I had the pleasure of speaking with Miss Brown, age 8, about her personal style and foray into modeling (most recently at The Outlet Shops of Grand River’s fashion camp).  She’s the daughter of Derrick and Christina Brown and wasn’t the least bit shy when it came to sharing her style sensibility.

What’s your favorite color? Pink. HOT Pink. 

Why? Because it’s very bright, and it stands out.

What was it like modeling for The Outlet Shops of Grand River? How did you stay calm? It was amazing! I just kept saying, “Kimberly, you can do this!”

Was it hard work? Did you practice a lot?  I did not practice at all…yes, [it was a lot of hard work].  We first had to find an outfit. Then, we had to see if it fit and find what shoes we had to wear. And that’s pretty much it.  My mom did my hair and [applied a] little bit of makeup.

What’s your favorite thing to wear? Skirts or tutus. [She has two tutus, “so far. They are both pink.”]

What do you want to be when you grow up? I’d just want to be a fashion designer.  I know all the shoes. Wedge, platform, gladiator, stiletto, flip flop…and flats. I want to design shoes and clothes.

Christina, Kimberly’s mom, told me that her daughter has always been opinionated about her clothes.  She first modeled in an Easter fashion show for Belk, and she has also participated in a pageant.  Christina shared that Kimberly has been designing since kindergarten, and always has to “add some type of ‘Kimberly Flair’ to [her outfits]. She loves adding tutus, sequins and ruffles to all her outfits-anything glittery.”

Despite finding it a a challenge to find clothing that is not too mature, Christina and her husband are teaching Kimberly to “coordinate different pieces and develop her own sense of style.”  Dad Derrick is supportive and proud.

“He loves it! He’s a proud father and he loves the fact that she’s becoming comfortable and is mastering taking photos.  He’s so proud of her,” says Christina.

Want to strike a pose in your best party wear this season? Then you don’t want to miss Fashion Friday next week at the Birmingham Public Library!