Olandria Carthen Is Fashion’s New Obsession: 15 of Her Best Fashion Moments

Olandria Carthen, known as “Bama Barbie,” has quickly transitioned from Love Island USA Season 7 runner-up in 2025 to one of 2026’s most prominent emerging style stars. The 27-year-old Tuskegee University graduate, model, influencer, and television personality has leveraged her reality-TV success into a significant fashion career.

With guidance from stylists Matthew and Reginald Reisman, she consistently presents red-carpet, editorial, and street-style looks that combine Southern sophistication, bold glamour, and confident self-expression.

Carthen’s wardrobe, featuring archival Georges Chakra designs, custom Christian Siriano gowns, and vintage-inspired tweed sets, demonstrates her ability to command attention while honoring her roots.

In 2025, the reality TV star walked New York Fashion Week, appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, attended the Golden Globes, and made an impression at Vanity Fair’s Vanities party.

Below, we highlight her rapid rise and present her top 15 fashion moments, illustrating her influence on the industry.

From Tuskegee to Love Island to Global Spotlight

Born May 29, 1998, in Decatur, Alabama, Olandria Lashae Carthen earned a bachelor’s degree in logistics, materials, and supply chain management from Tuskegee University, an HBCU she credits for her strong sense of identity and community.

Prior to her public profile, she worked in elevator sales. Her trajectory shifted in summer 2025 when she joined Love Island USA Season 7. Partnered with Nic Vansteenberghe, the pair, known as “Nicolandria,” became fan favorites, finishing as runners-up and creating what CNN described as “a beloved part of reality-couple history.”

After the show, Carthen signed with UTA and Digital Brand Architects, secured major partnerships with brands such as UGG, Reebok, NYX, Sephora, and YSL, and transitioned into high fashion.

She debuted on the runway at Sergio Hudson Spring/Summer 2026 during New York Fashion Week, appeared on covers including Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam and Glamour, and was recognized on lists such as Cosmopolitan’s Z-Stars Class of 2025, The Root 100, and Revolt’s Power List.

Olandria Carthen’s signature fashion looks, featuring clean silhouettes, statement pieces, defined waistlines, and bold use of color and texture, reflects her Southern heritage. “Southern fashion is beautiful—it’s clean, sophisticated, yet still has personality,” she told Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. “I love clothes that have a defined silhouette and a statement piece.”

Olandria Carthen’s Top 15 Fashion Moments

Olandria Carthen’s fashion choices in 2025 and 2026, ranging from archival couture and avant-garde gowns to tailored tweed sets and bold mini dresses, demonstrate her willingness to experiment while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Below are fifteen of Olandria Carthen’s most memorable looks, each highlighting her growing influence in fashion.

Olandria wore a vintage Georges Chakra Spring/Summer 2005 archival mini dress that perfectly captured the drama of early-2000s couture. The black halter-neck design featured a daringly plunging V-neckline that sliced deep down the torso, drawing attention to the sharply structured bodice.

Intricate pleating wrapped around the waist, creating sculptural definition before falling into an asymmetrical skirt. Sheer mesh panels ran from the midriff to the skirt, layered with delicate ruffles and subtle bead embellishments that shimmered under the lights.

The uneven hemline created graceful movement as she walked the carpet. She completed the look with Christian Louboutin strappy black sandals, a sleek low ponytail, glowing skin, and a glossy neutral lip. The ensemble blended vintage sensuality with modern red-carpet polish.

The reality star stunned at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards in a custom Christian Siriano emerald mermaid gown that radiated classic Hollywood glamour. The strapless corset-style bodice was crafted in rich emerald satin, precision-tailored to hug the torso.

From the hips downward, the gown dramatically flared into a sculptural trumpet skirt, its sharp pleats creating architectural volume at the hem. The silhouette emphasized a striking hourglass figure, making the look both regal and dramatic.

Olandria elevated the gown with sparkling diamond jewelry from A.Jaffe, Anabela Chan, and Anayah, while vintage-inspired finger waves and luminous makeup underscored the moment’s timeless elegance.

Olandria made a striking entrance on the red carpet, inspired by Pamela Anderson, the 2024 Glamour Woman of the Year. She chose a glamorous look featuring a voluminous, tousled updo and a smoky eye that added depth and highlighted her features.

Her fuchsia silk taffeta gown by Christian Siriano made a strong couture statement. The structured bustier defined the bodice, while a dramatic bustle added movement and dimension.

Rose-inspired draping provided a sculptural, romantic touch, recalling classic Hollywood glamour. The vibrant fuchsia shade offered a modern update, reflecting a current red carpet trend.

Following her appearance at the Golden Globes on January 11, Love Island USA Season 7 standout Olandria Carthen continued to make an impression in Paris at the premiere of Bridgerton Season 4, where her striking look drew significant attention.

In Paris, the Alabama native chose an all-black ensemble that combined couture detail with a modern edge. Carthen wore a plunging midi dress by Rahul Mishra, as credited in her Instagram story, featuring a structured, corset-inspired bodice with intricate sequin embellishments.

The dress’s silhouette was fitted through the bodice and transitioned into a bubble-hem skirt with multicolored embroidery, adding dimension to the monochromatic look.

Olandria wore a sleek Off-White mini dress from the Spring/Summer 2026 collection during New York Fashion Week, embracing minimalist drama. The design featured an ultra-deep V neckline that plunged almost to the navel, creating a striking focal point against the otherwise clean silhouette.

