BVI Summer Sizzle –Fashion

The Virgin Islands were definitely sizzling this past weekend, when leggy models and creative fashion designers converged on Tortola for the 3rd installment of BVI Summer Sizzle –Fashion Extravaganza

The four day event which ran from on July 23rd – 26th included a number of activities including a ‘White Sunset Party’, a ‘Caribbean Posh Magazine Party’, as a fashion bazaar. The highlight of the event, however, was the fashion extravaganza, held at the Cultural Center on Saturday, July 25th.

Fashion designers showcased their creative ingenuity in grand style; from ready-t-wear to elegant gowns to tailored menswear. It was all about glamour and style when Baby Phat and Phat Farm by international design mogul, Kimmora Lee Simmons along with NYC Designers Roger Gary and Cesar Galindo joined forces with BRAVO TV’s Project Runway alumni, Korto Momolu, Trinidad’s Claudia Pegus, BVI’s Kristin Frazer and St. Thomas’ Andre Ettienne. Other designers showcasing their unique collections were Ocie Collins II and Edwing D’Angelo who presented their menswear collections and Men Steppin In Design on St. Thomas and Per Te of Puerto Rico.

What would a fashion event of this magnitude be without models? They came from as far as Russia, Venezuela, Bahamas, Trinidad and the US Mainland and included celebrity models, Gerren Taylor of BET’s ‘Baldwin Hills’ and Sessilee Lopez cover model for VOGUE- the Black Issue.

The US Virgin Islands were well represented by female models Sianna Wynter, Jessica Millin and Stephanie Jerson of STAR Models/St. Thomas who were right on par with the international models, strutting down the runway and walking for the top designers at the event. They made an impression on everyone with their unique looks and exquisite grace they were joined by Kiaya Galbreath of St. Croix and male models Caleeb Brewley and Jaris Dennis of St. Thomas..

“It was an exciting feeling”, says Sianna Wynter, “to be back in the BVI modeling at Summer Sizzle. It is my second time participating and I look forward to doing it again. I enjoyed meeting the designers, photographers, models and stylist from all over. I would like to say kudos to my agent, Leslyn Tonge, for all her hard work in getting us ready and to Terry Donovan for giving us such a unique opportunity to shine for the VI”.

Standing at an astounding 5’11 ½ “, Jessica Millin was ecstatic to have participated in the event for the first time. She said, “I was a bit nervous going into it, as it was my first real international experience and I was not sure what to expect. Everyone was just really nice and friendly and I enjoyed waling for all the designers”.

STAR Models is a St. Thomas-based modeling and casting agency, which represents female models both locally and internationally. Operating for just two years, STAR Models Management, has already branded itself as the premiere modeling agency in the Virgin Islands. Its models have worked with top named designers and alongside a number of celebrity models. They have participated in a number of fashion events territory-wide and are the current title holder of the ‘Rip The Runway- VI Style’ Modeling competition.