Levy considers herself a cross between an artist and a fashion designer: "I create collections by creating fabric, and then that fabric turns into clothing. Every season has a story behind it. The summer collection was inspired by burlesque, so we did a burlesque performance at the fashion show."
Her latest collection was inspired by a visit to Iceland, where she tried whale for the first time: "It has the consistency of steak, but the taste of fish, so it's a little weird."
You can shop for KRELwear at Levy's boutique in Wynwood or online. Levy is also creating a web installation at the home of a private collector for the MOCA Mystery Dates art and dining fundraiser on Saturday, October 16.
Interview after the jump.
New Times: What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Karelle Levy: I had Greek yogurt, raspberries, peaches, and honey.
What are some of your favorite places to eat in Miami?
My favorite place closed, unfortunately. It was Barbu.
I love Tap Tap. The fried malanga and the goat tidbits at Tap Tap are my favorite dishes there. I also love Sardinia, where I always enjoy whatever I'm served. I had a pasta dish with rabbit ragu that was amazing
I
eat at Joey's every other day. My favorite pizza there is the Thea
[gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, truffle oil, topped with arugula.]
Oh, and Jefe's Taco Truck is amazing.
What are some of your favorite things to cook?
I
love cooking things that are from my background, so I love making
chicken schnitzel with potatoes. That's from my Polish side. I also
love making something called salata mechouia, which is a roasted pepper
salad. So it's got red peppers, green peppers, tomatoes, and garlic.
It's a Tunisian dish.
What's in your fridge right now?
I
just went shopping so you're lucky that you're getting a full answer. I
have fruits, peppers, garlic, Brussels sprouts, chicken, steak, Italian
sausages, and an entire drawer full of dark chocolate. There is always
dark chocolate in my house. I also have Kalles caviar, which is an amazing
Swedish brand.
Do you have any regular food rituals you can't live without?
I can't go without my café con leche in the morning. I need my Bustelo.