With minimal seams and a body-skimming cut, the dress relied entirely on its bold neckline and precise tailoring. Styled with slicked-back hair and understated jewelry, the look radiated confidence and modern sophistication.

Speaking about the outfit, she noted that the dramatic neckline was her favorite detail, highlighting its youthful, daring appeal.

Olandria Carthen was honored with the Self-Love Award at Femme It Forward’s 4th Annual Give Her FlowHERS Gala at The Beverly Hilton. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to “any woman who has ever questioned their worth,” a message that resonated with the audience and highlighted her expanding influence beyond television and fashion.

For the event, the former Love Island USA contestant wore a custom Amor Garibovic Spring 2025 corseted gown in glossy bubblegum-pink satin. The structured bodice and sleek silhouette emphasized dramatic hourglass proportions. The vibrant color and polished finish evoked classic glamour, reminiscent of the Jessica Rabbit aesthetic, while maintaining a modern and bold appeal.

Olandria made her runway debut for Sergio Hudson during New York Fashion Week in a powerful leopard-print ensemble. She wore a tailored animal-print jacket cinched tightly at the waist with a wide black-and-gold belt that exaggerated her hourglass shape.

The jacket was paired with tailored black shorts that balanced the bold print with sleek structure. Strappy black sandals finished the look. As she walked the runway, the striking combination of fierce print and confident tailoring made the moment historic for her emerging fashion career.

Olandria Carthen maintains a strong presence in the fashion industry, as demonstrated at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards.

The Love Island alum wore a custom Brandon Blackwood gown crafted from chocolate-brown calf hair, which complemented her skin tone and featured a precise, form-fitting bodice, a dramatic thigh-high slit, and a softly trailing train that added elegance.

The sculpted bustline and curve-skimming silhouette referenced classic glamour, while Olandria’s styling ensured a modern look. She completed the ensemble with a Brandon Blackwood mini trunk bag and Versani jewellery, balancing vintage-inspired elegance with contemporary red-carpet style.

For her first solo magazine cover, Olandria wore a breathtaking scarlet red gown that epitomized editorial drama. The dress featured an asymmetrical draped bodice, dramatic bishop sleeves, and a sharply cinched waist that emphasized her silhouette.

The dramatic cape flowed into voluminous folds that created movement and depth across the frame. Styled with bold beauty and confident posture, the look elevated Southern glamour into high-fashion editorial storytelling.

Olandria wore a romantic semi-sheer floral appliqué gown by Sevon Dejana for the Golden Globes Golden Eve celebration. The Fall 2025 design featured delicate botanical embroidery layered over sheer fabric, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect.

The flowing silhouette moved effortlessly with every step, while intricate beading caught the light subtly. The result was a graceful and romantic pre-Globes moment that showcased her softer fashion side.

During Paris Haute Couture Week, Olandria wore a striking Rahul Mishra “Heart of Gold” sculptural mini dress covered in intricate gold sequins. The boatneck silhouette featured vein-like embroidery patterns that gave the dress a textured, almost organic appearance.

Sculptural wave elements along the fabric added dimension and movement. Paired with glowing gold highlighter on her legs and face, the look created a radiant golden goddess effect that felt like wearable art.

Olandria wore a romantic Valentino Resort 2026 bohemian mini dress that referenced 1970s-inspired style. The design incorporated flowing chiffon layers, delicate cutouts, and airy movement.

Its soft silhouette contrasted beautifully with the dramatic couture looks often seen during fashion week. Styled effortlessly, the outfit captured a relaxed yet elegant front-row fashion moment.

The reality star stunned in a dramatic ruby red Robert Wun couture fjumpsuit originally from the designer’s Fall 2024 collection. The avant-garde design featured exaggerated draping and sculptural folds that cascaded across the body, creating a striking architectural silhouette.

The deep red color amplified the theatrical impact of the look. Olandria elevated the ensemble even further by pairing it with a bold top hat, transforming the outfit into a fearless artistic statement.

Olandria Carthen wore a sporty yet polished Brandon Blackwood tweed set while attending the 2025 US Open. The outfit consisted of a red-and-white tweed button-down shirt paired with matching micro shorts, creating a coordinated look that felt both playful and refined.

She styled the ensemble with vibrant blue heels and a matching Brandon Blackwood handbag, adding a pop of contrast. The outfit perfectly balanced casual athletic energy with high-fashion detail.

For the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Olandria wore a dramatic Cheney Chan look featuring a sweetheart-neckline corset bodysuit that flowed into a sheer floor-length red gown. The structured bodice accentuated her figure while the translucent skirt added movement and allure.

She completed the look with matching red heels, creating a bold monochromatic statement. The result was a red-hot appearance that captured the glamour and spectacle of the VMA stage.

Why Olandria Carthen Is Fashion’s Breakout Star

​Olandria Carthen’s rapid rise in fashion and lifestyle is the result of authenticity, business acumen, and bold style choices. She is open about her HBCU background and health journey, and she has formed strategic brand partnerships.

Her collaboration with The Reismans has elevated her style from viral moments to editorial recognition, while her appearances at major events such as the Golden Globes, CFDA Awards, NYFW, and Paris Haute Couture reflect her growing industry respect.

In 2026, Olandria Carthen is not just dressing for the moment; she is dressing for legacy. Whether in emerald satin, archival black lace, or sequins, she demonstrates that confidence, self-awareness, and a defined silhouette are the ultimate fashion statements.

Which Olandria Carthen fashion moments stands out to you? Bama Barbie’s influence is only beginning.

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