Katie Kern on designers, preparation, and getting amped

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.

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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!

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