MAYTEE MARTINEZ: Karine Melissa

Wednesday, October 16

It's always a pleasure to work with FDE FL. It's a blessing and honor to support and raise awareness through FDE for Breast Cancer which means a lot to me. I showcased Adoro Swim on Friday night which was a huge success and I was one of the sponsors as well. My parents and I were so proud to provide FDE FL with our new hair care products Danny Xtreme which everyone loved! I was very happy to hear all the great feedback from the Adoro Swim show and of course the product line. It's always a great feeling to give back, help others and I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it. I also want to thank my parents and aunt for being there the day of my show and helping me. You guys are the best and I couldn't have done it without your help. I also want to thank everyone that came out to support me on both days.

On Day 2 I received the "Top 5 Under 40 Icons in the Fashion Industry" award. It felt great to be acknowledged for all my hard work throughout all these years. I was honored with this recognition along with designer Lila Nikole, my good friend/model and current contestant on ANTM Cycle 20 Renee Bhagwandeen, actress Trishauna Clarke and actor Lloyd Dickenson. I would like to thank Indian designer Sha Ali for my gorgeous hand made white dress I wore to the ceremony.

Monday, August 1

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!