MAYTEE MARTINEZ: Interview: 5 Questions with the Fabulous Karine Melissa

Maytee: How did you get started in the fashion industry?

Karine: Actually, I began as a model in my teenage years after my parents enrolled me in modeling schools like Barbizon and John Casablancas. I've walked in shows for Dadeland Mall and The Limited Inc. to name a few. Once I got the position at Barbizon as their Lead Instructor for Modeling, I fell in love with the production of fashion shows and the business aspect of the industry. That's when I started my journey into fashion design with Kimaje' Kreations Swim Collection and my journey into production with Fashion Designers Expo.

Maytee: Where do you get your design inspiration?

Karine: My partner Tahaji and I get our inspiration from the beauty of our home islands, Bahamas and Jamaica, tied in with the sexiness of the Miami flavor.

Maytee: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

Karine: Dream BIG. Believe that your ideas can change the world. Do it to impact lives and make a difference in someone else. Fashion has the power to make someone feel good about themselves, change their whole attitude about life, empower people, stir up self-confidence and self-esteem. Go for it and let nothing stop you; no matter what. Let your passion explode into reality.

Maytee: Tell us about FDE?

Karine: The Fashion Industry is experiencing an overturn in power. Some fight against it but before long, rising designers will begin to take the throne. Consumers are getting tired of hearing about the same designers, repeated fabrics, and mundane patterns over and over. They’re demanding something new; fresh model faces, unique makeup artistry, breathtaking wardrobe styling, and eccentric hairstylists. It’s time for the “emerging” to have a strong backing and a secure platform to introduce their passion to the world. That's Fashion Designers Expo!