From television personality to America’s Next Top Model, Bama Barbie’s breakout fame, influence, poised demeanor and Southern charm have won over all who watched her rise to stardom overnight. Stunning in multiple top magazines and modeling for acclaimed brands, as well as collaborating with multiple high-end brand partners now in her expanding circle, this Bama Barbie is an irresistible sight you can’t help but watch.
Olandria Carthen, commonly known as Olandria, was born in Decatur, Alabama, on May 29, 1998. Her southern origin played a big role in her life. She’s a Gen Z baby and the eldest sibling of two sisters and three brothers. Olandria’s main focus growing up was her educational prowess, rather than fame.
Attending Tuskegee University, she is a first-generation high school and college graduate who majored in supply management. Working as a salesperson in the elevator industry post graduation, Olandria highlighted her HBCU experience as the best five years of her life. In August 2025, she returned to the campus for a special event following her success.
On May 29, 2025, ironically the same date as her birthday, Olandria was announced as part of the seventh season of Love Island USA. She quickly became a standout contestant, going viral for her beauty and down-to-earth attitude. She finished as the runner-up with partner Nicolas Vansteenberghe, with their ship names Nicolandria and Vancarthens. The two remained a couple, even after the show’s premiere.
Olandria amassed one million followers on Instagram, building her fanbase as she gained major traction. She turned to her southern identity, gaining the nickname Bama Baribe from fans for her doll-like features and flawless style. She appeared at major events in fashion, quickly landing modeling contracts, speaking at conferences, lecturing at Harvard Business School, and even receiving the Women in Business Power and Purpose Award.
Obtaining other awards in EBONY Magazine, Power 100 2025 People’s Choice Award described her as the main character, alongside her beauty and self advocacy. Olandria has also been honored with the Visibility with Vision Award by Fortune & Forks. This award recognizes her rapid success and impact on behalf of women of color. She was also an honouree at theFemme it Forward 4th Annual, Give Her FlowHERS: Self-Love Award. Olandria dedicated it to “any woman who has ever questioned their worth.” Her other accolades include being recognized as 2025 Model of the Year from Readers’ Choice and Hello Beautiful’s 2025 Beauty of the Year.
The main topic in multiple articles celebrating her, to honor her influential talents, Cosmopolitan, Z-Stars Class of 2025 highlights Carthen and partner Vansteenberghe as Gen Z celebrities and Best New Couple, winning the title with over 90% of the vote. The Root, The Root 100 for being a diverse leader and having endless shine, EBONY, Top 25 Moments of 2025 for her relentlessness after facing racism from her “Love Island” castmates fanbases and biased media narratives, Ad Age, Top 5 Breakout Creators of 2025 for turning her fame into fortune, Vanity Fair, Best Performances of 2025 lighting her transition into the fashion industry, Revolt 26, Best-Dressed Celebrities of 2025 for her high fashion looks and respect for culture, Revolt 2025, Power List for her appeal, vulnerability, and “it factor you just can’t shake” they describe and “Paris Couture Week’s New Sweetheart” by W Magazine named breakout star and describes her latest model gig at Paris Couture and Paris Fashion week for her stunning looks.
Olandira began modeling in multiple ads after her success from her television debut as America’s sweetheart. She represented Australian Brand Kulani Kini’s in a bathing suit, Agua de Kefir, a fizzy probiotic drink brand inspired Mexican recipes, Sweetgreen, advertising their salads and grain bowls, UGG boots, and WNBA player Angel Reese’s basketball shoes, the Angel Reese 1.
Olandria was recently featured in New York Fashion Week 2026 wearing a zebra-print look, followed by a leopard jacket. She attended the Off-White Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear show in a chic, deep cut v top, marking her space in the industry.
For her first red carpet debut, Olandria attended the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in a strapless, fiery red gown designed by Cheney Chan. At her entrance into high fashion, the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, she was seen wearing a custom dark brown dress by Brandon Blackwood.
Olandria’s Golden Globes debut at the 2026 Globes Eve turned heads with her Seven Dejana custom black velvet bodice, with green beaded embroidery. She blessed the 83rd Golden Globes with her stunning appearance, receiving wide praise in a custom emerald green Christian Siriano gown and “Old Hollywood” glam look, giving a poised but dramatic flair.
Front in center for Harper’s BAZAAR Vietnam, she graced the cover as her first solo magazine cover, marking her territory in her modeling career. She was featured in the editorial, showcasing her rapid rise in fashion, highlighting her southern roots and HBCU advocacy.
Olandria Carthen is only getting started with her newfound stardom and immense fanbase to back her. From being on television under the world’s eye, then taking the world by storm, to multiple red carpet events and to the cover of magazines, she shows her immense beauty under her humble personality and knowledge. She’s not going anywhere besides up.
