Olandria Carthen is quickly becoming a New York Fashion Week fixture. Fresh off appearances at Paris Haute Couture Week, the Love Island USA Season 7 breakout star stepped onto the Manhattan scene for a YSL Beauty event, turning heads in a striking black dress with a familiar silhouette. Carthen’s choice wasn’t just a stylish statement. it was a nod to a previous red carpet moment, reviving a four-year-traditional Saint Laurent design originally worn by Zoë Kravitz.
The YSL Beauty Presents LOVE 24/7 event marked the start of Carthen’s NYFW run, and she made a strong impression in the archival piece. Stylists Matthew and Reginald Reisman sourced the dress – a sleeveless shift with a perforated empire-length bust and strategically placed cutouts – from Saint Laurent’s Resort 2022 collection, altering it from its original long-sleeved design. The dress, known for its sculptural bust detailing and scalloped trim, has quickly become a modern classic within the fashion house.
Carthen’s ensemble featured the halter-style little black dress, accentuated by two-tone geometric earrings from Saint Laurent. The seem was completed with a sleek, combed-back hairstyle and a sophisticated makeup palette, according to reports from Filmogaz. The overall effect was a blend of elegance and daring style, solidifying Carthen’s reputation as a fashion month favorite.
The choice to revisit a look previously worn by Kravitz isn’t accidental. The Saint Laurent dress first gained prominence when Kravitz wore it to the London premiere of The Batman in 2022. The negative-space neckline and scalloped details were signature features of the design, cementing it as a recognizable piece from Anthony Vaccarello’s collection. Carthen’s revival explicitly referenced this earlier moment, a move that resonated with fashion insiders and observers.
This isn’t the first time celebrities have paid homage to iconic fashion moments. Recent examples include Blake Lively in a Versace dress originally worn by Britney Spears in 2002, Keke Palmer in a Chanel gown first donned by Jamie Lee Curtis in 1985, and Sydney Sweeney recreating Marilyn Monroe’s Ceil Chapman dress from 1953, as noted by multiple fashion publications. These instances highlight a growing trend of celebrating fashion history through modern interpretations.
Carthen’s accessories complemented the dress’s sharp lines. She paired the dress with black pointed-toe pumps and elegant silver jewelry, including statement dangling earrings and a coordinating ring. Her hair was styled in a sleek, wet look, further enhancing the ensemble’s architectural feel. A smoky eye, strong brows, and glossy lips completed the glamorous look, as detailed by Productive Clue.
The trend of wearing archival pieces is gaining momentum, offering a sustainable and stylish way to engage with fashion history. While Carthen’s choice is more modern than some of the vintage revivals seen recently, it still deserves recognition for its thoughtful nod to a previous red carpet moment. The dress itself, a black corset scallop edge halter dress, is available for purchase, inspiring fans to recreate the look.
As New York Fashion Week continues, all eyes will be on Carthen to notice what other statement looks she unveils. Her ability to blend classic elegance with bold, contemporary style positions her as a rising star on the fashion scene. The coming days promise further opportunities for Carthen to showcase her fashion prowess and solidify her status as a style icon.
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