FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MISS KARINA'S NEW ORLEANS FASHION DESIGN

COLORFUL - MARDI BRA

If you are looking for the unusual, colorful, unique....be sure to visit MISS KARINA out on Etsy. Here you will find many colorful outfits such as the mardi bra shown above, skirts made from ties and T-shirts, and a lot more. Here Karina will share some of her thoughts and ideas with us. I also took a portion of her Etsy profile to put out here to give you a better insight into what makes Karina tick.

"I have been professionally designing costume and fashion in New Orleans, Louisiana for five years. I have been lucky to have costumed Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, including myself as Queen of OAK 2006. I am also the proud Mother Shucker of the Bearded Oysters all female dance troupe featuring over 150 members. In 2005, I became the founding member of the New Orleans Fashion Collaborative. My work has been in countless television shows and several films, Mardi Gras parades and balls, sporting events across the country and almost everywhere people are gathered to have fun."

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Originally, as a preteen, I started sewing so that I could have the slutty 1980s styles that my parents wouldn't buy me. Red spandex was a really easy material to work with back then. I made little tube tops that doubled as miniskirts. My creations evolved from there. Moving to New Orleans 6 years ago really got me going with all the music, Carnival, and Burlesque. There I started creating all sorts of costumes which led to my own 125 women strong parading burlesque troupe, "The Bearded Oysters." Yes, we do have beards. In addition to being inspired by Carnival festivities I am also inspired to create everyday apparel that is ECO-friendly and made from recycled materials.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I haven't really decided completely yet. I love fashion because you get to wear it out and get feedback. I also love fashion because you can change how people react to you based on what you wear. Essentially its like creating your own world. Do you want people to smile when they see you? Do you want them to leave you alone? Do you want them to hire you? As a secretary? As a stripper? Do you want them to fear you? Do you want them to lust for you?

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

The whole process really. I love the moments of inspiration, I love shopping for fabrics, I love sewing, I love selling.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Dragonfruit: Its all crazy looking on the outside and sweet on the inside.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Currently, I am spending a year travelling through Korea, Japan, and Thailand teaching English. I am 1000's of miles from my sewing machine so in this time I have taken up photography. I feel that my sense of design and humor is brought into my photography. I like digital photography because it is instant gratification with no mess, and it hardly takes up any space... totally unlike sewing. Perhaps when I get home these photographs will become the inspiration for my next fashion collection.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Eco-Sexy-Happy-Funtime-Girl!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

"The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation" -Mark Twain

Thanks, Karina for sharing your ideas and designs with us. I'm sure you will always be coming up with many more creative designs! If you'd like to see how Karina designs her "mardi bras"...click on the link below, which shows a video.

KARINA ON YOU TUBE