Iggy Pickering stands to the right of Savannah James, who is seen sampling her Met Gala 2025 ensemble in the main frame. Photo: VIC

A proud Virgin Islander, Pickering has carved out a distinctive space in the global fashion scene as the founder of her brand, IGDALYAH, and as Lead Designer for Hanifa, a prominent Black-owned luxury fashion label. Her influence soared earlier this year when she played a key design role in crafting the custom gown worn by Savannah James, wife of NBA star LeBron James and honorary chair of the 2025 MET Gala.

Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Pickering joins a distinguished class of honorees selected for the Kickin' It Honors, the signature celebration of the Toast Gala. This year’s theme, “Together We Bloom,” speaks to the gala’s broader mission: uniting the community through cultural preservation and support of creative excellence across the Virgin Islands and the diaspora.

“Just as flowers flourish with care and nourishment, and bouquets and gardens are even more beautiful than a single stem, our community thrives when we come together,” said Kickin’ It founder Kyra James.

More than a celebration

James explained that the Toast to Culture gala was envisioned as more than a celebration. “We created this event last year to kick-off our journey as a non-profit organization and envisioned it to be a place where community members can get to know our mission more intimately and pledge to help, because it still takes a village.”

In addition to Pickering, actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae will receive the Global Influence Award, while other honorees include:

• Skylar Marshai & Temitope ‘Temi’ Ibisanmi, Content Creators – Creative Catalyst Awards

• Tenille Clarke, Storyteller and Publicist – Cultural Impact Award

• IYAZ, Singer/Songwriter – Trailblazer Award

• Michael Winter Jr., Photographer – Rising Star Award

These creatives represent a wide range of disciplines—from music and visual arts to storytelling and public relations—and are recognized as individuals shaping the cultural pulse of the region and beyond.

Tickets and seat requests for Toast Gala 2025 are now available at kickinitvi.com/toast, where attendees can also find more information about this year’s honorees, event schedule, and Kickin It’s mission.

Kickin It, a community-driven nonprofit, is dedicated to preserving Virgin Islands culture, empowering local creatives, and building inclusive spaces for both residents and the global diaspora. Proceeds from the gala will go toward creative fellowships, online cultural education programs, conference access, and the continued development of its digital cultural archive.