’s Chung Li and gave the audience a sensual dance and walk that I literally cannot stop thinking about. Iconic.
15. First fighting over crowns, the models then each found their own and placed them on their heads, showcasing Mielle’s theme of women empowerment. Yes, Queens!
16. Shea Moisture made big moves and presented their Jamaican Black Castor Oil collection with the help of Miss Jamaica (the first woman ever to wear an afro at the Miss Universe Pageant”>.
17. Bringing the Jamaican Queen on stage was only the icing. Shea Moisture also had a live performance with Jamaican music during the show while showcasing the versatility of natural hair. This was one of my top hairstyles from the entire night!
18. While hair may have been the focal point of the night, this model slayed in this yellow suit. Monochrome suits are one of my favorite trends right now and I hope they never go away.
19. The Mane Choice was the last show of the night and they did not come to play. They utilized lighting, music, and their models to represent their theme of empowerment for all women and all textures.
20. The last look I’m choosing is one of my favorites because it encompasses so much of what Texture on the Runway and NaturallyCurly are all about: diversity, inclusion, expertise, invention, and empowerment.
Those are my Top 20 favorite looks from the show! If you didn’t catch it, make sure to watch our re-cap video (coming soon”>, or go to our Facebook page to watch the live recording of the event!
