Entertainment
Kristin Frazer’s Designs to Debut at the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony
As the 2024 Summer Olympics prepare to make history with the first-ever opening ceremony on the Seine River, a vibrant splash of Caribbean creativity will be centre stage.
Kristin Frazer, a celebrated designer from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has crafted the uniforms that will represent her homeland on this global platform. Her journey to this prestigious moment is as dynamic and inspiring as her designs.
Frazer’s vision for the 2024 BVI Olympic Team uniforms is deeply rooted in her love for her homeland’s natural beauty. “As this is the first for the Olympics to have the opening ceremony on the Seine River, the thought of this concept sparked my idea to create movement of our BVI waters,” Frazer explained. “I played with our national colours, beach waves and an overall sporty chic style that worked for both the men and women.”
Initially, Frazer’s concept revolved around tye-dye. However, as the design process evolved, so did her vision. “My initial thoughts were more-so using the concept of tye-dye initially but as time passed, it evolved into something more beautiful, an exclusive print/colourway called Paradise Blue that would ensure a ‘stand-out’ moment for our delegation,” she shared.
The designs are a blend of symbolic simplicity and functionality. “There were no specific key elements outside of the standard design elements of a sporty jumper for the females with bell sleeves and sail-type mini cape at the back and the wave concept in a classic button down mandarin collar shirt,” Frazer noted. Despite certain restrictions on what could be incorporated into the uniforms, she ensured that the flags of both the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom were prominently displayed, alongside the word “Tortola, BVI”.
Creating a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing was no small feat. “I considered the climate, the location and the overall delegation representing through conversation with Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and simply put, magic was formed!” Frazer said.
Frazer’s designs subtly reflect the BVI’s culture and heritage through the use of national colours and local manufacturing. “The use of our national colours was very important to me along with having the designs being ‘locally made’ were two key factors in the success of these designs. Trèfle is a BVI based brand and naturally, I infused all three with simplicity, print and clean finishes of my designs.”
Collaboration was key in the creation of these uniforms. “During any opening ceremonial games, whether it’s the Olympics, Gold Coast Games or Commonwealth Games, the key is the Chef de Mission and all correspondents went through Mrs. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott,” Frazer explained. “We went through a few designs, concepts, colours and more and narrowed it all down to the final two designs. It was certainly a great experience!”
While sustainability was a consideration, practical constraints shaped the final material choices. “With any opportunity such as this, there will always be a budget. Within the budget, I was able to mix textiles and worked with woven’s and knits along with natural fibres and man-made fibres as well,” said Frazer. “There is room and hope for bigger and better opportunity to be more diverse with being more sustainable and eco-friendly.”
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the perfect fit for athletes who were not always on-site for measurements. “Most of the athletes are not in the BVI so once their measurements are collected, sometimes when a sample is made, it has to be done a few times to get it right,” Frazer admitted. “Constant and consistent communication allows the time to pass smoothly and before you know it, all challenges become nil.”
For Frazer, designing the Olympic uniforms is a pinnacle achievement. “If you asked me 16 years ago if I ever thought that I would design the opening ceremonial wear for our BVI delegation for the Olympics, I would have probably said ‘I can see it happening in the future’…..and that it did,” she reflected. “I am beyond proud that the BVIOC has recognised the opportunities that this can potentially give for designers that are currently working and operating in the BVI but it’s a testament and a hope for future creatives.”
As the BVI Olympic Team steps onto the Seine River in Frazer’s designs, they will convey a powerful message of unity and national pride. “The BVI Olympic Team has already done my heart glad. They embraced a local designer and gave me an international platform to show my wears,” Frazer said. “When they step out in style on the Seine River, with a smile, adorned in Trèfle, the world would’ve known and I will proudly stand with them from the stands to cheer them on as they pass by. The team would convey that we truly are One BVI!”
As the world watches the opening ceremony, Frazer’s designs will not only represent the athletes but also the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of the British Virgin Islands.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
By Ray Winter
Designer Andrea Wilson is one step closer to her New York Fashion Week debut this February, having completed the first round of casting calls in the British Virgin Islands late last December.
A total of 10 emerging models from across the territory gathered on Sunday, December 28, at the S’thetics on Tortola for the ‘I Landed in the Big Apple’ casting call. The runway show itself will take place
on February 14 at the Midtown Loft Studio in Manhattan.
