Olandria Carthen is having a moment, and fans can’t seem to get enough of it. From her breakout on “Love Island USA” to strutting down runways at New York Fashion Week, the 27-year-old Alabama native is proving that sometimes all you need is a platform and your life can take off. She has begun the work to take her career past being just a reality TV personality to being a star in the making.
Viewers first met Olandria Lashae Carthen on “Love Island USA” Season 7, where she entered the villa on day one. While the season was filled with twists and recouplings, it was her best friends-to-lovers arc with Nic Vansteenberghe that kept fans hooked. The two eventually became fan favorites and finished as runners-up, cementing Carthen’s place in the spotlight.
Although she made waves in reality TV, she always had ambitions beyond the villa. Her combination of brains, beauty, and relatability made her stand out, and it wasn’t long before the fashion world came calling.
Olandria Carthen is Making Her Mark in the World
Since leaving “Love Island,” Carthen has been on the move. In a major career milestone, she signed with Digital Brand Architects (DBA), a management firm owned by UTA that represents some of the biggest names in digital and lifestyle spaces.
She’s also been making waves in the fashion world. This fall, she made her official New York Fashion Week debut walking for Sergio Hudson. She hit the runway in an abstract orange, black, and nude jacket with embellished sleeves, paired with black mini-shorts, a black and gold belt, strappy heels, and bold gold hoops. With her sleek low bun and French-tip nails, the look was a statement the crowd loved.
Just days later, she appeared in a Vanity Fair “Get Ready With Me” video ahead of walking in the Off-White Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear show. In the video, Carthen opened up about the nerves and excitement of preparing for her first major Off-White runway moment, sharing a candid glimpse into fittings, glam prep, and the whirlwind energy of Fashion Week.
The Stylists Behind the Looks
Of course, no fashion journey happens alone, and Carthen has surrounded herself with the right people. Her styling team, Reginald and Matthew Reisman, are the duo responsible for many of her head-turning ensembles. Matthew is known for tailoring and restructuring garments to create perfect silhouettes, while Reginald leans into bold styling choices and accessories. Together, they’ve crafted a fashion identity for Carthen that feels polished, playful, and unmistakably her own.
The Fits People Can’t Get Enough Of
Her Off-White Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear appearance was another high-fashion milestone after her Sergio Hudson runway debut. On the side of the runway, she leaned into Off-White’s signature avant-garde energy, embodying the label’s mix of streetwear edge and luxury finesse.
At the U.S. Open, she traded high drama for chic minimalism. Sporting a crisp, tailored fit that played with neutrals and clean lines, she looked effortless courtside while still commanding attention. She was styled in a way that highlighted her evolving off-duty aesthetic while still keeping it chic and classy.
Another runway highlight came when she walked in the Canes Fashion presentation, where she delivered yet another fierce, tailored moment that showcased her versatility. Unlike the bold Sergio Hudson look, this one leaned into structure and movement, showing Olandria’s ability to adapt her walk and presence to different designers’ visions.
She returned to the spotlight for the VMAs, where she turned the red carpet into her own runway. Her look, styled by Reginald and Matthew Reisman, was pure glamour. The Cheney Chan design was sleek, eye-catching, and dripping with star quality.
At the InStyle + Delta’s Icons Off the Runway: A Celebration of Style & Sport event, Carthen stole the show in a bold leopard print set that featured a sweeping duster coat and matching shorts layered over a sheer black bodysuit and coordinating tights. She finished the look with sharp black pumps, oversized gold hoops, sleek shades, and a basketball-shaped metallic bag, a clever nod to the event’s theme.