Over the weekend, Randall’s Island Park in New York was transformed into a black girl’s wonderland full of colorful hair, big and bold afros, and naturally fluffy curls for the largest natural hair celebration in the country. Curlfest 2019 was bigger and better, now in its sixth year, featuring panel discussions, live performances, and tons of free product samples to collect.
Floral dresses, cropped jeans, dramatic makeup, playful accessories, and matching mother/daughter sets reigned supreme at this year’s festival. Walk up bars boasting signs that read: “Don’t let your hair be the only thing that’s twisted” and shirtless men serving your favorite beverages were also a highlight of the day.
Take a look at some of our favorite looks from this year’s Curlfest.
Parents and their curly-haired kids were in full effect in matching shirts and sets at Curlfest. Kid model Walter De Shield Jr. credited his mommy for his lusty curls. Dad just got the shirts.
Viv Jolie requested her own photo.
A couple fashionistas also made a grand entrance at the annual event.
Rising clothing designer Danielle Christian helped established Ladies Owning their Curls, Kinks, and Straights (LOCKS) organization on Binghampton University, promoting self-empowerment and love for natural hair. “My hair journey has been such a whirlwind, its been a huge part of my life,” she shared.
“Most of my designs come to me in dreams, but I wanted to incorporate something that’s happening today. So, protect our black girls is important today. We need to protect our black girls because no one else will,” she said.
Fashion editor and naturalista Kayla Boyd coated her curls in sandy blonde highlights for the summer. “I’ve always been natural, however, I didn’t always know how to take care of my curls,” she said. “Since moving to NYC in 2017, I’ve met so many other naturalistas and curly girls and it’s helped me to learn how important it is to care for my curls.”
The guys were also present dressed in cropped shirts and shorts and two-piece suits. The Ques showed plenty love as well.
This is Nichole’s second time attending Curlfest. She opted for a protective style like faux locs. Here she is pictured with NaturAll Club men.
“I attended Curl Fest to celebrate all of the beautiful, unapologetic black hairstyles and outfits w/ my fellow black brothas and sistahs! ✊🏾”
Clothing brand Kwabs Couture merges heritage with trendy casual wear, as seen on their featured model, Akimbo. It’s the culture and love of the people that keep bringing him back year after year.
“I’ve been before and I wanted to experience it again. I wasn’t going to miss it this year,” he said. The two biggest reasons I’m here for is the culture and the love.”
The ladies turned heads in their bold hair accessories, floral decorations, and glammed up bobby pins.
Overall, Curlfest 2019 was quite the success. Will you be attending next year?
