Texture On The Runway: Here’s What Went Down at The ONLY Natural Hair Show During New York Fashion Week

This post is sponsored by Cantu Beauty, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 

Not too long ago seeing a brown face on the runway was virtually unheard of, nevermind seeing one sporting her natural hair texture on said runway. Thanks to Naturally Curly’s signature New York Fashion Week event, Texture on the Runway, those days are indeed behind us.

Co-hosted by none other than Amara LaNegra, for the 6th year in a row, Texture On The Runway has given kinks, coils, and curls their much-deserved shine on a New York Fashion Week runway.

NaturallyCurly co-founder and even host, Michelle Breyer, says the event was created due to a need for diversity on the runway:

“As I covered Fashion Week, I was disappointed to see that the models on the runway didn’t reflect the diversity of our community…We decided to create an event that celebrated texture and inclusion, and we wanted to do it during Fashion Week.”

Natural haircare brands such, Cantu, use the show as an opportunity to thematically display their natural hair products by creatively weaving their brand’s messaging and catalog into a runway-appropriate affair.

Cantu’s theme this year was The Faces of Cantu: Head Over Heels for Texture. Their presentation featured a true New Orleans second line band:

Cantu’s rep had this to say:

“We have an extremely dedicated and hardworking team, each of us doing what we love for consumers we love. Our theme showcased that love and dedication to the textured hair movement while putting a spotlight on some of our most dedicated team members from sales, marketing, and even one of our interns. Our stylist, Maria Antoinette is an industry icon for her creative, yet somehow achievable hairstyles for naturalistas. Our textile designer and artist, Melissa A. Mitchell of Abeille Creations, along with Tailor Soila Konchellah, decorated our team with wearable art worthy of an exhibit. Last but not least, our Stylist and Creative Director, Morgan A. Wilder is the talent behind pulling everything together for a cohesive, runway-ready show that we’re proud to bring to New York Fashion Week with Texture on the runway.

While I was not on stage (soon come), your girl was in the building. Cantu flew me out to be their Brand Ambassador for the day, so I was dressed in the designer’s dud’s and worked the Cantu Runway booth:

All in all, it was an amazing experience that I won’t soon forget. See below for more event pics brands such as Carol’s Daughter, Camille Rose Naturals, SheaMoisture, Mielle Organics, Creme of Nature, and The ManeChoice.

I can’t wait for next year’s show. Which look was your fav? Sound off below!

Source: Naturallycurly.com, Photo by Jordan Edwards @jordanephotos