TORTOLA — U.S. Virgin Islands native Yaya DaCosta, a noted actress and model, is expected to bring her blend of talent and charisma as host of the British Virgin Islands Summer Sizzle’s Global Glamour Runway Show this weekend.
Now in its 14th year, local and visiting models are set to take to the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, but activities kick off as early as Wednesday and end on Sunday.
Show producer and CEO Terry Donovan said that Summer Sizzle BVI is a fashion and lifestyle destination experience creating an epic mix of fashion, art, music, beauty and culture. Celebrities, VIP guests, international and local models, kid models, fashion designers, beauty insiders, media influencers, local artists, and top DJs, are all lined up for the event.
DaCosta, of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 3, captivated audiences as Andrea Freeman, a cut-throat prosecutor in the second season of Netflix hit drama, “The Lincoln Lawyer.” She also had roles in “Ugly Betty,” “Our Kind of People” and “Chicago Med.” Noteworthy, credits include her portrayal in the jazz biopic “Bolden” alongside Nelsan Ellis, Ian McShane, and Gary Carr, as well as her starring role in the 2015 Whitney Houston biopic “Whitney,” directed by Angela Bassett.
“Although I grew up spending summers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this will be my first time visiting the British Virgin Islands,” DaCosta said. “Hosting the Summer Sizzle BVI Global Glamour Runway Show speaks to two prominent yet different aspects of my personality: the one who loves luxury and high fashion, and the one who loves leisure and high tides.”
Saturday’s Global Glamour Runway Show is the weekend’s highlight, providing a leading platform for emerging and international designers to showcase summer and resort collections ranging from designer ready-to-wear to evening wear for both men and women.
The designer lineup includes Sergio Hudson, Irina Shabayeva, Project Runway season six winner Coral Castillo, A. Potts, Cesar Galindo, Carlton Jones, Andrew Nowell, David Antonio, Jaer Caban, and BVI brands including The Islander Swim Collection by Andrea Wilson, and BVI’s own Audrey Blake and Morgan Creque, whom are presenting their debut collection.
The show will be choreographed by Memsor Kamarake, celebrity stylist, and the children’s presentation will be in partnership with “Who’s Styling Who”, and Khaliah Clark, a celebrity stylist.
“We are delighted to have Tippi Shorter, celebrity hairstylist and Mizani’s Global artistic director, returning with six of her top hairstylists and makeup artists to support the event,” Donovan said. “We also welcome back Stacy Gray, celebrity hairstylist, and Ashunta Sheriff, a celebrity makeup artist, who will travel with her entourage of friends within the beauty industry. I am very grateful for their continued support for Summer Sizzle BVI and the Virgin Islands.”
Other celebrities include Joel Steingold, an actor who is currently playing the role of Marcus St. John on “The Chi,” and Jacobi Graham, a model and fitness guru who can be currently seen on “Love Island USA Season 6.”
The show will feature the Cape Air Dress-to-impress contest. Three women and men will be selected by a judging panel and will face off on the runway. The winners will be determined by the crowd’s applause, with each receiving a round-trip ticket on Cape Air to anywhere the airline flies in the Caribbean.
“The BVI benefits from Summer Sizzle BVI,” Donovan said. “Our guests leave the BVI raving about the event and the destination and promote the BVI within their network, social media, at other events, and with family and friends. Over the years Summer Sizzle BVI has played an incredible role in building event tourism in the Virgin Islands.”
Art meets fashion gala — Local artists will showcase their work at Long Bay Beach Resort on a three-day display. The artists will also have an opportunity to display at the Global Glamour Runway Show on Saturday.
Interested artists should contact Juliana Georges at (284)345-2064. VIP tickets are $125 and general tickets are $50.
Welcome Party — A welcome party will be held at Prime Restaurant on Thursday. VIP tickets costs $85 and general tickets are $40.
Beauty trends — A beauty trends event is scheduled for Friday at Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort. Skilled hair and makeup artists will collaborate with leading figures in the beauty industry
Global Glamour Runway Show — VIP Premium, $250. VIP front row, $200. VIP second row, $200 and general seating, $50
Beach BBQ — Summer Sizzle BVI will end with a sailing excursion and beach BBQ party scheduled for Virgin Gorda on July 28. Tickets costs $125.
