Inside Olandria Carthen’s Rise: Reality TV Fame, Brand Deals, and Fashion Success

What would it mean to you to have your childhood dreams come true? What would it mean to take a chance on yourself and do something uncomfortable and out of the ordinary? What would it mean if you took a chance on yourself and received both love and hate in return? It would mean remaining steadfast, authentic, and never allowing your fortitude to waver. That is the moral roadmap Olandria Carthen has followed during her rise to fame.

Olandria is the undeniable breakout star of Love Island season 7, and although the public first met her there, that is not where her story ended. She grew up tucked away in the countryside of Decatur, Alabama, and she has shared that since childhood, she dreamed of becoming a supermodel. Yet she never had the necessary connections, coming from such a small town.

Carthen attended the illustrious Tuskegee University and later moved to Houston, Texas, after graduating. She began working in the elevator industry, unaware that one “yes” would soon change her life. Love Island USA reached out to her in 2023 and again in 2024. She turned it down both times, unsure what the show was and whether it aligned with the path she envisioned for herself. However, in 2025, after a third interaction with the production team, Olandria said yes.

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She entered Love Island in search of love and hoping to launch her modeling career. During her time on the show, she endured pain and strife. The “Bama Barbie”—a nickname she gave herself before entering the villa because of her Southern roots and Barbie-like beauty—captured the hearts and attention of America with her elegance, class, and a face card that never declined. She wore Shein and made it look like high-fashion excellence.

While Olandria was in the villa navigating hardships and holding onto her integrity, she had no idea what awaited her outside. Her growing fan base kept a close eye on her Instagram page, and fans quickly noticed The Reismans commenting on one of her posts while she was still on the show. Matthew and Reginald Reisman are an unstoppable, well-respected married couple who also stand as the ultimate fashion duo.

They are widely known for their exceptional styling and tailoring skills. When Olandria left the villa as the runner-up for Love Island season seven alongside her romantic counterpart, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, her fans waited with anticipation. She stayed quiet, offering only brief glimpses at a time. It soon became clear that she had no intention of clinging to her reality TV fame or taking the road so many had taken before her. She was destined for more.

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This became undeniable during the Love Island press run in August. The Reismans styled Olandria throughout the entire week—every interview and appearance leading up to the season seven reunion and afterward. Carthen wore standout outfits such as a 1993 Gianni Versace mini dress, an electric blue two-piece set from Harbison Studio, and other looks that amplified the “Bama Barbie” nickname and signaled to the fashion industry that she had arrived as a force.

It was soon announced that she was the muse and life-size Barbie doll for the Reismans, her new stylists. Carthen further solidified her foundation in the fashion industry that September during New York Fashion Week, where she made her runway debut at the Sergio Hudson show modeling an abstract outfit featuring a dynamic orange, black, and nude jacket. The highlight of fashion week was the outfit she wore to the Off-White show. The contrast in her outfits, hair, and makeup showcased her versatility to the world and the industry. People quickly began to recognize what she had always known about herself. Women everywhere started feeling the “Olandria effect.” Many shared on social media how her journey has inspired them, and how her resilience and grace in the face of adversity encouraged them to never give up on their dreams.

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This was only the beginning of the mantle she was stepping into.

Olandria took to social media to express her deep appreciation for her supporters. She told her fans to gear up for November, affectionately renaming the month “Olavember.” Carthen has recently earned awards for her class, dignity, and self-assurance, including the Ebony Power 100 People’s Choice Award, the Visibility With Vision Award from the Fortune & Forks Foundation, and, most recently, the Self-Love Award from Femme It Forward. Furthermore, in November, Carthen launched editorial modeling campaigns with brands such as Reebok, Ugg, and Alexander Wang. Even with these notable strides, no one was prepared for the level of prestige she recently reached by landing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam.

You may wonder why the cover of Harper’s Bazaar is considered prestigious. What does it mean in the fashion industry? Harper’s Bazaar is one of the most respected publications in fashion. Historically, it is America’s first fashion magazine, founded in 1867, and it has served as a pillar for women. It was the first mainstream publication to support the Women’s Suffrage Movement and openly promote the independence and autonomy of women. Harper’s Bazaar is also known for its cultural awareness and for showing how fashion mirrors and responds to politics, cultural moments, and world events. Carthen’s incredible achievement in landing the cover lies not only in her womanhood but also in her cultural identity as a Black woman. A 2017 analysis found that only 3% of Harper’s Bazaar’s 348 covers featured Black women.

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After only four months out of the Love Island villa, Olandria joins notable Black women like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Naomi Campbell in landing a Harper’s Bazaar cover. Despite the love and hate she has received, Olandria has always said that her success is her revenge. She is a pillar of strength for women worldwide. She reminds us that believing in ourselves and staying rooted in our morals and identity, even in the face of adversity, will take us farther than we ever imagined. Six months ago, Olandria was working in corporate America selling elevators. Now, she is an editorial supermodel, earning awards for her poise, courage, and strength. Her story stands as a beacon of hope for what can happen when you tune out the noise, trust your own heart, and step into the moment with grace.

by Trinity Battle
Image Credit: XNY/Star Max/GC Images