New York Fashion Week Was Basically a 'Love Island USA' Reunion

After spending two months shackled to the unhealthy obsession that was “Love Island USA” Season 7, most fans (ahem, me) assumed that once fall came around, they could move on to new interests (such as “Love Island Games” Season 2).

New York Fashion Week, however, had different plans: Islanders were the irrefutable MVPs of this Spring 2026 season, demanding everyone’s attention (even when standing alongside theoretically “bigger” names, such as Cardi B., Mary J. Blige, Law Roach, Ciara and Paris Jackson).

Season 7 winner Amaya Espinal banked the most NYFW appearances — fitting, given her New York City native status — sitting front row at Collina Strada, Kim Shui, Area, Andrew Kwon, Oh Polly, Bronx and Banco, Luar and Cynthia Rowley. “Bama Barbie” Olandria Carthen and “Big Belgian” Nicolas Vansteenberghe (together known as The VanCarthens or Nicolandria) stole the spotlight at every show they attended, which included Off-White and Alexander Wang. Carthen also appeared solo at Theophilio and Area, and walked the runways of both Sergio Hudson and the Raising Cane’s fashion show (yes, the chicken place).

Nicolandria wasn’t the only “Love Island” couple present: TJ Palma and Iris Kendall re-hard launched their relationship at Luar’s show. 

Meanwhile, Chelley Bissainthe walked for LaTouche at the Harlem’s Fashion Row 2025 Style Awards and Runway Show, and sat front row alongside Kendall and Espinal at Bronx and Banco. 

Every season, there’s a breakout celebrity that dominates headlines and social feeds. This time around, it was a group effort, with each Islander getting plenty of buzz and attention. (Though, if we really had to choose a winner….well, we’ll let the Islanders vote for that one.)

Scroll down to see the standout “Love Island” appearances at the NYFW Spring 2026 shows.

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Source: Fashionista.com