Some of the models for Summer Sizzle BVI 2016 at Tortola Pier Park on July 14, 2016. Photo: VINO

The contestants for the Miss BVI Pageant were also at the Summer Sizzle BVI event at TPP on July 14, 2016. Photo: VINO

Terry T. Donovan, Founder and CEO of Summer Sizzle BVI. Photo: VINO

At the Welcome Culture and Style Party at Tortola Pier Park, last evening, July 14, 2016. Photo: VINO

Everything is being fine-tuned and guests have begun pouring into the island even as the action kicked off yesterday, July 14, 2016 with the Style Week BVI Shopping Event followed by the Welcome Culture and Style Party last evening, at the Tortola Pier Park. The shopping event will end on Saturday July 16, 2016.

Hundreds of guests in the fashion, photography, beauty, and even celebrity world, will be flocking the shores of the Virgin Islands (VI), including well-known international fashion photographer, author, and current host of “The Face”, Nigel Barker, who will be the host of the four-day event and Golden Globe Award winner and star of #1 hit show, Empire – actress Taraji P. Henson, is expected to make a special celebrity guest appearance.

“The breath-taking, panoramic landscape of the Virgin Islands is the ideal location and backdrop for a fashion celebration like Summer Sizzle BVI. We are delighted to have Nigel Barker as host and Taraji P. Henson who has continued to promote the event to an international audience,” said Terry T. Donovan, Founder and CEO of Summer Sizzle BVI.

The four-day weekend event, which is produced by Signature by Terry Donovan Events, will feature headline designers, including Rouland Mouret, Paris, Duro Olowu, London, Maria Cornejo, Chile, PRISM, London, CAPARA, Belgium, Arden Warhol, NYC, TOME, and NYC.

Other designers include Mark Anthon, Jamaica, Randy Madray, Guyana, Roger Gary, Cesar Galindo, Andrew Nowell and Carlton Jones from NYC will also show their collections.

Young VI designers in the spotlight

In addition, six of the territory’s most promising designers mentored by Kristin C. Frazer of Trefle Designs will make their debut during the newly minted BVI Emerging Designer Showcase segment of the Global Glamour Runway Show at the Multi-Purpose Sports Hall on July 16, 2016. They are Liliana O. Rhymer, Rhenique Cooper, Khadisha Isaac, Ruth N. Headlam, Sasha Richards and Akeem Stanley.

"I am so excited and proud of our young aspiring designers in the BVI and it gives me great pleasure to offer them this platform to promote their talent at Summer Sizzle BVI,” remarked Donovan.

There will be exclusive parties including on the island of Jost Van Dyke where guests will relax and unwind following a packed weekend on Sunday July 17, 2016.