Fashionista of the Month | Karina Barbieri
Karina Barbieri, born in Venezuela, is the youngest of six children within a very close-knit family, very well known and admired in the social scene of Houston’s affluent party goers for her good taste to dress to impress. She is not only creating a buzz around HTown, she was also recognized nationwide, as Karina was recognized in the Neiman Marcus Book for the September 2013 Edition 150. As much as she is popular as the social butterfly, Mrs Barbieri is also very philanthropic.
She is involved with a number of charities including The Woman’s Hospital of Texas, CancerForward, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony, Latin Women Initiative, Recipe For Success, Dress For Success, Dec My Room, and UNICEF
With a charismatic personality, Karina is a very stylish mom, a former ballerina who also studied psychology at the Andres Bello University in Venezuela, she likes traveling, listening to music, and visiting museums. Friends fondly call her The Cavalli Girl, Karina sits down for a quick chat with host Ruchi Mukherjee.
What is your style mantra?
Feminine, Confident and Creative.
What’s in your closet?
A lot of red! Combinations of classical and modern, fitted dresses from Roberto Cavalli (My favorite), Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Mcqueen, Mary Katrantzou and Ralph Lauren. Lots of high heels by Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Gucci, Guiseppe Zanotti , and Jimmy Choo. I enjoy my clutches from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and bags of Cartier and lots of Gabriela Dror hats. (Gabriela Dror is a local millinery designer).
You are known as the Cavalli Girl! Why and what’s your favorite Cavalli outfit?
Every piece from him is special, I love his printed dresses the quality of the fabric and how well they fit on my body. His outfits and designs are so me.
What’s your signature scent?
I must have Cartier Perfume.
Where do you like shopping for your clothes?
When I travel I try to shop for things I know are unique, everything else I find it in my favorites stores in Houston: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth and Tootsies. I usually go shopping every week (chuckles), that is why I have been donating dresses for The women’s Home and the Fashion Shows that use for their events.
What would be your favorite accessory?
I love gold jewelry, my mother instilled in me the taste for them. I feel that my outfit is complete when I put them on.
Share a few style tips with our readers.
The number one rule for me is to wear what you like and are comfortable in, if you feel uncomfortable you probably look uncomfortable. Be sure you can really walk on the high heels you are wearing, it is very notable if you are having problems it will erode your elegance. Then for me a nice purse is an essential, it makes a style statement. Lastly, stay healthy and make sure to do some sort of physical exercise.
You would not step out of the house without?
I have to put lipstick on before I step out of the house.
