We asked six models to answer a few questions about who they are an how that shapes thier experiences at Charleston Fashion Week. Here are Katie Kern's thoughts. -- We'll be updating these throughout the week, so keep checking back.
My favorite fashion trend for summer 2009 and what I'm rocking now
Check out Katie Kern's profile.
Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.
In the summer I really look forward to wearing cute sandals. You can really make them work with anything. We live in a beautiful city with amazing weather year round.
My favorite fashion accessory right now is my 20 inch Remy hair extensions. I am rockin’ that Naomi Campbell circa 1999.
A favorite wardrobe inspiration
My mom is totally my inspiration for my personal style. She would always tell me and my sisters “never be forgettable.”
I wish someone would bring back “jelly sandals.” Those were my favorites back in the day and I had every color under the sun. I would totally rock some jelly sandals this summer!
Some words of wisdom for aspiring CFW models
Charleston Fashion Week as a whole has set the bar for fashion in Charleston. The event and preparations prove that this is not a game people! Charleston Fashion Week got national coverage (E! Entertainment, The Ellen Show, MSN.com) last year and people are taking notice of our charming little city as a fashion hub. To all of the aspiring models out there, make sure you practice your runway walk and treat this event and industry like a business. For those of you sitting in the crowd... I encourage anyone with the drive and talent to try out for next year.
On designers, preparation, and getting amped
My favorite fashion designer is Marc Jacobs! He knows a woman’s body and everything that he creates is a couture masterpiece. Don’t forget his amazing accessories and bags!
To prepare for Charleston Fashion Week I am watching every video that I can find on YouTube of Naomi Campbell. In my opinion, she is the best runway model hands down.
To get amped up about hitting the runway, I am all about any and everything Beyonce. I have her new track “Diva” on heavy rotation. I can totally see myself transforming on the runway.
About my experiences at model rehearsals and in-store fittings
My fitting with Lindsey Carter (one of the finalist in the Emerging Designer competition) was amazing. As I walked into her studio on King Street, at that very moment, I felt like I was in New York City.
I have participated in Charleston Fashion Week for three years. The first mandatory model rehearsal was held downtown at the Art Institute of Charleston's campus. We had a mock runway taped to the floor for the over 100 models to practice on. They were so excited and we had a lot of work to do. This year, I was asked to give off-the-runway pointers to our models who needed some tips. I worked with them in the hallways on the side before sending them back off in front of the CFW crew. It was a long day, but we all made so much progress.
Getting ready for CFW is a very busy experience. We all have jobs or are in school and all the vendors have worked around our schedules. I am modeling for Lindsey Carter. My fitting with Lindsey Carter (one of the finalist in the Emerging Designer competition) was amazing. As I walked into her studio on King Street, at that very moment, I felt like I was in New York City. The studio was small and quaint with unfinished garments scattered about. I am so excited about the ELD competition on Saturday. We have amazing talent in Charleston, and it is just getting better!