On September 11th, 2024, a groundbreaking event set the stage for a new era in fashion. Hosted at The Ivory in Brooklyn, NYFW Curve made its debut with a mission far greater than just style—it was a call for inclusivity that echoed throughout the industry. Over 40 plus-size models, three visionary designers, and a crowd of more than 200 fashion insiders gathered for what many are hailing as a pivotal moment in reshaping beauty standards and challenging the industry’s narrow definitions of high fashion.
Produced by SFWRUNWAY, a platform known for pushing boundaries in fashion, NYFW Curve wasn’t just another event on the calendar. It was a bold declaration led by founder Naomi Alabi, who sought to create a space where every body is celebrated, and not merely accommodated. “This show is a movement,” said Alabi. “We’re not just redefining fashion; we’re reimagining how we view ourselves in it.”
Designers Leading the Fashion Renaissance
The runway was a canvas for designers who believe in crafting fashion without limitations. Denim trailblazer West McCoy offered bold, tailored looks that showcased the art of fit, with each piece cut to enhance curves rather than hide them. Atiya Joanne Custom Couture followed, captivating the audience with glamorous gowns that draped beautifully over plus-size figures, proving that luxury fashion transcends size. Nofeelings SZN brought a raw, unapologetic energy to the show with streetwear that defied the norms of what plus-size fashion “should” look like, turning heads and changing minds in the process.Together, these designers demolished the outdated belief that fashion ends at a certain size, showing that creativity and style thrive in all forms.
The Power of Personal Style: “Styled By Me” Finale
One of the event’s most talked-about segments was the finale, titled “Styled By Me.” Curated by Naomi Alabi herself, it featured models wearing looks specifically crafted to capture their unique personalities and styles. This powerful presentation underscored that plus-size fashion is not about making concessions; it’s about self-expression, confidence, and celebrating individuality.
Challenging Industry Standards and Changing the Narrative
NYFW Curve was more than a runway show—it was a cultural shift, a declaration that the time has come to address the fashion industry’s long-standing lack of body diversity. Although inclusivity has become a buzzword, runways have remained slow to reflect the diverse audience they serve. By putting size diversity at the forefront, NYFW Curve signaled that the era of exclusion is coming to an end.
Naomi Alabi and SFWRUNWAY are at the helm of this transformation, leading a movement that’s not just about expanding fashion’s size range, but about breaking down barriers to self-love and body positivity. “We’re not just making room; we’re reclaiming the space we’ve always deserved,” Alabi explained. “Fashion must evolve to reflect its audience, not the other way around.”
A Launchpad for Long-Term Change
The success of NYFW Curve is already sparking conversations about the future of plus-size fashion at New York Fashion Week and beyond. By featuring designers dedicated to body inclusivity and encouraging them to push their creative limits, the show is setting a precedent that will be difficult for the industry to ignore. There are plans to make NYFW Curve a recurring highlight, ensuring that this platform continues to provide meaningful representation for plus-size individuals.
Backstage Heroes and Unforgettable Experiences
Sponsors and partners played a crucial role in bringing this revolutionary show to life. Hair sponsors Nickey Clarke and Nick Stenson styled models to perfection, while Pinaq Liqueur added a touch of flair as the official beverage sponsor. Financial support from The Money Printers TMP enabled the event to be a polished production, while Vanilla Mozi contributed gift bags that further enhanced the guest experience. These collaborations underscore the importance of industry-wide support in driving the shift towards inclusivity.
Redefining the Future: Fashion’s New Paradigm
NYFW Curve isn’t just rewriting the rules—it’s setting a new standard altogether. In a fashion landscape that has too often treated plus-size bodies as an afterthought, this event stands as a bold proclamation that the future will be inclusive, or it won’t be at all. For too long, the phrase “one-size-fits-all” has dominated the industry dialogue, but NYFW Curve is breaking free from that mold, proving that beauty and style come in many forms.
Through the collective efforts of SFWRUNWAY, designers like West McCoy, Atiya Joanne, and Nofeelings SZN, and the leadership of Naomi Alabi, the fashion world is being nudged—if not pushed—into a new era. Here, size is no longer a limitation but a celebration of self-expression. The runway, once seen as a place only for the few, is becoming a stage for all, and NYFW Curve is at the heart of this evolution.
The Revolution is Here, and It’s Beautiful
As NYFW Curve looks to the future, it’s clear that this is only the beginning. The mission is not only to continue showcasing plus-size fashion during fashion weeks but to inspire a global dialogue about what true inclusivity looks like. The revolution is here, and it’s about time the world took notice.
The event’s ripple effect will be felt for seasons to come, changing the fashion industry for the better, and most importantly, making sure that every body has its moment in the spotlight.
