Fashion
Celebrity Style
@mayajama @reeree.f
The Love Island host has been back on our screens for two weeks and we’re already obsessed
10 July 2023
Ok, yes, we’re loving the body representation on this summer’s Love Island (not every woman is a size 6 and 6ft tall and it’s great to see, thank you ITV2), but if we’re being honest, it’s not about the Islanders this season. Host Maya Jama has completely stolen the show.
If you watched the last season (Maya’s first) back in January, you won’t be surprised by this claim. While she only made appearances around the fire pit for dramatic dumpings (I can see how odd this phrase seems if you’re not an avid LI watcher) or on Sundays for Love Island: Aftersun – the Sunday-night episode dissecting all the gossip from the week – she made sure that when she was present, she was noticed.
She’s been back gracing our screens for her second season for the past fortnight, and she’s taking no prisoners – Maya’s amazing stylist Rhea Francois is pulling out all the stops. From statement sequins to cut-out gowns, these Maya Jama’s best Love Island outfits ever.
The bombshell dress
There’s no time we’re glued to our screens as much as we are for the Casa Amor recoupling episode, and Rhea and Maya made good use of the moment with a striking Grace Ling dress.
The cut-out Grecian-style gown made sure all eyes were on our favourite host for one of the most jaw-dropping episodes of the season – no spoilers!
The fancy LBD
I’ll bet almost every woman has a Little Black Dress they turned to in times of need (OK, when you need a simple but glam look that you know you’ll feel great in), and Maya is just like the rest of us! Designer Nensi Dojaka is renowned for sleek, figure-skimming dresses with cut-outs and strappy details galore, so it was a great choice to enter the villa in and have heads turning.
The mermaidcore dress
What an incred summer-ready dress – this Clio Peppiatt number is giving mermaidcore in the best possible way. Maya wore this embellished feather-trimmed mini for Love Island: Aftersun in the last series, and Twitter went crazy for the fun-loving style. The real deal will set you back a cool £1550, but thanks to The Little Mermaid, aquatic-inspired pieces (from tie-dye dresses to fish-shaped jewellery) are all over the high street right now.
The It two-piece
If you’ve got a summer holiday in the diary or a festival with friends, you’ll likely already have crochet on the radar. The fact that it’s equal parts warm and cool thanks to the loose knit weave makes it perfect for summer in the UK, or for hosting in the South African heat if you’re Maya Jama. This scarlet two-piece gave all the statement summer vibes and ensured all eyes were on her.
Head to NaKd Fashion and Mango for similar crochet co-ord vibes.
The crochet halter dress
Well, if it ain’t broke… For the first episode of Maya’s second Love Island season, she opted for a dress that combined two tried and tested favourite properties: cut-outs and crochet – and to excellent effect. If you were on the hunt for the perfect outfit for heatwave evenings this summer, consider the search over. This & Other Stories midi version, and ASOS option complete with midriff cut-out, are great contenders.
The sexy cut-out gown
Avid fans will know that the highly-anticipated Casa Amor episode requires special consideration. Whether that’s an at-home screening with your mates for added lols, or solo (with snacks) to limit any distractions. For Maya, this episode rightly warranted her hottest outfit to date.
In a full-length red Laquan Smith number complete with thigh-high slit, slinky body-skimming cut and multiple cut-outs, it bought extra drama to the episode.
The ‘body’ dress
I’m going to go as far as to say this is Maya’s most iconic Love Island look to date. The host posted images to her Instagram ahead of the episode that evening stating that she was ‘popping back in the villa tonight…’ and caused a storm. The illusion dress, alongside gorgeous glam, basically broke the internet that evening, and since, body illusion midi dresses have been cropping up on the high street. An icon.
The Barbiecore ruffled summer dress
For her first ever Love Island: Aftersun, Maya wore a bubblegum ruffled dress by Black-owned label Hanifa. In a summer-friendly seersucker fabric, it featured a ring detail which combined the top and bottom half of the dress and added interest. Combined with the off-the-shoulder sillhouette and, thanks to the upcoming Barbie movie, the trending pretty pink hue, it quickly became the internet’s favourite summer dress, setting Maya off to a strong fashion start for Love Island – and it was only upwards from there.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a fashion expert and enthusiast, I have closely followed Maya Jama's style journey on Love Island. Maya's fashion choices have consistently impressed me, showcasing her impeccable sense of style and her stylist, Rhea Francois's, talent for creating stunning outfits.
One concept that stands out in Maya's wardrobe is body representation. Love Island has made a conscious effort to showcase diverse body types, and Maya's outfits reflect this commitment. She has worn figure-flattering dresses that celebrate different body shapes, challenging the traditional beauty standards often seen in the fashion industry.
Another concept that Maya's outfits embody is the use of statement pieces. From sequins to cut-outs, Maya's looks never fail to make a statement. Her stylist, Rhea Francois, has pulled out all the stops, ensuring that Maya is noticed whenever she's on screen. The attention to detail in her outfits, such as the striking Grace Ling dress, adds an extra layer of intrigue and captivates the audience.
Maya also embraces current fashion trends, such as mermaidcore and crochet. Her Clio Peppiatt mermaid-inspired dress and scarlet crochet two-piece demonstrate her ability to effortlessly incorporate these trends into her wardrobe. Maya's fashion choices not only reflect her personal style but also influence the high street fashion scene, with similar styles appearing in popular stores like NaKd Fashion and Mango.
Cut-outs and crochet are recurring elements in Maya's outfits. She knows how to rock these features, combining them in unique ways. For example, her dress for the Casa Amor episode combined both cut-outs and crochet, creating a visually stunning and attention-grabbing look. This combination has proven to be a winning formula for Maya, as it accentuates her figure and adds a touch of allure.
Maya's fashion choices have even sparked trends, such as the body illusion midi dresses. Her iconic "body" dress, which caused a storm on social media, has inspired high street brands to create similar styles. Maya's influence as a fashion icon is undeniable, and her ability to set trends is a testament to her fashion-forward choices.
In summary, Maya Jama's fashion journey on Love Island showcases her impeccable style and her stylist's talent for creating stunning outfits. Her outfits embody concepts such as body representation, statement pieces, current fashion trends, and the use of unique elements like cut-outs and crochet. Maya's fashion choices have not only captivated the audience but have also influenced the fashion scene, making her a true fashion icon.
