Hey PHAT Girls, happy Monday! Today I want to share an event with you that has an amazing concept, I know that you all have heard that fashion imitates life well this event makes that statement a matter of fact. Courtney Noelle and Jonquel Art, two plus size influencers that most of you are familiar with are joining forces to bring this something new and bold as fuck to the plus size community. So brush up on how to save instagram pictures, because when these go live, you’re going to want to keep them!

If you want to know more, stroll down and read below… YOU WILL THANK ME LATER! Curvy AF, a body positive art and fashion exhibition, will be coming to New York City on November 4, 2017. The first of its kind, this exhibition merges the worlds of art, fashion and body positivity in a way not yet seen or utilized by the plus size industry. The event’s goal is to empower women and prove that style and beauty have no size, while providing a unique shopping experience.

Created by body positive artist Jonquel Norwood of Jonquel Art and fashion designer Courtney Smith of Courtney Noelle Inc . Curvy AF stands for Curvy Art & Fashion or Curvy As F*ck, an unapologetic celebration of body positivity.

In an unconventional gallery type of setting, stunning fashion illustration will be on display that will showcase body diversity and the beauty in all shapes and sizes. Midway through the exhibition, there will be an runway show featuring the Courtney Noelle Holiday 2017 Collection and those runway styles will be available to order.

The illustrations will reflect the models and garments walking the runway, as if the art came to life. Fashion is a way to express oneself and is an art on its own. This exhibition will reinforce that while providing a way for women to shop what they see on the runway, therefore sending the message that fashion is accessible to all.

Norwood believes that this exhibition is necessary to show that art comes in all sizes:
“I want to make fashion illustration as important to the plus industry as it is to the straight size industry

and this event will show everyone that a masterpiece doesn’t come in a certain size.”

With the average American women a size 16 and above, both Norwood and Smith see the need for more plus body representation in not just ready-to-wear fashion but glamorous high-end styles as well.

“I believe Courtney Noelle Inc. and Jonquel Art are both unapologetically fly,” states Smith about this groundbreaking event. “I decided to do this event because I wanted to have my first fashion show to emphasize the beauty of plus size women. The industry has moved the dial, however there’s still more work to be done.”

Norwood adds:

“I came up with the idea to have an art and fashion show in 2013. It literally came to me in a dream where I woke up in the middle of the night and wrote up my plan, but fear caused me to not proceed. Fast forward to 2016, after meeting Ms Nickee Mack in Atlanta and being told that I should have an art and fashion show featuring my plus fashion illustrations, the idea returned and stayed on my mind. Now in 2017, I have pushed back on my fear and decided to go for it. When I saw Courtney’s work, I couldn’t help but be inspired. Her models looked like they stepped right out of my sketchbook. Our Facebook friends often joked that we should collaborate and when I met her, I knew this was the designer I was waiting for to make this event idea come into fruition.”

Celebrities and influencers who have either worn Smith’s designs or shared Norwood’s work on social media include actresses Gabourey Sidibe and Danielle Brooks, singer/songwriter Mary Lambert, blogger/influencer Gabi Gregg of GabiFresh and singer/songwriter Rihanna.

Norwood has also commissioned work for high profile plus size fashion brands and events such as Gwynnie Bee, Ashley Stewart, Full Figured Fashion Week and Dia & Co.

Curvy AF will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 26 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 from 6 to 10pm. General admission tickets are $30 and VIP admission, which includes a swag bag, is $40.

You can purchase tickets via this link : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quel-coco-presents-curvy-af-tickets-38135923574

For more information on Curvy AF and press inquires, you can contact Courtney Smith at info@shopcourtneynoelle.com and Jonquel Norwood at jonquelart@gmail.com .

ABOUT JONQUEL NORWOOD
Jonquel Norwood is an artist, textile designer and body positive influencer from New Orleans, LA. This southern belle-turned-city girl has dedicated her work to showing beauty has no size and has become one of the most recognized plus fashion illustrators in the growing industry. She is best known for her plus size recreations of the Disney Princesses, which have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, Yahoo Style, Comedy Central, Bet.com and other media outlets. Her mission is to spread the word of body positivity and confidence through her art. Jonquel has worked with: Full Figured Fashion Week, Yona New York, Ashley Stewart, Rue 107, The Curvy Fashionista and Dia & Co. You can view her art online at jonquel.com .

ABOUT COURTNEY SMITH
Courtney Smith is the creator and designer behind Courtney Noelle Inc., a NYC-based plus size clothing brand in sizes 12 to 28. Founded in 2013, the label has been featured on Good Morning America, Nightline, MSNBC and more. Courtney Noelle Inc. are a favorite among the plus size fashion community and have been worn by Grammy nominee Mary Lambert and Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe. With a strong focus on sophistication and fun, Courtney Noelle Inc. communicates a strong message of self empowerment and confidence. You can find Courtney Noelle Inc. online at www.shopcourtneynoelle.com .