RUNWAY REPRESENTATION

Houston's 5-day, size-inclusive fashion festival celebrates body positivity

When it comes to fashion, size inclusivity has come a long way in the past few years. Over 65 percent of the women in the United States wear a size 14 or higher, and runways, which traditionally only model clothes on the ultra-thin, are starting to reflect that. There is still much room for improvement, so Curvchella is hosting a bevy of events across five days, hoping to reflect their commitment to advocating for plus-size women in Houston.

Kimberly Williams, founder of the nonprofit Curvchella and a former personal stylist and designer, teamed up with Macy's Galleria's resident stylist Sally Garcia to kick off the week's events with a fashion show that will feature size-inclusive looks for petite, misses, and plus-sizes. For Garcia, Curvchella is a natural fit for Macy's Galleria.

"Curves come in all shapes and sizes, and celebrating the diversity of women is something everyone should embrace," the stylist tells CultureMap. "I love that Macy's is so inclusive, recognizing that fashion is for everyone."

The models in the fashion show will be a mix of professionals, Macy's customers, and community partners, including food blogger and chef Vicky Andrews, affectionately known as "The Queen of Yum." Andrews started her career as a plus-size model and has always been naturally body-positive. She jumped at the opportunity to be a part of Curvchella.

Vicky Andrews, known as the "Queen of Yum," will be one of the models in Curvchella's fashion show. Photo courtesy of Vicky Andrews/Instagram

"I've always had the privilege of being organically body-positive, but I realize, as I have interactions with other curvy women, that's not always the case. For various reasons, a lot of curvy women don't feel seen, empowered, or beautiful," Andrews says. "So, having a space that not only allows them to shine but lifts them up in who they are and how they show up is so necessary."

According to Garcia, designer brands, including Karl Lagerfeld, Vince Camuto, DKNY, and Calvin Klein, continuously expand their size ranges. This fall, customers can look forward to a mix of cargo jeans, wide-legged denim, dresses, cropped and oversized tops, layering pieces, and matching sets in bold colors and prints.

"When I have shopped at Macy's, I have seen them do well with plus-size fashion, but there's always room for growth," Andrews says. "We've come a long way from when I shopped at department stores as a young girl. Now, as a woman who embraces her curves and sensuality and wants to shine, I've been impressed."

In addition to the fashion show, Curvchella is hosting a closet sale with pieces from notable influencers and stylists. There will also be workout classes, an entrepreneurial summit, and more. The events will close on Monday, August 5th, which former Mayor Sylvester Turner named "Curvchella Day'' in Houston.

Visit Curvchella's website for a full itinerary, ticket sales, and more information.

Photo courtesy of Curvchella

Festivities will end on August 5th, officially named "Curvchella Day" in Houston.

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Stepping up

Texas bootmaker strikes a glossy note with the debut of new patent line

Photo courtesy of Miron Crosby

Miron Crosby reimagines its signature Maggie boot in high-gloss patent leather for a polished update.

Cowboy boots are based in tradition, but Miron Crosby continues to find ways to move the conversation forward. The Dallas-based label’s latest release, the Maggie Patent Collection, debuts a new material to its signature lineup while staying true to the workmanship that built its following.

The brand’s best-selling Maggie boot is now available in a high-gloss patent leather. Although the new finish changes the silhouette's tone, delivering a more fashion-forward take on Western footwear, the boot’s structure remains the same.

“Maggie is such a classic, flattering shape, so even when you introduce something like a patent, it still feels timeless at its core,” co-founder Sarah Means Ward tells CultureMap.

When designing the boot, the sisters were careful not to lean into trends. They focused on letting the material enhance the boot rather than redefine it. “We wanted it to feel elevated and refined instead of overly flashy,” says Ward.

Miron Crosby Maggie Patent New colorways Beurre, Sable, and Transformative Teal bring depth and shine to the Maggie Patent lineup.Photo courtesy of Miron Crosby

Texas has strong roots and ideas about Western wear, and introducing patent leather into a heritage category can come with risks. The sisters approached the new collection with a respect for tradition as their foundation.

“The craftsmanship, the construction, the way the boot fits and feels, those elements are non-negotiable,” Duplantis says. “From there, it’s about evolving the design in a way that still feels authentic.”

The look was first tested in 2019 when Miron Crosby worked with Prabal Gurung on a limited run of patent boots for his runway show. That collaboration allowed Miron Crosby to explore new materials, something the brand has continued to build on. With Maggie Patent, that early concept was refined into a boot designed for daily wear, not just for the runway.

“It showed us that something as unexpected as patent leather can feel completely natural in a Western silhouette when it’s approached thoughtfully,” says co-founder Lizzie Means Duplantis.

The collection is available at their River Oaks boutique, in three colorways: Beurre, Sable, and Transformative Teal, which were influenced by materials seen at the 2025 Lineapelle show in Milan.

“The patent leathers had this incredible richness that made us think about color in a different way,” Ward says.

The sisters chose colors that were naturally approachable. Neutral tones like Beurre and Sable are great for everyday wear, while Transformative Teal offers a statement moment. “Some days (our customer) wants something understated, other days she wants something that stands out,” says Duplantis. “This was about giving her both.”

Photo courtesy of Miron Crosby

Miron Crosby reimagines its signature Maggie boot in high-gloss patent leather for a polished update.

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