Caribbean designer Andrea Wilson has thanked her supporters after showing her first New York Fashion Week showcase on February 14 in Manhattan — a milestone that also celebrated ten years of her swim and resort wear label, The Islander.
Her showcase, I’Landed in the Big Apple, was both anniversary and arrival in one of fashion’s global capitals. More than 20 new designs from her latest collection, Ocean Odyssey, swept down the runway in saturated colour and fluid silhouettes alongside a retrospective capsule from her earlier Wave Collection.
Collectively, the pieces traced a decade of design shaped by Caribbean light, landscape and movement.
“It was an experience,” Andrea said afterwards. “There were hiccups — a venue change, flight delays — but I am simply grateful. This would not have been possible without my family, my friends, the models and my extraordinary team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.”
She offered particular thanks to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who attended and walked the runway in support of Caribbean fashion.
He wore designs by Andrea and fellow British Virgin Islands creative Germain Smith, whose label Kym’Asia is known for its fluid, gender-expansive approach to couture. Emerging designer Morgan Creque, founder of Trippy Tortuga, also presented work during the evening.
Jewellery for the showcase was created by Ammique Mills of Artistry, whose striking pieces are crafted from sea-worn fabrics and natural elements, complementing the island-inspired collections.
Approximately 30 models — representing the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis,
the United Kingdom and the United States — took part in the show. The models also competed in the Anastacia Magazine Model Competition, where Keedencia Harris of St Kitts and Nevis won the top model prize, with her fellow islanders taking second and third places,
showing the depth of emerging Caribbean talent.
Former Miss British Virgin Islands Universe World Ayana Phillips, also known as DJ Lady Mix, curated the soundtrack, infusing the space with Caribbean rhythm and energy.For Andrea, a 2016 Branson Centre Entrepreneur, the New York debut signals wider ambitions.
“Next year we will elevate the experience even further in New York City,” she said. “By year’s end, we are setting our sights on Africa. I am thankful beyond words to everyone who has supported this journey.”
The showcase was filmed as part of a reality series in development documenting Wilson’s path to New York Fashion Week, with plans for international broadcast and festival screenings across the United States and Europe.
Photography was led by New York-based Cheryl Gorski and British Virgin Islands photographer
Kelvin Titley, supported by videographers Camroy Peters and Jordan Lewis.
