Heads turn wherever Olandria Carthen goes. Since earning a feverish fan base as a beloved contestant on season 7 of Love Island USA, the Alabama-born TV star has upped the ante on her fashion, making her runway debut at Sergio Hudson’s New York Fashion Week show in September. She’s been forging powerful relationships with designers (Off-White, Area, Theophilio, and La Pointe), while working with styling duo Matthew and Reginald Reisman.
She showed up and showed out in head-to-toe animal print at InStyle and Delta’s “Icons off the Runway Celebration,” and most recently rubbed shoulders with Rihanna (one of her style icons), plus Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Sombr, and Donatella Versace at the 2025 CFDA Awards.
To dress the part, Olandria tapped friend and collaborator Brandon Blackwood for a custom, waist-cinching brown pony-hair dress with a thigh-high slit and a coordinating bag. “I wanted Olandria’s look to feel powerful, sensual, an effortless all at once,” Blackwood tells InStyle. “We started with the idea of modern glamour, something that felt timeless, but still unexpected. She has such a presence, so it was about creating a look that celebrated that energy without overpowering it. The goal was to merge structure and softness, like a walking piece of art that still feels wearable.”
A walking piece of art? Sounds very Olandria, indeed. Below, she exclusively shares how she got ready for the 2025 CFDAs.
Red Carpet Glamour
Olandria posing in her dress ahead of the CFDAs.
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“For me, the red carpet is a celebration of expression,” Olandria says. “I love the energy on the carpet and take it as an opportunity to honor the designer I’m wearing, and to have fun with fashion as a form of storytelling.”
Olandria getting ready for the CFDAs.
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All About Her Brandon Blackwood Look
Olandria wearing a custom brown pony-hair dress by Brandon Blackwood.
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“I definitely wanted to do something elevated, with a twist, and true to the Brandon Blackwood style. This is a custom look and was definitely a collaborative moment between Brandon, myself, and my stylists, Matthew and Reginald Reisman,” she says. “Matthew and Reginald are my true visionaries and helped with every part of the creative from start to finish.”
Behind the Glam
Olandria getting glam for the CFDAs.
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“I had Kenya Alexis on makeup for tonight and Tai Simon on hair. For my look, we really wanted to embody modern elegance,” Olandria says.
Her Go-To Beauty Products
Olandria getting ready for the CFDAs.
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“One of my favorite beauty products is my lip combo. I do not play about it! My lip combo with NYX is my staple,” she says. “I also feel like everyone knows how much I love blush; It can add so much dimension to your look.”
Behind the scenes of Olandria getting ready for the CFDAs.
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Behind the Custom Design
The details on Olandria’s custom Brandon Blackwood gown.
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“Between the custom tailoring, fittings, and hand-finishing details, [this look took] easily over 120 hours to make,” Blackwood says. “Every seam, pleat, and silhouette was obsessed over. My team and I wanted the craftsmanship to speak for itself the second she stepped on that carpet.”
On Olandria and Blackwood’s Partnership
Olandria and Brandon Blackwood in matching looks for the CFDAs.
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“She embodies confidence, individuality, and joy, which is exactly what the brand stands for,” Blackwood says, explaining why Olandria embodies his brand’s DNA. “There’s something about her that’s fearless yet grounded. She doesn’t just wear clothes; she tells a story through them. That’s the kind of woman I design for someone who knows who she is and isn’t afraid to take up space.”
Bling, Bling
Olandria’s custom heels and bag by Brandon Blackwood for the CFDAs.
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“My shoes and purse are custom Brandon Blackwood as well—both custom made to match the finish of my gown. My jewelry is Versani.”
Her Evolving Sense of Style
Olandria’s custom Brandon Blackwood dress.
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“Seeing myself on television has been such an eye-opening experience. It’s taught me that style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you carry yourself,” Olandria says. “With that said, my sense of beauty has evolved into something more intentional and I’ve realized that confidence translates onscreen.”
Her Getting-Ready Playlist
Olandria and Brandon Blackwood heading to the CFDAs.
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“Anything Beyoncé.”
On the CFDA Awards
Brandon Blackwood helping Olandria get dressed for the CFDAs.
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“I’m really looking forward to seeing Donatella Versace,” Olandria says. “I’m so excited to see her be honored with the Positive Change Award. She has done such incredible work with and for the LGBTQ+ community and opening space for the younger generation.”
Her Style Icons
Olandria and Brandon Blackwood’s accessories for the CFDAs.
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“Naomi Campbell and Rihanna have always been style icons for me,” she says. “Naomi embodies power and her elegance is unmatched. Rihanna, on the other hand, redefines what it means to be fearless in fashion. She takes risks and blurs the line between streetwear and haute couture. Both women remind me that style isn’t about trends, it’s about owning who you are.”
What Makes Her Feel Confident
Olandria getting ready for the CFDAs.
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“I’m drawn to pieces that make a statement without shouting. I like to focus on silhouettes that flatter my figure and I love mixing classic sophistication with modern edge for my more tailored looks.”
Her After-Party Plans
Olandria and Brandon Blackwood.
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“After a big night, I love to slow everything down and just breathe it all in. The energy of an event can be so exciting, but once it’s over, I really value quiet moments to reflect and recharge,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll browse through my photos from the night and send a few messages to my team, just sharing gratitude for the night. It’s my way of closing the chapter with intention before easing back into my rhythm.”