Teen To Host Fashion Show For Kids With Scoliosis At KOP Mall

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Bridget Llull, a Havertown resident and junior at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, embraced her curves after being diagnosed with scoliosis at age 8. And eight years later, for the second year in a row, she is empowering others with scoliosis to embrace their curves.

The Curvy Girls Scoliosis Foundation's Embracing the Curve fashion show, featuring young models who are embracing their scoliosis, is returning for its second year to the King of Prussia Mall.

The event will be held at 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 28, in the Lord & Taylor Court at the mall.

Llull, 16 of Havertown, has led the Philadelphia chapter of Curvy Girls since 2014 after discovering the organization and finding comfort in the community of girls in the area, and around the world, who were struggling with their scoliosis and self-esteem.

After getting her diagnosis at 8, by the time she was 12 her condition worsened enough for her to need the support of a back brace.

The first time Llull put the brace on she became increasingly self-conscious, she recalls.

Embracing the Curve seeks to increase confidence in girls with scoliosis and increase awareness of the spine condition in the community.

"I am excited to be able to host this event for the second year in a row," she said. "My hope is that this year's show will reach even more people than last year and be a fun and inspiring day for girls with scoliosis."

This year's show will feature members of the Philadelphia Curvy Girls chapter, as well as chapters as far away as Long Island, modeling brace-friendly fashions supplied by King of Prussia Mall retailers.

"We are happy to support such an impressive group of young women and such an important and worthwhile cause," said Kathy Smith, Director of Marketing and Business Development for King of Prussia Mall. "Last year's inaugural event was such a success and attracted a great crowd, so we're looking forward to welcoming Bridget and the rest of the Curvy Girls Foundation back to King of Prussia."

With reporting by Patch correspondent Max Bennett

Image via Bridget Llull