Career
On May 29, 2025, Carthen was announced as part of the cast for the seventh season of Love Island USA. [3] Carthen, alongside Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe, went on to place second overall in the finale. [4] Carthen went viral throughout the show for her beauty, the representation that she brought to the season, and for her relationship with Vansteenberghe, which was named a cultural phenomenon by CNN and "a beloved part of reality couple history". [5] [6] [7]
After her appearance on Love Island USA, Carthen signed with Digital Brand Architects, a management firm owned by United Talent Agency. [8] Carthen modeled for brands such as Kulani Kinis, Agua de Kefir, and Sweetgreen alongside Vansteenbergh, and collaborated with NYX Cosmetics for an official “Nicolandria” lip kit, which sold out in minutes. [9] [10] Carthen partnered with Microsoft and used her Copilot campaign to highlight the history of Tuskegee University and the importance of HBCUs. [11] Carthen has also partnered with Vaseline, Aveeno, and Reebok. [12] [13]
On October 6th, 2025, Carthen was the keynote speaker during the Her Conference “Butterfly Tour” stop at Texas A&M University, where she discussed the importance of higher education. [14] On October 23rd, 2025, Carthen also spoke at ZCON in Los Angeles, an event focused on important conversations with young leaders examining how to build a better digital future. [15]
After solidifying a working relationship with stylist duo Matthew and Reginald Reisman, and wearing a number of viral looks curated by the stylist team, Carthen made her runway debut at the Sergio Hudson Spring/Summer 2026 show during New York Fashion Week in September 2025. [16] [17] She was a featured guest at other notable fashion shows in that same week, including the Off-White Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear show, the Alexander Wang Spring 2026 fashion show, and the Theophilio Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show. [18] [19] She was recognized by Vogue as one of the best beauty looks at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards and modeled in UGG’s Fluff Momma boot campaign in October 2025. [20] [21] Carthen also attended the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards in November 2025 in a gown designed by Brandon Blackwood. [22]
Carthen was recognized by EBONY Magazine as a nominee for the People's Choice Award at the 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala, an annual event highlighting influential figures in Black culture. Carthen, who was noted by the magazine as "an influencer on their way to icon status," was nominated for the award amongst other high-profile Black celebrities, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Jasmine Crockett, Audra McDonald, Taylor Townsend, and Elmiene. [23] Carthen was announced as the winner of the EBONY People's Choice Award on October 9, 2025 in a Variety exclusive. [24] On October 20, 2025, Carthen was honored as a member of Cosmopolitan 's Z-Stars Class of 2025, a group of Gen-Z talents recognized by the magazine "who define trends, influence millions, and entertain the masses" and play "a vital role in molding our culture". [25]
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