One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated fashion events returns this week as Summer Sizzle BVI celebrates its 15th anniversary, bringing together international designers, models, and stylists for four days of fashion and cultural celebration in the British Virgin Islands.

Running from July 24–27, the 2025 edition commemorates a decade and a half of what organizers describe as a fusion of “fashion, culture, and island luxury.” The event is expected to draw creatives and fashion insiders from around the globe, alongside a growing number of international attendees and Caribbean-based talent.

This year’s main runway theme takes inspiration from the Met Gala’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, placing a spotlight on craftsmanship, cultural influence, and forward-thinking design. The menswear lineup includes Brandon Gray of Los Angeles, Chuk Collins of Nigeria and the UK, STANLION CLOTHING of Cameroon, and Washington D.C.–based designer Andrew Nowell. Each is known for precision tailoring and bold, modern aesthetics.

The Global Glamour Runway Show will feature collections from designers across Asia, the Caribbean, and the U.S., including Sergio Hudson, Korto Momolu, Cesar Galindo, Yumi Katsura Couture, and Oliver Tolentino. Notably, the British Virgin Islands will be represented by Andrea Wilson’s Islander Swim & Resort Collection, which blends Caribbean motifs with contemporary resortwear.

Organizers are also placing emphasis on emerging talent. The popular Summer Sizzle BVI Kids Show returns this year, styled by celebrity fashion consultant Khaliah Clark. The segment will highlight children’s fashion while offering young models a platform in a high-profile setting.

This year’s event will be co-hosted by Neil Dawson, a U.S.-based actor originally from Tortola. Dawson, whose credits include Law and Order, FBI, and Godfather of Harlem, returns to the Territory to take on a new role as emcee for the milestone event.

The model lineup reflects the event’s international scope, with representation from Authentic Models (Puerto Rico), SKN Chained Models (St. Kitts & Nevis), and U.S. Virgin Islands model Jenna-Monet Queeley. Professional models from New York and the British Virgin Islands will also take part in the runway presentations.

Since its founding in 2009, Summer Sizzle BVI has grown into a regional fashion hub, showcasing established and emerging designers while promoting the Virgin Islands as a luxury destination. This year’s milestone edition reinforces its commitment to celebrating diversity, craftsmanship, and Caribbean creativity on the global stage.

For more information, visit summersizzlebvi.com or follow @summersizzlebvi on social media.

Orissa Thomas of Elmore Stoutt High School has been named the 2025 Secondary School Spelling Bee Champion following a competitive final held this week among secondary schools across the Territory.

Thomas secured first place after several rounds of spelling. Joy Ogbonnaya of the Ciboney Centre of Excellence earned second place, while Donte Rogers of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies placed third.

The 2025 Inter-Secondary School Spelling Bee finals included participants from Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar International School, the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, and the Ciboney Centre of Excellence.

The competition provided students an opportunity to engage in academic competition while strengthening their literacy skills through spelling and pronunciation. The event remains a key fixture on the educational calendar, promoting language development and inter-school collaboration.

The Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant will not be staged in 2025, according to an official statement issued Wednesday, June 11, by Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge Smith.

The announcement came following consultations between the Miss BVI Pageant Committee and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development. Officials cited a comprehensive review of this year’s planning timeline and participation levels as the basis for the decision.

“While the pageant will not take place in its traditional format, we remain committed to upholding this important national event’s longstanding legacy and high standards,” the statement read.

Minister Hodge Smith acknowledged the efforts of Committee Chair Ms. Jno Lewis and her team, commending them for their work in preparing for the 2025 staging.

“Their hard work and dedication continue to play a vital role in the ongoing success of the Miss BVI platform,” she said.

Although the pageant has been canceled for this year, the Ministry assured the public that planning is underway for the event’s return in 2026.

“The Miss BVI Pageant remains a proud celebration of young women’s talent, intelligence, and cultural pride across the Virgin Islands,” the statement continued. “We encourage all eligible candidates to consider participating in the future.”

Further updates on future pageant plans are expected to be released in the coming months.