ThickCon 2026 Takes Center Stage in Atlanta for Curve Fashion
Founded by Kimberly Beasley, ThickCon 2026 lights up Atlanta's Westside Cultural Arts Center with independent curve designers and honors.
2 min read
When mainstream runways pull back on size inclusivity, grassroots pioneers rise to build their own stages. On October 17, 2026, ThickCon 2026 opened its doors at Atlanta’s Westside Cultural Arts Center, transforming a vibrant gathering into an undeniable cultural movement. Conceived and helmed by US military veteran turned fashion entrepreneur Kimberly Beasley, the event celebrates the beauty, style, and spending power of the plus-size community.
Beasley originally founded the Augusta boutique Curvatude in 2011, later bringing curve looks to New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week. Frustrated by fashion weeks that sidelined true plus-size models in favor of sample-adjacent sizing, Beasley set out to create a dedicated platform where curvy women are the main event. What began as an ambitious idea has quickly grown into a sold-out spectacle, drawing model casting submissions from across the United States.
The 2026 edition features a dynamic program blending high-energy runway showcases with cultural and economic empowerment. Following VIP shopping and arrivals, the afternoon launched with the inaugural ThickCon Honors, paying tribute to actress and curve model Nzinga Imani alongside Gwen DeVoe, the legendary founder of Full Figured Fashion Week. Beasley directly credits DeVoe with inspiring her journey, marking a poignant generational passing of the torch.
The runway itself spotlights an eclectic lineup of independent designers and curve-focused retailers. Audiences were treated to bold fall collections from Accentuate Me Boutique (Augusta), Fluffy Diva (Baltimore), vibrant swimwear from Cherri Cheeks Swimwear (Los Angeles), and elevated vintage styling from Atlanta’s own 2W Thrift. Live musical sets by singer Alicia Marshall and the David Collins Band kept energy levels soaring between collections, while an educational panel by the Wealth Academy highlighted the economic agency of plus-size consumers.
With the average American woman wearing sizes 14 to 16 and plus-size fashion representing an estimated $87 billion market, ThickCon stands as a powerful beacon. It proves that plus-size style demands intentional tailoring, vibrant palettes, and authentic representation that puts curves proudly on display.
Style Tip: Channel the energy of the Atlanta runway by styling a richly saturated jewel-toned wrap dress with a wide cinched leather belt and metallic pointed boots, creating an arresting silhouette that commands the room.
