From runway walks to real-world opportunities, Style Week 2026 is set to spotlight the region’s rising talent as JG Management presents the 13th annual Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition and the eighth annual Style Fashion Week, a platform that continues to open doors to the global fashion industry.
Organizer and founder of JG Management Inc., Jason Gardner, said this year’s competition will feature six contestants across three divisions — child, commercial, and fashion — with two participants in each category. The competition includes both male and female models.
Competing in the Child Division are Gianna Gugger of St. Croix and Kegan Brookes of the British Virgin Islands.
In the Commercial Division, contestants are Jeniqua Weekes of St. Croix and Malacoy Levons of the British Virgin Islands.
The Fashion Division includes Patricia Shakira Hendrickson of the British Virgin Islands and Mystiq Flax-Charles of St. Thomas.
Winners in each division will receive a round-trip ticket to New York City in July, where they will participate in agency visits with the purpose of securing professional representation.
“We go and visit different agencies in hopes of representation,” Gardner said. “We also have workshops, sightseeing, and we take them to see a Broadway show. It’s a full experience.”
Winners will also receive a management contract with JG Management and Sandy Bass International.
Gardner said contestants are selected through an annual audition process held in November, with different expectations depending on the division.
“For commercial, there’s no strict height requirement. We look for personality, we look at their walk, and we even give them a commercial script to read,” he said. “They have to have great energy.”
He added that commercial modeling also requires a polished look suited for advertising.
“When it comes to fashion modeling, it’s very specific in terms of height and body type and features,” he said. “They have to have strong, striking features.”
According to Gardner, judges are ultimately looking for contestants who are ready to compete in a demanding industry.
“New York is by far the most competitive,” he said. “So it takes a lot of preparation and determination.”
The competition includes multiple segments, but Gardner emphasized that one stands above the rest.
“The one-on-one is by far the most important,” he said. “That’s where they sit with the judges and really have to shine and show who they are.”
Additional segments include swimwear, TV commercial, commercial print, fashion print, couture, runway, high fashion and more. However, top scores in individual segments do not necessarily determine the overall winner.
Style Week events begin Thursday, with an invitation-only VIP Welcome Style Mixer at the JG Management Studio from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will feature light delicacies, complimentary drinks, networking opportunities, and a fashion presentation. Attendees are encouraged to follow a “trendy chic” dress code, and an RSVP is required.
Events continue Friday, with the Red, Black, and Silver Party at Sidney Lee Center, where contestants will meet judges and make their first impressions.
“That first impression is very important,” Gardner said.
The main competition will take place Saturday, also at the Sidney Lee Center.
Gardner said this year marks a major milestone for the event.
“This is the first time we’re going to have models from St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola all competing together,” he said. “We’ve never had that before.”
Contestants have been preparing for months leading up to the event.
“They train and prepare for four months, and we offer workshops as part of the package,” Gardner said. “Every year we aim to raise the bar higher and higher.”
He added that audiences can expect a dynamic and creative show.
“This year for sure, I truly believe we’re going to see some very creative fashions,” Gardner said.
The week concludes with an invitation-only island-style brunch on Sunday.
Tickets for the public events can be purchased at JG Management and Jane’s Bridal in Mount Pleasant, and from Sweet Magnolias Boutique on Strand Street in Christiansted.
