Mystiq M. Flax-Charles has won the 2026 VI Model of the Year in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. Photo: DEAR Productions

Mystiq M. Flax-Charles in swimwear at the 2026 VI Model of the Year. Photo: DEAR Productions

Mystiq M. Flax-Charles in Couture Runway, with an element of surprise, at the 2026 VI Model of the Year. Photo: DEAR Productions

Mystiq M. Flax-Charles (left) after winning 2026 VI Model of the Year in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. Photo: DEAR Productions

The event, hosted by Jason Jgmusvi Gardener, took place this past weekend in St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). 

Mystiq competed in several categories beginning Friday, April 10, 2026, with the Black, Red and Silver Affair, where he, along with the other contestants, introduced themselves to the judges. 

The categories judged were Fashion Model, Swimwear, Couture Runway (with an element of surprise), TV Beauty Commercial, Fashion Print (photoshoot), High Fashion and One-on-One Interview with the judges. At the end of the competition, Mystiq placed first in all categories except the TV Beauty Commercial, in which he placed second. 

His looks were designed and created by VI fashion designer Germain Smith. 

Months of preparation

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), his mother, Shereen D. Flax-Charles, said there were months of preparation leading up to the event beginning in November 2025. 

The contestants had to participate in 9 workshops, including the business of modelling, the fashion industry, fitness, and hair care. In March 2026, the contestants modelled denim clothing during Kids Rock. “So it was a full package,” she said. 

Mystiq told our news centre, “The experience was amazing! All the support from my family and friends was there. Thanking God for such a wonderful opportunity to work with Jason Gardener and his team at JG Management USVI, Germain Smith of Kym’Asia, my designer and Eileen Pondt for her sales of the raffle tickets.”

He added that hard work pays off, admitting that a lot of energy, time and dedication went into this. 

“I will continue to show my perseverance towards the things that I am passionate about”

Of her son’s accomplishments, Mrs Flax-Charles said, “We are very proud parents…we are very excited, we feel good about it.”

One challenge 2 summers ago changed everything

Mrs Flax-Charles told our news centre that after Mystiq graduated from Ciboney Centre for Excellence in 2024, she challenged him to get out of the house for the summer instead of spending the holiday gaming. Her son, she revealed, is also a gamer, and she encouraged him to audition for Summer Sizzle BVI. 

“He had no idea what it was. I told him what it was. He was a little hesitant, but I told him that I would attend every session with him sitting in the background, and if I couldn’t go, his father would go, and that is what we did.”

Mystiq participated in Summer Sizzle for two years before photographer Dwight Francis suggested he take part in VI Model of the Year because he “saw a lot of potential in him”, his mother said. 

“Sometimes as a parent, you have to think outside of the box about things that kids are not interest in, but you never know, they might learn to love it, and in this case, that’s what happened with Mystiq,” Flax-Charles said, adding her son is no stranger to the stage as he is also a musician who plays 10 instruments. He is currently enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas, studying Music Education and Performance

New York, Paris & Milan 

No stranger to the stage, Mystiq modelled for New York Fashion Week, walking for Andrea A.K. Wilson and M-Organic- VI inspired swimwear and resort wear by Morgan Creque. As part of his winnings, he will travel to New York to meet casting directors and model agencies.

“We’re excited, it’s a tough industry, but once you’re disciplined and it’s something that you want, you go for it,” his mom added. 

She thanked everyone who supported Mystiq on this journey, including Mr Nice Guy, Speedy’s, Terry T. Donovan from Summer Sizzle BVI, Andrea K.R. Wilson, Morgan Creque, Dwight Francis, and persons in the VI and the USVI who support him. 

“All of these people really played a part…we just want to thank everyone. Look out for him, from a tiny island to the runways of New York, and we’re looking at Paris and Milan as well.”

Flax-Charles encouraged other young people to “Follow your dreams, you don’t know where it will take you.”