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Up and coming fashion designer and artist deluxe Kathleen Marie is taking the New York fashion and fetish scene by storm. Since her website launch in February, she is working on several projects, including developing a line of limited edition ready to wear and corsetry, doing custom couture for select clientele and being featured in this year's Black and Blue Ball. The Ball's theme is Supernova, and Kathleen is taking a glam-rock, Velvet Goldmine inspired attitude toward the clothing she is making.

"Think: Cher meets Bowie-Sparkles, feathers, metallics, furs, high, high, high heels. Since 18th century is my trademark, I'm opening the show with two incredible costumes, straight out of the court of Versailles, but in metallics."

Upon moving to NYC two years ago, Kathleen immediately landed an internship with designer Betsey Johnson, which led to freelance work, including working on the garments in Betsey's fall fashion week show, as well as working on some of Betsey's own personal clothing. From Betsey Johnson, Kathleen went on to work for The Baroness, whose line includes everything from latex staples (mini skirt and tops) to elaborate designs (corsets and suit jackets), to custom couture (Fit for Royalty line). As The Baroness' design assistant, Kathleen had the opportunity to learn and perfect the art of making rubber clothing. From making Lil' Kim's cat suits in several colors, to making the latex bras and stockings in the November 2003 Victoria's Secret fashion show, Kathleen has indeed proved her merits. Despite the long hours of making the clothing, Kathleen was impressed by the final result. "Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the VC show; instead I saw it on television. It's really quite something to say, 'Hey, I made that!' And it's on a super model like Naomi Campbell or Adriana Lima."

She won acclaim for her mini-fashion vignette from last September's Royal Amusements, an annual fetish ball held by The Baroness. Enlisting the help of some of New York's most beautiful models and performers, Kathleen designed, made, and styled the entire show. From the white powdered wigs with ostrich feathers, to the elaborate rubber corsets, her 18th century inspired Vignette served as her style showcase. Chi Chi Valenti, Empress of Mother NYC and Queen of New York Nightlife cited the vignette as her personal highlight of the evening.

"Fashion illustration to me is like a fantasy world. I can create this entity; this being that is perfect in every detail, from hair, to facial features, to poise, to clothing. It is the ultimate ideal of the design idea behind it."

"My inspiration comes from several places. I do have a love of opulence and grandeur stemming form my affinity with French 18th century court clothing. I love Bob Mackie's work, and all the costumes he's done for Cher. But Cher, well, she herself is a huge source of inspiration, Elvis Presley too. People who aren't afraid to be themselves."

www.kathleenmarie.net