Kenya, Sept. 16 -- Iris and TJ Love Island reunion has fans shipping the duo once more after former "Love Island USA" Season 7 contestants Iris Kendall and TJ Palma were spotted looking cosy at New York Fashion Week on September 15, 2025, just weeks after Kendall's messy split from finalist Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez over cheating allegations.
The pair, who sparked an early spark in the show's steamy Fiji villa before Palma's elimination, shared affectionate moments at a glitzy afterparty, reigniting memories of their playful connection and drawing cheers from supporters on X amid talks of post-show romance twists.
The sighting came during the bustling NYFW scene at Spring Studios, where Kendall, the 25-year-old model from Los Angeles, turned heads in a sleek black mini dress, while Palma, the 27-year-old entrepreneur from Orange County, matched her vibe in a tailored suit.
Paparazzi caught them laughing arm-in-arm, whispering closely amid the crowd of influencers and celebs, a far cry from the villa drama that saw Kendall pivot to Garcia-Gonzalez after Palma's exit in Episode 15.
Their post-show history adds layers: after the July 2025 finale, Kendall and Garcia-Gonzalez seemed solid as one of the final four couples, but whispers of infidelity surfaced during the August 25 reunion, which the pair skipped, leading to their unfollow on Instagram and a confirmed breakup.
Meanwhile, Palma had hinted at lingering feelings in a Us Weekly interview, saying Kendall's "initial instinct was to leave with me," fuelling speculation even then. This Iris TJ Love Island reunion taps into the show's enduring appeal, where villa bonds often resurface outside the cameras.
Fans on X flooded timelines with clips from their early dates, like beachside chats and flirty challenges, contrasting it with the backlash Garcia-Gonzalez faced for allegedly cheating with a mystery woman exposed on Snapchat.
The positive vibe for Kendall and Palma, a mixed-race pairing, has sparked deeper conversations about racial double standards in reality TV reactions. While Black couples like Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen from the same season drew intense scrutiny over every move, even in their fan-favourite status, Kendall and Palma's casual hangout earns heart emojis and "second chance" memes.
One viral thread noted, "Iris and TJ look genuine; why do Black islanders get dragged for less?" highlighting how media narratives can amplify biases in post-show dating. The encounter also nods to Season 7's chaotic legacy, hosted by Ariana Madix, which broke viewership records on Peacock with its mix of drama and heartfelt moments.
Kendall, who entered as an original islander, navigated bombshells like Hannah Fields' arrival, ultimately choosing Garcia-Gonzalez for the finale. Now single, her NYFW appearance with Palma implies that their July Los Angeles meetup's closure chats have transformed into something more intimate, potentially exploring the romantic energy of the fashion world.
As the Iris TJ Love Island reunion stories circulate, it reminds viewers why the show thrives on unexpected reconnections and real-talk accountability. With fans rooting for their chemistry to bloom beyond the villa, free from the toxicity that sank Kendall's last pairing, this moment could signal a fresh chapter, challenging outdated tropes and celebrating diverse love stories in the spotlight of New York's style frenzy.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.