THE RETURN OF SUMMER SIZZLE BVI

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Designers Fashion & Style Fashion Shows

The events industry is certainly bouncing back as the most commonly used phrase these days seems to be, “we outside”. And we were certainly outside this past weekend in the British Virgin Islands. On the heels of the Festival Season in the BVI, the occasion of course – Summer Sizzle BVI! After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the event made a triumphant return for its 12th Anniversary show on July 20 -25, 2022.

This year’s celebrity host — the very handsome and charming, actor Joel Steingold kept attendees in an upbeat mood. It was actually the Disney Crossover actor’s second time as host, and I can see why. He is pretty good! Other show highlights of course were the models. This year’s stand-out model was BVI’s own Zaria Penn the reigning Miss Universe British Virgin Islands.

The stylish weekend produced by BVI native Terry Donovan included a Welcome Culture & Party at the Loose Mongoose, the Flora & Fauna Style Party at Long Bay Beach Resort, the main event known as the Global Glamour Runway Show, followed by Sailing Excursion & Beach Party as the close-off.

Who’s Styling Who in collaboration with Sunni Dai Kids Fashion

The main event kicked off with Who’s Styling Who in collaboration with Sunni Dai Kids Fashion Week styled by Celebrity Stylist Khaliah Clark. Brands presented are MIA New York Clothing, D’Vander, and BVI’s own Just Kidding Children Boutique. The kids’ fashion segment has become a bit of a traditional opening of Summer Sizzle. This year’s show even saw visiting aspiring child models from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Cesar Galindo

A favorite of Summer Sizzle, Cesar Galindo began his career designing costumes for the Miami Ballet and Houston Opera in his hometown. Since launching his collection he has been featured in numerous magazines including landing the cover of Elle magazine with supermodel Karen Mulder wearing one of his designs. He has dressed celebrities such as Madonna, Mary J Blige, Missy Elliot, and Lala Anthony.

BERIQISU by Belkis Whyte

BERIQISU was created by Belkis Whyte, a designer inspired by her upbringing in Boston, her heritage in Ghana, and her experiences in New York City. Drawing from these facets, Belkis chose to name her line BERIQISU, after her given birth name and developed a brand aligned with the global lifestyle. The collection featured modern African print short sets for men – just perfect for a sophisticated summer look.

ARK Capsule Collection

ARK Capsule Collection, A Fashion and Art collaboration by BVI designer Kristin Frazer who joined forces with internationally collected Abstract Artist Roma Harrigan -Osowo and rising BVI creative Alexia Penn. The collection is already a local favorite and highly admired by some of the who is who in the Caribbean diaspora – we love the celebration of Caribbean talent.

Andrew Nowell

Another favorite of Summer Sizzle. Andrew Nowell has shown at Summer Sizzle for the last three or four years if not more. Fashion design has always been a passion for Andrew Nowell. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, he attended the High School of Art and Design, and attend New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology, where he majored in Menswear Design. He describes his style as modern, masculine, and sexy with an edge. This is illustrated in this well-tailored sportswear line inspired by Urban Streetwear and British tailoring at London’s Savile Row.

Yumi Katsura Couture

Paulette Cleghorn is the Creative Director at Yumi Katsura Couture since 2010 and previously as Head of Strategic Alliances and North American Expansion to the legendary designer since 2007.  Katsura is one of the world’s most prolific Japanese design houses, whose wedding dresses and couture creations are considered modern masterpieces. 

Carlton Jones

Another Summer Sizzle favorite is definitely Carlton Jones. Such chic, gender-fluid pieces with the right amount of color, his work seems so effortless in setting a cool mood. Carlton’s resort-inspired collection is built on 20 years of experience dressing bodies ranging from Mary J. Bilge to Michelle Obama.

Jaer Cabán

Jaer Cabán is a Puerto Rican fashion designer who has showcased his collections at numerous industry events, such as San Juan Moda, Dominicana Moda Fashion Gallery NY Fashion Week, and Latino Fashion Week – Chicago, among others. He has dressed celebrities such as Daddy Yankee, and has developed the costumes for the dance corps of Bad Bunny, Luis Fonsi, Pitbull, and many more. Jaer’s rather sleek collection featured unique fabric patterns and sexy cutout designs — dresses spoke elegance on the runway.

Coral Castillo

Summer Sizzle welcomed for the first time designer Coral Castillo. A finalist of PROJECT RUNWAY S19 she was awarded Moss Adams Fashion Innovator, and winner of the Stitched TV competition. Her work has been published in ELLE US, VOGUE Italia, VOGUE UK, WWD, APPAREL NEWS. Born in Mexico City, the talented celebrity fashion designer is determined to show the world the beauty of her motherland. I’d say she certainly came to slay Summer Sizzle with her stunning collection. From her sexy all-black pieces to her textured layers of dramatic shapes and color.

The Don Morphy Label

Every woman’s dream for how a man should dress. The Don Morphy Label represented by its COO Sonya Mofor is based in Dallas TX and we were so excited to see them on the runway. The label is renowned for its unique tailored craftsmanship and bold sophistication. Their artisanal designs have captured the attention of GQ, The New York Times, Vogue, Huffington Post, and countless others — including us at the Caribbean POSH.

Sergio Hudson

The show closer of course was Sergio Hudson. Sergio has been well known for his immaculate tailoring and bold hues. However, he quickly skyrocketed to the top as a designer to know, after dressing the former First Lady of the USA, Michelle Obama at the 2021 Inauguration in a Plum monochromatic ensemble that we will never forget. His adoring fans include many right here in the Virgin Islands. His use of vibrant color is just delicious!