Ashamed no more: Kansas City plus-size fashion show is all about Curves and Confidence
As the crowd made their way into the ninth annual Curves and Confidence Fashion Show last weekend, the scale of the event began to dawn on many participants backstage.
The moments before the curtains open can be nerve-wracking for even seasoned models. But Geneva Olds, 39, who identifies as a plus-size woman, knew this was the place she wanted to try her hand at modeling, for the first time.
“I am not a model,” says Olds. “When I was growing up I didn’t have the best self-esteem. I didn’t think that plus-sized girls could be beautiful and on TV as pop stars and models like they are today.”
Though initially hesitant, Olds overcame a lifetime of self-doubt and walked her first fashion show. The opportunity to put on a brave face and show the world the proud woman she has become is one of the most important aspects of the event. In a society so quick to point out flaws, all involved in the show are pleased to create a safe place where people don’t have to worry about being judged. Models can embrace their perceived flaws in all their glory.
“I am always an advocate for the plus-size girls and felt the environment was welcoming and made it comfortable,” Olds says. “There was just a sense of sisterhood and bonding, being able to be around a lot of people who are encouraging you to be a part of the show.”
In addition to her full-time work with the IRS, Olds is also active through the promotional events she throws as well as her work online with content creation. She, like many larger women, feels a responsibility to stand up and represent for “the big girls” who may feel they have no place in a world populated by on screen depictions of surgically altered bodies.
But times are changing. Sports Illustrated recently had its first plus-sized cover model. Entertainers such as Lizzo — who will be coming to Kansas City on Oct. 14 and has an upcoming reality show — have inspired larger women to be proud of their curves.
It wasn’t very long ago that standards of fashion were limited to a small number with even smaller body types. Sunday’s fashion show, at Dynasty Event Space, 4401 Blue Parkway, was created and produced by KC residents looking to change that perception.
The runway show, once filled only with full figured women, has opened its doors to people of all sizes to show the wide spectrum of beauty.
Started by Rafael Green and Shawntra Taylor almost a decade ago, the show has grown to one of the largest yearly fashion events in the metro. The event brought together eight local clothing brands, food trucks, four musical acts and close to 200 people gathered to experience the best in size-friendly fashion.
“People need to see that representation,” says Comfort Stennis, who has coordinated the fashion show for the past four years. “This is KC’s original BBW (big, beautiful women) fashion show.”
Stennis, who has an extensive background in event planning ranging from talent shows to vendor events, is no stranger to putting together a memorable production. In addition to an occupation as a full-time beautician, she also owns her own clothing company, Klout Clothing, one of the brands featured in the show. The clothing line was created around streetwear with inspirational messages to help propel its wearers through the tough obstacles of life.
“The best aspect of the show is us being able to spotlight individuals to help build their confidence as well as to help entrepreneurs build their brands. It isn’t just a fashion show, this is a networking event too,” says Stennis.
Though other fashion events in the city showcase a wide range of model types, Stennis believes that Curves and Confidence drove this wave of inclusion. With events like the local Plus Sized Fashion Week, models of larger sizes are seeing more opportunities to strut their stuff on the catwalk.
With the popularity of this show growing each year, traditionally smaller models asked to join in.
“We originally started with bigger girls because that is what the mission statement was. But we thought that there are probably people on the skinnier side who also need that kind of representation to feel beautiful,” says Stennis. “We have come to a point where we want to include as many body types as possible. It lets me know we are growing and building.”
This year the show did not disappoint. Friends, family and supporters of Black fashion came out to cheer on this endeavor of body positivity and acceptance, complete with a DJ playing music as people were seated while booths manned by Black-owned vendors lined the walls, selling clothing, skin care products, jewelry and more.
Over the years, many involved have seen increased interest in the products and services offered via the event.
“The event was beautiful. I loved it,” says photographer Pasavia “P.J.” Janeise, who has become a fixture taking pictures at local Black events such as the Kansas City Peoples Choice Awards and the Hot 103.3 White Linen Party. “Everything was so well organized and put together. I have shot fashion shows before and I was very impressed.”
Jeneise, 33, also a plus-size woman, hopes to see more events that draw interest to underrepresented groups in fashion and beauty. As a photographer with the feeling that there is a beauty and art in all people no matter the size, she hopes to have the opportunity to capture images that reflect the intricate and distinctive differences that make up the Black community.
“Everyone’s perspectives on curves are different. It is very important that fashion is versatile because there isn’t just one body type. People need to feel represented, and when you feel like you look good you feel better about yourself,” says Janeise.
Stennis hopes to expand the show into new markets.
“In the future I want people from other cultures and communities to come and participate,” she says. “I love all people. There are white and Hispanic people in my family, and other cultures have those same body image issues. I want everyone to get involved and make it an even more inclusive event.”
This story was originally published October 5, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
