Love Island Star's Fashion Glow-Up: VMAs to Runway

Olandria Carthen is reflecting on her remarkable evolution from a reality television personality to a prominent style influencer. She identified the VMAs as her definitive breakout into the fashion world, noting that her impactful appearance in a red dress garnered significant attention and led to her being taken more seriously in the industry.

Her career trajectory in fashion continued to ascend. In September 2025, Carthen made her runway debut during New York Fashion Week, walking for designer Sergio Hudson. She showcased a distinctive jacket with embellished sleeves, paired with shorts and heels.

Further solidifying her status, Carthen recently made her debut in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, photographed on the Gulf Coast. This achievement represents a dream realized, with Carthen expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity and embracing her "new lifestyle."