After a hiatus of almost a decade, American fashion model and fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons is relaunching her mega brand, Baby Phat brand at Summer Sizzle BVI 2019. Photo: PlusPNG

Twenty years ago when Kimora Lee Simmons (in photo) launched Baby Phat, an extension of the Phat Pharm men’s label under her then-husband Russell Simmons’ Phat Fashions company, the Baby Phat show was one of the hottest invites and most coveted shows on the New York Fashion Week Calendar. Photo: pinterest

Puerto Rican Model, Nelly Campusano will be one of the guest models at Summer Sizzle BVI 2019. Photo: Provided

The 11th Summer Sizzle BVI, the Caribbean’s premier fashion and lifestyle will be a fusion of fashion, art, music and culture. It is scheduled for Thursday July 25 – Sunday July 28, 2019 in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: Summer Sizzle BVI

This year’s Summer Sizzle BVI line-up also includes collections from Cesar Galindo, Raphelita by David Rolle from Bahamas, Nikini Resort Wear, Shernicia Myers from St Vincent and the Grenadines, The Islander Swim Collection by our very own Andrea Wilson from the [British] Virgin Islands, Andrew Nowell, along swimwear and more. Photo: Summer Sizzle BVI

After a hiatus of almost a decade, Simmons is relaunching her mega brand, Baby Phat brand at Summer Sizzle BVI and “it’s going to be pure fire,” according to a press release from CEO and Executive Producer of Signature by Terry Donovan Events, the organisor of Summer Sizzle BVI, Terry T. Donovan on July 16, 2019.

The 11th Summer Sizzle BVI, the Caribbean’s premier fashion and lifestyle event, will be a fusion of fashion, art, music and culture. It is scheduled for Thursday July 25 – Sunday July 28, 2019 in the [British] Virgin Islands.

Simmons, according to the release, has said the label will be a mainstream sportswear collection for Millennials targeted to the mid-tier retail level. She plans on tapping into her amazing personal archive as inspiration for the collection, which will have retro elements that will be modernised, as well as new looks.

Simmons will also showcase her exquisite KLS collection which was launched last year, 2018, with Cesar Galindo as the Creative Director.

The American Simmons, Baby Phat, Korto Momolu, Project Runway Star, Zoey Grey and Uzuri International are among a roster of coveted fashion designers “ready to rock the runways” at Summer Sizzle BVI.

Summer Sizzle BVI 2019 will also debut Resort 2020 collections from international prominent and regional designers, along with top emerging designers.

The event will be hosted by Celebrity Guest Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashionbombdaily.com, and the industry’s leading fashion blogger and lifestyle influencer. "I absolutely love the British Virgin Islands--In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places on earth! I am excited to mix my love of fashion with travel, surf, and fun for yet another year at Summer Sizzle BVI!" Claire Sulmers said.

‘Hello Africa’

Another major highlight will be Zoey Grey, who will introduce the HELLO AFRICA collection designed to celebrate the beauty and symbolism found in Africa. The Limited Edition collection will donate a portion of their sales to a Children’s Education Project in Ethiopia.

“As a brand we believe that the basis for a truly successful organization is to practice a Profits-With-Principle philosophy. A portion of every sale goes toward building of an elementary school in Ethiopia! The great Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," and he was right! The Zoey Grey "HELLO AFRICA" Capsule Collection will introduce many of us to Adinkra symbols which represent various West African concepts or aphorisms. This collection empowers the consumer to choose beautiful and meaningful special occasions garments with a mission to help do our part to change the world, said Paulette Cleghorn, Creative Director of Ashdon Brands.

This year’s line-up also includes collections from Cesar Galindo, Raphelita by David Rolle from Bahamas, Nikini Resort Wear, Shernicia Myers from St Vincent and the Grenadines, The Islander Swim Collection by our very own Andrea Wilson from the [British] Virgin Islands, Andrew Nowell, along swimwear and more. The four day event will include a mix of international and local talent.

The schedule of events includes:

• Thursday, July 25 – Welcome Culture & Style Opening Party, in celebration of the 65^th Anniversary of BVI Festival @ D’CoalPot BVI Restaurant Bar & Grill, Carrot Bay, Tortola @ 8pm
• Friday, July 26 – Style Gala – Neon After Dark @ Quito’s Gazebo @ 8pm with music by DJ Grimm
• Saturday, July 27 - Global Glamour Runway Show at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex @ 7:30pm with music by DJ Commodore  & followed by the VIP After-Party  Aromas at Tortola Pier Park
• Sunday, July 28 - Sailing Excursion to Jost Van Dyke & Beach Party

According to Mr Donovan, Summer Sizzle BVI’s goal is to help inspire, “empower our creative youths in our community, offering them a platform in the areas of fashion, beauty and art. This year Summer Sizzle BVI will launch an Arts Fund to provide scholarship to selected students.”

Official sponsor for the event is the BVI Tourist Board, the Government of the Virgin Islands – Office of the Premier, Ministry of Education and Culture, Hon Neville A. Smith, Rufred Forbes and Associates, Popeye’s, JTV, Jahphix, Bob's Gas and Service Station, Skelton Group, Quito’s Gazebo and Inn, Road Town Wholesale Trading, D’Coal Pot BVI Restaurant Bar and Grill, Speedy’s, BizAy Virtual Assistant Services, Elite Photography and Whitecap films.

Virgin Islands News Online is one of the media partners.