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Premier Wheatley showcases VI designer talent @NY Fashion Week

Virgin Islands talent shone brightly on the global stage in New York City when the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), made a bold statement through fashion at the "I’Landed in the Big Apple" runway event. Photo: Facebook
In a Facebook post, it was noted that
In a Facebook post, it was noted that "Premier Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley delivered a bold NYC moment in support of local fashion designers on February 14, 2026, at the New York City I’Landed runway showcase, amplifying a message that Virgin Islands talent stands among the world’s finest." Photo: Facebook
Designer wear by Andrea Wilson of the Virgin Islands at the New York Fashion Week. Photo: JTV/Facebook
Designer wear by Andrea Wilson of the Virgin Islands at the New York Fashion Week. Photo: JTV/Facebook
NEW YORK, United States- Virgin Islands talent shone brightly on the global stage in New York City when the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), made a bold statement through fashion at the "I’Landed in the Big Apple" runway event.

The showcase took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as part of a high-profile "Virgin Islands Takeover" during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). 

Runway showcased pieces from VI countries

"I’Landed in the Big Apple – The VI Takeover" focused on celebrating Caribbean culture, island style, and international flair. The event, organised by the Islander Swim Collection, featured a models competition with over 80 participants from the Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and the UK.

Premier Wheatley attended the showcase and appeared on the runway wearing a standout piece from the Ocean Odyssey collection by local designer Andrea Wilson.

Premier delivered 'bold statement' 

In a Facebook post, it was noted that "Premier Wheatley delivered a bold NYC moment in support of local fashion designers on February 14, 2026, at the New York City I’Landed runway showcase, amplifying a message that Virgin Islands talent stands among the world’s finest."

By wearing the striking piece from Andrea WilsonVI's Ocean Odyssey collection, the Premier showcased the beauty and resilience of the VI on the global stage.

38 Responses to “Premier Wheatley showcases VI designer talent @NY Fashion Week”

  • Color code (17/02/2026, 11:56) Like (33) Dislike (8) Reply
    That’s orange color jumpsuit don’t sit right with me !
    This a message !
  • tola (17/02/2026, 12:02) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Strupes
  • HUH!!! (17/02/2026, 12:11) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    And they put him in an orange jumpsuit???????????
    • Really? (02/03/2026, 06:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I thought the same. Andrea is not thinking of the BVI, she is using it as a stepping stone to move to the USA like all the others, so she dont care what the image of the BVI is. She should not have been chosen to represent us. And if she did go to fashion week she should have represented herself and native land. Afterall she is not a Virgin Islander and can easily return to Guyana if things dont go her way.
  • question (17/02/2026, 12:23) Like (43) Dislike (4) Reply
    What about the people's work ? Water supply, cleanliness of the territory, cost of living, roads ? All I see is trips and social functions. I agree these things need to be done as well, but what about the people ?
  • J (17/02/2026, 12:24) Like (35) Dislike (4) Reply
    I don’t know if that orange jumpsuit is sending the right message…lol
  • well my peace (17/02/2026, 12:37) Like (36) Dislike (8) Reply
    THIS IS WHAT HE GOING AWAY ON OUR MONEY TO DO?
  • confused (17/02/2026, 13:00) Like (37) Dislike (4) Reply
    I seriously thought this was a fake AI story at first.

    Can you imagine anywhere else on this planet where the Premier, THE PREMIER, goes abroad on tax payers $ and takes part in a catwalk. Oh. My. Good. Lord.

