Vydurya Lokesh, Celebrity MUA, Body Positive Influencer and Muse

December 8, 2018December 8, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

I met the amazing and wondrous Vydurya Lokesh at the Priscilla Ono Masterclass in NYC this past summer. I was the oldest woman there and realized quickly I was way out of my league in the course. The silver lining, outside of learning that makeup application is an art, is meeting Vy. Her aura is gentle, kind and she glows. I mean her skin glows! She reminded me of Lupita Nyongo, who also has luminescent skin and happens to be the direct descendant of Eve. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vydurya has DNA from a Goddess of Light. It’s who she is and I hope I captured it in this collection of photos.

One of the evenings after class, I invited her to have dinner and we ended up at Eataly near the World Trade Center, after visiting MAC, of course. At dinner, she went on to tell me about her childhood and the tribulations she experienced at such an early age. I realized that her past made her clueless on her beauty. She was just happy to be alive and be a positive influence to everyone she meets. The entire dinner, I kept thinking what a classic beauty she is and how I would love the opportunity to photograph her. She was shocked and moved when I finally asked her.

Her last night in the states she spent with me in Maryland and we shot until late evening. I am happy to share these with you and hope you can see the light that reflects from Vydurya that I noticed from the moment we met.

As she likes to say, “I am destiny’s child. “, not the singing group, but a child of faith that walks in light.

Please make sure to follow her on Instagram @VyduryaLokesh and Facebook @Artistry by Vydurya Lokesh.

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes:

Follow Instagram@jovannareyesphotography and @curvysta

Walk This Way with Jeannie Ferguson

March 13, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Plus model extraordinaire, Jeannie Ferguson, hosted her respected, Walk This Way workshop in DC this weekend. The always effervescent and lovingly spirited model, is known for her amazing and one of a kind walk. She’s opened the runways of fashion productions nationally. The show cannot start without Ms. Ferguson taking the first step on the catwalk. Her experience as a fit model, print model, her unforgettable walk and her personality are what keep her workshops booked, up and down the Eastern corridor. This weekend her workshop focused on runway walks and how to become a consistently booked model. Her honest feedback will help those that are ready to take the next step to professional modeling. If you are in the North Carolina area, catch Ms. Ferguson at The Power Plus Weekend March 23-25th and at the Stories of Empowerment Brunch in NYC on March 31st. Follow Jeannie Ferguson on Instagram @plusmodjeannief and shop her designs at @shop_bgu

#WomanCrushWednesday with April Shari

March 28, 2017 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Curvysta’s #WomanCrushWednesday is April Shari from the Tristate area. April Shari is a Plus model, photographer, mother, wife and social worker. A Bicoastal Management model, April can be seen on the runways of PNO, Ashley Stewart and more. Presently pursuing her Masters degree, she never stops learning to enrich her mind, body and soul. As a social worker, April dedicates her work to helping those in need of assistance and in crisis. Veterans with post traumatic stress disorders are closest to her heart, as a former veteran herself. She is the example of beauty on the inside and out. #WomanCrushWednesdays

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.”
― Audrey Hepburn

Follow April Shari @AprilShari on Instagram Bicoastal Model Management

Photos: Ivory Jackson @lucivoryphotography MUA: Alfena Williams @Aw_Mua

Chearice Vaughn in Lane Bryant

March 15, 2017March 15, 2017 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Lane Bryant is known for celebrating the body of a Plus woman. Their capsule collections with top tier designers like Isabel Toledo, Christian Siriano, Sophie Theallet, and now Prabal Gurung are unequivocal. They have their finger on the pulse of a curvy woman’s needs and wants. Their new #ThisBody campaign is a movement to reflect the power and influence of women. Chearice Vaughn is that woman, which is why she’s in our Lane Bryant editorial.

Chearice Vaughn is an MSA Curves model in NYC. We chose to showcase Chearice in our Lane Bryant editorial because she exudes the confidence, elegance and strength of an LB woman. She’s worked with Curvysta magazine for years and can be seen on the covers of several Plus media outlets, including Plus Model Magazine’s, The Black Issue, Skorch Magazine and more. She was one of the first Plus models to officially walk during New York Fashion Week for Cabiria in 2013 and a featured model in Plus Night Out(2011-2013).

Black mesh sleeved top and pleather culottes by Lane Bryant; Shoes model’s own

Denim jacket, Cacique bra and Cacique high-waist panty by Lane Bryant; Dress by Zara

Top and Jeans by Lane Bryant

#ModelFocus:The Jose Pagan Tour

October 24, 2016October 25, 2016 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Curvysta magazine sponsored Jose Pagan’s Photo Tour in Maryland. The sponsorship included featuring the amazing models that participated and here they are! The models were from the Washington D.C. and Baltimore Maryland area. Their occupations vary from the medical field to finance and are the true example of the complete package!

