The hit reality show “Love Island USA” has taken the world by storm, and it’s no surprise that its impact on current culture is undeniable. While there have been many love-centered reality shows in the past, “Love Island USA” stands out with its unique concept of secluding contestants on an island to find true love. The show’s seventh season has been particularly influential, with memorable moments such as Olandria Carthen and Nicolas Vansteenberghe’s kiss that caused a frenzy at “Love Island” watch parties. But one standout moment that continues to capture our attention is Amaya Espinal’s (aka our sensitive gangster) choice to wear a muumuu in episode 28.
While Amaya’s bubbly personality and quick wit have given us plenty of meme-worthy moments, her muumuu is more than just a piece of clothing that has gone viral on TikTok. In an interview with the Today show, Amaya revealed that she only had a day to prepare for the show before being flown to Fiji. In a rush, she threw a bunch of clothes into her suitcase, including the muumuu she had picked up during a trip to Portugal. “Bringing that piece back to the villa reminded me of my travels and reminded me of the good days whenever I was having a bad one,” she shared. “It was more than a dress for sure – it really made me feel grounded.”
Aside from the sentimental value it holds for Amaya, the muumuu also holds cultural significance that is worth noting. The comfortable dress can be traced back to the early 19th century when Christian missionaries in Hawaii influenced native women to wear it as a way to promote modesty. Over time, Hawaiian women adapted a more casual, sleeveless version known as the “holokĹ«” for everyday wear, which eventually evolved into the muumuu. Today, the dress style is still widely accepted in Western culture and is often a go-to choice for vacations, Hawaiian-themed parties, and more. And it’s not just regular people who have embraced the muumuu – celebrities like Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, and Gayle King have also been spotted wearing them on vacation.
Amaya’s choice to wear a muumuu on the show is a powerful statement of diversity and modesty. It’s refreshing to see a reality show contestant embrace a different style and challenge the notion that showing skin is the only way to be deemed attractive. In the scene where she wore the muumuu, her partner Bryan Arenales even complimented her look, proving that you don’t always need to reveal a lot of skin to be desired – especially in the eyes of your romantic partner.
While Amaya’s exact dress may not be available to purchase, there are plenty of similar options that exude the same level of style and confidence. Some great alternatives include the Unique Kaftans Floral Print Long Tunic Dress ($3, originally $10), JaipurCraftandArt Cotton Kaftan ($27, originally $75), and H&M Oversized Kaftan Dress ($75).
Naomi Parris, an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York, is a true fashion and beauty expert. With over eight years of experience and previous roles on the brand’s Beauty and Operations teams, she has a keen eye for telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to publications such as Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she’s not curating shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog “Eli-Nay,” where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.
In conclusion, Amaya’s choice to wear a muumuu on “Love Island USA” has not only made a statement about diversity and modesty but has also brought attention to the cultural significance of this comfortable and stylish dress. It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about following trends, but also about expressing oneself and embracing different styles. And with the help of fashion experts like Naomi Parris, we can continue to explore and celebrate the intersection of fashion, beauty, and culture.
