It’s not every day that a reality TV star makes the leap onto one of the most prestigious fashion stages in the world—but that’s exactly what Olandria Carthen just did.
The Love Island USA alum has traded bikinis and villa drama for couture and flashing lights, making her runway debut at New York Fashion Week.
Walking for Sergio Hudson
On Friday, September 12, Olandria strutted her stuff for none other than Sergio Hudson, one of America’s most celebrated Black designers.
Hudson’s client list reads like a who’s who of icons, with Beyoncé and Michelle Obama among his biggest fans.
For Olandria, walking his runway wasn’t just another gig—it was a career-defining moment.
A Bold First Look
The 24-year-old brought confidence and flair in a statement outfit that turned heads.
She wore an abstract jacket in orange, black, and nude tones, complete with glittering sleeve details.
The look was tied together with black shorts, a cinched waist belt, strappy heels, gold hoop earrings, and a sleek low bun.
Her French manicure gave the ensemble a polished finishing touch.
Nic Front Row and Beaming
While Olandria was stealing the spotlight on the runway, her biggest cheerleader, boyfriend Nic Vansteenberghe, was sitting proudly in the front row.
Cameras caught him smiling ear to ear and filming her walk, clearly thrilled to see her shine.
Fashion magazine Marie Claire even shared the sweet moment online, calling the couple “everything.”
Adding to the star-studded audience was Serena Page, winner of Love Island USA season 6, who stunned in a bright red suit.
A Love Island Couple Stronger Than Ever
Nic and Olandria kept fans guessing ahead of the show with a playful car selfie captioned “The VanCarthens” and a black heart emoji.
Their romance, however, hasn’t always been straightforward.
Nic was previously paired with Cierra Ortega, a close friend of Olandria, which complicated things at first.
“I didn’t allow myself to feel that spark,” Olandria admitted earlier this year.
“I felt guilty because I’m always preaching about girlhood and sisterhood. I wanted to stay true to that.”
Despite the rocky start, the couple now appears stronger than ever—and their supporters couldn’t be happier.
Fellow Love Island star Taylor Williams even said: “The universe keeps putting them together for a reason. I hope they keep it going.”
Beyond Reality TV
For many, Olandria’s debut wasn’t just about her personal milestone—it was also a reminder of the growing influence of Black designers like Sergio Hudson on the global fashion stage.
His work continues to push boundaries and highlight diversity in luxury fashion.
And for Olandria, the night proved something bigger: reality TV doesn’t just spark romance and drama—it can also open the door to unexpected career paths, including a serious shot at becoming a top model.