Curves of Life Brunch and Fashion Show Review
Written by Jaime Sachs
Over the past few years couture connoisseurs have watched as the fashion world has opened up to not only welcome, but celebrate, people in all of their differences. I remember being amazed as Winnie Harlow took on the notoriously non-diverse Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, skin aglow despite her Vitiligo, and Tess Holliday gracing a Cosmopolitan cover, bravely facing backlash to assert that all sizes can be beautiful. These women made history in fighting absurd beauty standards, blazing a path that, yes, true beauty can be found in all of our unique attributes.
On Sunday June 30, fashion was similarly used to empower young women afflicted with Scoliosis, or a curvature of the spine. That vital objective is why I feel blessed to have attended and helped out with the Curves of Life Fashion Show for the Curvy Girls program. For those of you who don’t know this program, Curvy Girls is an international Scoliosis support group that aims to raise awareness of Scoliosis while also providing support to sufferers in showing that they are not alone. As Curvy Girls is aimed at teenagers with Scoliosis, the Curves of Life Fashion Show is a perfect and fun fit. Not only does allowing these young girls to model fight typical teenage insecurities and build self worth, but it also reminds these women that they are not just a curve degree or brace.
The glamorous outfits the girls rocked were donated by the stores Corah Couture, Rosey’s Boutique, Gino Velardi, Kaci Head and Fine N Funky. The outfits were luxurious and exciting! From tan jumpsuits with leopard bags to derby hats and tea dresses, the girls looked stylish in them all. For teenagers, like anyone else, what one wears can make all the difference. Not only may it be a first impression, but a way of fitting in or expressing oneself in standing out.
That is why Curvy Girls places an emphasis on discussing clothing options in their meetings. The program aims to offer advice that allows these women to feel as comfortable and confident as possible in their own bodies and the clothes in which they dress. As the models took the stage, it was clear to see the smiles of confident women- Curvy Girls has done its job!
The fashion show was held at the beautiful Chateaux at Fox Meadows with a delicious brunch spread. Viewers dined on sandwiches, quesadillas and (yum) cake. Viewers even enjoyed a “mashtini” or mashed potato martini, while the girls took the runway. In between each line, women gave speeches about their lives and experiences with Scoliosis.
Since some of the models were currently in the program and others had already been through it, the speeches gave a glimpse into different stages of life with Scoliosis. The speeches brought all viewers, and especially a few loving relatives, to tears as they listened. After the fashion show an auction took place to raise money for the worthy cause of Curvy Girls.
As sweet and moving as a cause like this can be on paper or a screen, nothing beat the magic of being there in person. I was truly gifted to hear the potent speeches of the inspiring volunteers and of course watching the models rock the runway. If you are looking to attend a Curves of Life event, you can follow Move the World Operations on Eventbrite. As well, donations to Curves of Life are always graciously appreciated on the Curvy Girls website.