Jameela Jamil headlines theCurvyCon 2019 with focus on leadership: 'Catalyst for confidence’

Laura Kenney
Updated
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Jameela Jamil attends the NBC and Universal EMMY nominee celebration at Tesse Restaurant on August 13, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rachel Luna/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Jameela Jamil attends the NBC and Universal EMMY nominee celebration at Tesse Restaurant on August 13, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rachel Luna/WireImage)

TheCurvyCon — a three-day convention that brings together celebrities, body-positive influencers and their fans to celebrate diversity and fashion inclusivity — is kicking off its fifth annual event during New York Fashion Week from Sept. 5 to Sept. 7.

Yahoo Lifestyle is returning as the exclusive livestream partner with full coverage of the event, with a real-time, shoppable experience for viewers to buy the onstage looks.

One of the convention highlights will be a keynote fireside conversation with actress and activist Jameela Jamil, star of the NBC’s The Good Place. Jamil created the acclaimed I Weigh movement to inspire people to share the gifts and struggles that they weigh, whether they're related to religion, sexuality, or mental health.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 13: Melanie Fiona poses backstage at Overtown Music & Arts Festival on July 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 13: Melanie Fiona poses backstage at Overtown Music & Arts Festival on July 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images)

Other notable participants include two time Grammy Award winner, Melanie Fiona, award winning actress and co-star of TNT’s Claws, Jenn Lyon, social personality and designer, Nabela Noor and supermodel Hunter McGrady.

This year’s event will focus on leadership, as theCurvyCon expands its lens. “We feel that body positivity and fashion inclusivity are integral elements of the women’s movement. This is why we’ve added Women’s Leadership Sessions to our programming this year,” says conference co-founder CeCe Olisa.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 05: Actress Jenn Lyon attends "Claws" Atlanta advanced screening at The Gathering Spot on June 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 05: Actress Jenn Lyon attends "Claws" Atlanta advanced screening at The Gathering Spot on June 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

“We’ve made progress towards equality, but women are still severely underrepresented in leadership positions across industries. It’s becoming our mission to be the catalyst for confidence in the 67 percent of women who are considered plus size,” adds Olisa. “When a woman feels confident, she can stand up, lead and make a bigger impact in her family, her community and the world.”

Three fashion shows will anchor the event on Friday, September 6th. The runway shows will feature the latest trends from Target, bridal fashion by The Knot featuring Kleinfeld Bridal gowns, and a showcase of Macy’s top size inclusive brands.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Model and activist Hunter McGrady visits the Build Brunch to discuss her cover issue of The Knot and her role in activism at Build Studio on July 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Model and activist Hunter McGrady visits the Build Brunch to discuss her cover issue of The Knot and her role in activism at Build Studio on July 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

Dia&Co will host a panel called, What Happened When I Learned to Love Myself: Self Love in the Face of Sizeism, and Anthropologie, which debuted APlus by Anthropologie earlier this year, will host a series of events to welcome guests and introduce attendees to its plus offerings.

“Our mission is to serve the 67 percent of women who wear a size 14+. Five years ago, we were a half day event for 500 women. Today we serve thousands of women from around the world! We’re incredibly proud of the thriving community we’re building,” said event co-founder Chastity Garner Valentine.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: theCURVYcon co-founders Cece Olisa and Chastity Garner Valentine attend theCURVYcon Powered By Dia&Co on September 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images theCURVYcon)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: theCURVYcon co-founders Cece Olisa and Chastity Garner Valentine attend theCURVYcon Powered By Dia&Co on September 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images theCURVYcon)

TheCurvycon was co-founded in 2015 by Olisa and Garner Valentine, who raised seed money for event by selling the clothes out of their closets. Now after four sold-out years, they are set to more than triple the size of the event. Tickets are on sale now, and are expected to sell out again.

Visit Yahoo Lifestyle on Friday, September 6th and Saturday, September 7th to watch our live-stream of theCurvyCon 2019, and follow us on Instagram for some fun activations before the event!