Kristina Denise of the Curvygirlchronicles & IG@_KristinaDenise

Tazah Richardson, Plus model from Washington DC @TazahRichardson IG@Tazahthemodelvixen

Yasmine Arrington, Plus model from Washington DC @YasmineArringtonScholarchips & IG@YazzieSpeaks

Aysha White, Plus model from Baltimore Maryland @AyshaMWhite & IG@QueenAysh

Rae Nicole, Plus model from Baltimore, Maryland @RaeNicole & IG@MissDavis

Here are the behind the scenes with the one and only Jose Pagan:

Follow Jose Pagan @JosePagan and at http://www.JosePaganPhotography.com

BTS Images by PCW Images-Paul Wiliams

#ModelFocus: Andre Belue at the International Fuller Woman Festival

September 22, 2016 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Our #ModelFocus is Andre Belue, who participated at The Focus Forum during the International Fuller Woman Festival this past weekend. Mr. Belue is an actor and Plus male model based in Detroit. Being my first male model ever, was a little tricky, as my instinct is to allow models to look softer and more feminine, not strong and manly.

A true gentleman and a pleasure to photograph!

Visit the International Fuller Woman Festival atwww.fullerwoman.org for more information on any future events. Don’t miss next year’s Focus Forum!

For more of my photos visit www.jovannareyes.com and please follow Curvysta @:

Facebook/CurvystaMagazine

Instagram/Curvysta

Twitter/Curvysta

Our Parisian influenced background was the Hotel St. Regis(@hotelstregis), with its french inspired facade and wrought iron details.

“Exclusively Inclusive” with BYRON LARS BEAUTY MARK at KiaStyle360NYFW

September 19, 2016October 24, 2016 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Byron Lars of Byron Lars Beauty Mark presented his collection during New York Fashion Week at Kia Style 360. Mr. Lars goal for the season is to be “exclusively inclusive”.

The runway was culturally diverse and body positive. Byron Lars featured a variety of Curvy models on the runway and each dress just as fierce as the straight size models. Sommer Green(@Sommerboogie), a Plus/Curvy model, opened the show in a “Gele”, pronounced gaye lay, an African head wrap, wearing a body conscious, multi-patterned dress. Her silhouette at the start of the runway, set the tone for the entire show.

Mr. Lars embraced ethnicities, shapes, races and sizes. His presentation was an easy example of what may be done and must be done in all runway shows. He didn’t tease us with possibilities, he made it happen.

The show included Kristi Castlin(@kristihollywood), Bronze medal winner in Track and Field in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. She wore a patterned dress of stripes and florals accessorized with her solid bronze medal and track shoes.

Model extraordinaire and Hello Beautiful, style and beauty editor, Danielle James(@TheIslanDiva), walked in the show in her signature converse sneakers. Mr. Lars was inspired by their last meeting when she wore her converse with a dress and appreciated her laid back, ultra-feminine style.

Celebrities, models and fashion’s finest were all in attendance. Fern Mallis, Ana Maria Sandegren of Precious7.com, Ashley Dobson, Supermodel Denise Bidot, Bonang, Geneva S. Thomas of Bravo’s “Blood, Sweat & Heels” and many more.

ANA MARIA SANDEGREN OF PRECIOUS7.COM AND DENISE BIDOT, SUPERMODEL

GENEVA S. THOMAS OF BLOOD,SWEAT & TEARS

NATURI NAUGHTON

BYRON LARS AND BONANG

MODELS-NAIMAH TERRY AND MOCHA MERCILUS

Models seen on the runway were from MSA Models, Major and True Model Management. TMM was the official model management sponsor of Byron Lars Beauty Mark. Jenna Rusnak(@thecurvyrebel), Frankie Tavares(@frankietavares), were just a few of the True Model Management models gracing the runway. As hard as it was to take your eyes off of Byron Lars’ beautifully patterned dresses, Tiannia Barnes, a luxury shoe designer, sponsored the Italian made stilettos featured in the show. My favorite, the mustard fringe heels. The handmade, couture accessories were created by The Sheila Gray Collection. The best of accessories to compliment the best of NYFW.

TRUE MODEL MANAGEMENT AND THEIR MODELS

TIANNIA BARNES

TIANNIA BARNES LUXURY SHOES

All photos by Alec Turner and Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by Jovanna Reyes

the end of summer…

August 31, 2016August 31, 2016 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

the end of summer…

photographed at Coney Island Park, Brooklyn, NY

model: morgan whitney @morganthemodel

hair: yolanda nicole @yolandanicole

photography: jovanna reyes www.jovannareyes.com

CRFW 2016-TRU DIVA, the Print Queen!

July 27, 2016September 29, 2016 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Curves Rock held in Baltimore, Maryland this past weekend, showcased independent designers from all over the United States. One of the most well known in the Plus community is Tru Diva Designs by Veronica L. The designer, Veronica Lipscomb, delivered color blocking in various textures, fabrics and prints. Her ability to produce complimentary prints on a Curvy woman is unmatched. The use of mandarin collars and Japanese inspired textiles, were perfectly in tune with her red, white and black combinations seen in the rest of the collection. Tru Diva Designs never disappoints!