PK Brings Afro Punk Vibes to NYFW Texture On The Runway!

Did you know this year is the 30th Anniversary of Eddie Murphy’s genius dramatic comedy “Coming to America?” The one visual that still cracks me up to this day is the ex-boyfriend and his family rocking the jheri curl activated “Soul Glo.” I know you remember the jingle too: “Just Let Yo Soul Glo – Let It Shine Thru-Ooohh.” Lol.

Although the name “Soul Glo” was a running joke back then for one of the most unnatural hairstyles rocked in the 80s, I find the words “Soul Glo” extremely fitting to capture the essence of today’s renaissance natural hair movement. #BlackGirlMagic is indeed a “Soul Glo” phenomenon, and the world’s newfound fascination with our natural texture proves we are owning how to let our amazing Soul Glo…and Let It Shine Thru – unapologetically.

This reality couldn’t have been more clearer than the way texture dominated the aesthetics adored during NY Fashion Week, most visibly at Texture On The Runway. This is a sophisticated event where several leading natural hair brands showcase texture, fashion, and beauty on the runway. I was honored to once again be the creative director for hair with Revlon’s Creme of Nature.

Our theme was the celebration of the “Afro Punk Queen Bee.” We wanted to bring elements of sleek disruption that you would see in the Afro Punk genre, but with elements of regal elevation only prominent in royalty.

Here’s the unique texture looks styled on the 5 models:

QUEEN GLAMAZON

When you see her you see a goddess, like so many of our curvacious sisters making heads turn wherever they go. She is cosmically proportioned – full figured with curves, tiny waist, and her skin is milk chocolate with hints of gold.

I wanted to keep her in that space, by creating a hairstyle that was larger than life. So, she was given a sleek base – but I extended the ponytail neck 7 inches (instead of it usually being 1-2 inches). That was the disruption.

The other element of disruption was this galactical unapologetic volume of texture. The extra height represented her standout Queen Bee elevation – which required another level of grace and poise to even balance the hair. The statement made was “If I’m in your way, go around, because I’m here.” Yes – texture is here. We reclaimed our space.

FORWARD METRO

For the record, this male model is so 305/Miami – in more of a Trick Daddy channeled way. He’s actually not gay. However, he was very open to artistic expression of a forward thought that wasn’t inhibited by rigged masculinity.

The braid styles were executed by Magic Fingers. We wanted a guy for this look to pull off an unconventional texture visual. Guys mostly directionalize their hair back, but I wanted to disrupt by bringing the braids forward. This brought a regal aspect with ornamentation, as the design was fit for royalty.

For the record, he made us take the braids out immediately. While the ladies were rushing to take off their shoes after the show, he wasted no time having us take off the braids – so he could get back into 305 mode lol.

AFRO STREETHEART
This was our “round the way/don’t play” model I styled in a tapered punk lift with texture to resonate with the mid to short length girl. Her intricately designed braiding in the back also said “Afro Punk.”

This was our “round the way/don’t play” model I styled in a tapered punk lift with texture to resonate with the mid to short length girl. Her intricately designed braiding in the back also said “Afro Punk.”

FRO HAWK BAE
Here I created a disruptive mohawk laced in Queen Bee honey blond color, with extreme volume & height to make a bold statement of non-conformity.

We also added a double dab of regality with refined chevrons that go upward toward the crown with gold detailing, accentuating her street style “Glo Up.”

AFRO BLOWOUT & SHOWOUT

Here’s a unique play on a blowout, with the half up half down style that allowed us to show some of the molding properties we can do with Afro Texture Hair. The back is left ambiguous to show the flow and fluff of her texture, which is always so beautiful to see on a woman.

SUMMARY

In recap, Texture On The Runway was everything, showcasing how our inherent Afro Queen Bee vibes which allows our “Soul to Glo & Shine Thru” are everlasting. This movement which I’m so proud to be a part of is about reclaiming our space. There should never ever be a Fashion Week or any other credible event, that we aren’t a part of and recognized for revolutionizing. Our influence is always apparent in fashion, beauty, and culture. Texture On The Runway does its part to reclaim that space and validate our magic unapologetically, without permission.