Summer Sizzle BVI Fashion and Lifestyle brought the warm weather to New York city on Wednesday, May 11, when the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, and CEO of Summer Sizzle BVI, Terry Donovan, launched the 8th Annual event in the swanky Yumi Katsura Couture Showroom on Manhattan’s Westside.
Nigel Barker, world-renowned fashion photographer, and former American’s Next Top Model judge, who will host the runway show on Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, from July 13 to 18, celebrated the kick-off with tropical drinks, super models and industry professionals.
Terry Donovan, president of Signature by Terry Donovan Events, welcomed Fern Mallis, fashion icon and world-renowned creator of New York Fashion Week, during an evening that ‘sizzled’ with elements of the Caribbean.
Donovan said he was proud to introduce Summer Sizzle to New York City, and called on guests to buy tickets to visit the tropical paradise for the fashion event, where Taraji P. Hanson, award-winning actress, and leading lady on the highly acclaimed TV show, “Empire,” will grace the international fashions and lifestyle extravaganza.
Barker, a former model, presenter of the FACE reality TV model completion, and author, expressed excitement about traveling to the BVI, and Summer Sizzle that he heard great things about.
“I cannot wait to visit. I hear nothing but good things. I am delighted to go to the BVI and bring more fashions to the island,” said Barker adding that he will bring long his wife and kids to the tropical paradise.
For his part, Barker said he would be raffling off a photo-shoot, where the winning prize would be a professional photo-shoot, compliments of the noted photographer, whose stunning photos have graced the covers of major magazines.
Fern Mallis, who was the executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 1991-2001, and created 7th on Sixth productions or New York Fashion Week as it is known today, said she met Donovan several year ago, and delighted that she was invited to the launch of Summer Sizzle.
She has travelled to the BVI in the past and loves the many islands in the Caribbean, but hopes to make her first visit to Summer Sizzle this year to view the beautiful resort collections and fashion shows in resort locations where people wear the clothing.
In addition to shopping events, a Gold & White Fashion Gala, and a Global Glamour Runway show and VIP after party, at the Multi Purpose Complex in Road Town, Tortola, Donovan will welcome an impressive group of designers from the region and America.
From urban to evening, and bridal, designers set to light up the runway, include: Roland Mouret, Yami Katsura, Duro Olowu, Maria Cornejo, Prism, Capara, Tome, and Cesar Galindo.
Guyanese designers Roger Gary and Randy Madray will join Jamaica’s Mark Anthony, Carlton Jones and Andrew Nowell on the runway.
Summer Sizzle BVI “Global Glamour” Runway fashion show, which serves as a platform for showcasing talented emerging and international designers, has become one of the biggest and most popular shows in the Caribbean.
Its mission is to collectively provide and produce the most exciting fashion weekend in an effort to attract and showcase the hottest designers each season.
To learn more, go to www.summe