    I’ll let everyone else draw comparisons to this ‘striking piece’ to another, similar style outfit. Is Natalio auditioning to wear the real thing?
  • asking for a friend (17/02/2026, 13:04) Like (25) Dislike (4) Reply
    Who paid for that trip?
  • Party premier (17/02/2026, 13:56) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now cat walking… lol what next
  • LOL (17/02/2026, 14:02) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    not the first Premiere in an orange jumpsuit
  • Really (17/02/2026, 14:08) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    Same outfit as currently worn by Andrew Fahie :-)
  • BUSY BEE (17/02/2026, 14:12) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Hon. Premier's immediate predecessor is probably wearing the same orange jumpsuit.
    The Hon. Mr. Wheatly should have gone for a different, less suggestive colour.
  • El Demonio Negro (17/02/2026, 14:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    What kind of SODOMATICAL event our leader into? New York? Don't call it HELLS KITCHEN for no reason. Probably by couple 5k worth designer high heels for the 1st lady.
  • what (17/02/2026, 14:32) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    Who ever is advising him needs to be fired. Not a good look, was the orange jumpsuit a tribute to the big man.
  • D.O.C (17/02/2026, 15:02) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    That’s what she took to NYC to embarrass herself and us. Now it looks like 2 of our premiers are in prison. All the outfit is missing is department of corrections on the back.
  • doug (17/02/2026, 15:34) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    The new prison wear.
  • @ what (17/02/2026, 15:43) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    YOU MAY HAVE A POINT THERE / SO .MAYBE HE'S GETTING FAMILIAR ~ " WID D COLOZ ") AH HOPE HE IS PRACTING THE b" MOONWALK " - CSC DONE SAY , HE'S GOING TO BE FIRING ALL " 13 AH DEM "
  • Aaargh (17/02/2026, 16:27) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Natalio Natalio Natalio my friend you not thinking straight. What kind of jailbird thing this is? You were drinking or what?
  • FACIAL EXPRESSION (17/02/2026, 16:45) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Smiley, is saying )> all yo boi need now is ah couple ah *GOLD CHAINS * round meh neck , and ah couple ah * GOLD RINGS * on meh fingers , an you Boi is ah * ORIGINAL GANSTER *
  • asura (17/02/2026, 19:25) Like (0) Dislike (20) Reply
    thanks Dr for your continue support of the arts Mr Premier we the people continue to be proud of you
  • WHAT!!! (17/02/2026, 19:47) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Traveling again on our money, what a waste.
  • hmm (17/02/2026, 19:49) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    No rent control
    No price control
    Cost of living sky high
    No water
    Roads are horrible
    Prisoner still on the loose
    DPP losing every case
    Tax $$ disappearing
    But the party God doing what he does best
    All 13 must go
  • Mark (17/02/2026, 20:08) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Myron got it right, whenever there is a party/fete then this premier is there. I just hope its not my tax money sponsor that trip? Becuz this man really showing he ain't got nothing to do beside being on a plane every week.
  • FIRE (17/02/2026, 20:34) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is a American he is, no surprise here.
  • What? (18/02/2026, 07:56) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doesn't he have more pressing things to do?
  • yall shut up (18/02/2026, 08:03) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
    He looks great and the others look great to as well instead you all be happy we don't have a stuck up premier. HATERS GON HATE ALL THE TIME. I really don't see the big deal at all.
  • %100 raise (18/02/2026, 08:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wondering if he went to visit the Drew.
  • Quietly (18/02/2026, 15:11) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yep, this confirms it. Our Honourable Premier and all of his Cabinet actually believes that they won a popularity contest. They have no idea, the responsibility and work that comes with these positions. That is exactly why they are not doing a doggone thing but spending the taxpayers money on non-essential things like this. They are quick to tell you there is no money for essential things but the non-essentials are well funded. I do not agree that all 13 must go, but the present Government definitely needs to go back to their old life of loafing. That's what they seem to be good at.
  • Illumination (18/02/2026, 15:54) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    If you all will open your third eye and see that this runway ritual is to bury one of their own well you all blind like Stevie Wonder.

    They are all demon in disguise and using innocent souls to carry out their mission.

    Natalio wrong for that!

  • ausar (18/02/2026, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    THIS, is some good stuff!

    Always good to see the leadership, involved, in these types of activities!
    • @ausar (20/02/2026, 17:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I would understand and agree with you if this was a local fashion show. A show all the way in New York City? Nah, sorry, he should have no time for this type of bull shiggidy. A waste of tax payers money and a wast of his time. He is the Premier for Heaven's sake. How does he find the time for this type of nonsense? So at Village Cay, yes, but New York City, sorry, but a big fat no. He is acting like an idle person when he and his Cabinet are falling down on all of their responsibilities.
  • Concerned (18/02/2026, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Andrew chose the beige option.
  • Yes (19/02/2026, 08:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He finds time frolic, but can't even visit A.F


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