At the casting, models were put through their paces — from runway walk and posture assessments to a high-energy photo booth challenge designed to test both poise and presence.
“I can already say that the girls from the first casting call turned up and did not disappoint. I am loving the energy of this group,” Andrea shares during an interview at her Hannah’s Estate boutique on Tortola, where vibrant swimwear and luxurious resort pieces from her previous four collections line the space.
With model submissions arriving from the United States, Guyana, the United Kingdom and the United States Virgin Islands, the next round of casting is scheduled for mid-January.
“I am truly looking forward to the next round, which will have both in-person and virtual assessments,” she explains, pausing between calls from her organising committee discussing VIP bags and venue décor.
“I have been crazy busy over the past few weeks since the date confirmation poster was shared on social media. My social media accounts are overly active with messages from up-and-coming models and others with major runway experience, from international pageants to designers’ showcases. They all want to walk the runway.”
“I am humbled by the level of support from all corners,” the designer reveals. “I have received encouragement from models, family and friends, colleagues, and even strangers. “It has not been an easy journey.”
Behind Andrea’s first New York runway presentation lies a deeper milestone. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of her brand, The Islander Swimwear. A decade defined by both wins and trials — from a successful brand launch to fractured business partnerships; from the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria to the uncertainty of Covid-19 lockdowns — has shaped the designer’s resilience.
Still, Andrea beams as she fine-tunes the final details for her Valentine’s Day debut.
“I learnt something from all my stumbles. I have learnt that I can take it all and still stand with all my scrapes and bumps. I am from a family of women who have shown me that it is okay to stumble because you gain knowledge for the next chapter.”
“I am the Caribbean phoenix,” Andrea grins.
Born in Guyana and based in the British Virgin Islands for more than two decades, she brings a rich cultural lineage to her work. With roots that trace back to St Lucia and Suriname, her heritage weaves seamlessly into her creative vision.
“I started a brand with very little money, but I had gumption and ideas about creating a different Caribbean swim and resort wear look that came from my love of travelling around the Caribbean. That’s why my brand is called The Islander; every collection reflects the natural beauty of my beloved region. A decade later, and this region still sparks my creativity, inspires me daily.”
Her swimwear and resort collections are defined by bold, original prints created by Andrea herself, each reminiscent of mosaic artwork. Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean’s natural beauty — from vibrant coral reefs to rolling waves and sun-drenched beaches — every piece tells a story, capturing the depth and allure of the region.
A glimpse into her boutique reveals the essence of her design philosophy. Perched above the Caribbean Sea, the space commands sweeping views of Nanny Cay Marina, where yachts of every scale glide in and out with effortless glamour.
Inside, the atmosphere is light and breezy, layered with striking details: driftwood repurposed as jewellery displays, recycled marine pallets reimagined as plinths, and accents of dried coral and shells that echo the surrounding seascape.
Part store, part studio, it is here that Andrea, whose background is in graphic design, has spent recent months immersed in the creation of her collections, preparing for her much-talked-about debut in the Big Apple.
In February, Wilson will present three collections during the show and has invited fellow Virgin Islands designers Germaine Smith of Kymasia and Morgan Creque to join her on the runway, creating a collaborative moment that highlights Caribbean creativity on a global stage.
“When I confirmed that the showcase was definitely going ahead, I wanted to share the stage with other designers in the territory – that’s how Germain and Morgan came on board,” she explains.
The runway experience will be further elevated by handmade jewelry created exclusively for the show by Ammique Mills of BVI Artistry Boutique. Her eco-conscious designs—crafted from sustainably sourced natural elements found throughout the Virgin Islands—will complement the collections and underscore the region’s deep connection to the sea and land. Select pieces from Mills’ work will also be included in VIP gift bags, offering guests a tangible expression of Virgin Islands artistry and sustainability.
Another non-negotiable was ensuring Caribbean models took centre stage.
“I wasn’t going to stage a Manhattan show during New York Fashion Week, celebrating the spirit of the Caribbean, without models from my home region. Hell no,” Andrea shakes her head from left to right.
“That’s why I’m holding two casting calls, complete with online voting, to promote our Caribbean models and let the public have a say in who will be the cover model, centrefold and back cover model for the ‘I’Landed in the Big Apple’ runway show.”
“I’m excited,” she laughs heartily. “This is my Caribbean fashion love story.”
“New York, here we come.”
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
