Meet Kim – a radiant force in the carnival scene whose journey began on the vibrant streets of St. Lucia, side-by-side with her granddad, absorbing the soul of carnival culture. From that early love blossomed a modeling career draped in feathers, sequins, and heritage. Whether on the road with Trinity Design Collective or seeing her image boldly on the side of an RDR truck, Kim embodies what it means to honour tradition while championing a future that embraces body positivity, cultural pride, and creative expression.
Personal Background
- What is your name, and where in the Caribbean are you or your family from?
My name is Kim, and my whole family is from the beautiful island of St Lucia - How did you first get involved in the carnival scene?
I’ve always been in love with carnival—going and watching the parades with my granddad by the side of the road in St Lucia, but officially, when I turned 16, I
Kim Worlmag Model Feature participated in my first Notting Hill in costume alongside my mum and aunties in Trinity Design Collective, which I then modelled for them every year after that.
- What does carnival mean to you personally?
Carnival is a preservation of traditions and the ability to reimagine them in the current day. It for sure connects a new generation to their roots and their culture, and it’s an expression of creativity. It allows the craft, graft, and passion that originated in the early days to shine through in the current day.
Carnival & Modelling Experience
5. How long have you been modelling or participating in carnival events?
I have modelled every year since I was 16 years old to the current day (a long time) with a variety of bands, including Trinity Designs Collective as a part of Chocolate Nation, Neola Designs as a part of RDR, and Karnival Mania
6. What was your very first costume or band experience like?
My first costume experience was empowering. I jumped with my mum, sister, and family friends I grew up calling aunt. It was beautiful seeing women of all different ages, shapes, and sizes in their costumes, having an amazing time and looking amazing whilst doing it. It instilled confidence and body positivity in me moving forward.
7. Do you prefer traditional carnival costumes or modern, more daring designs? Why?
I think there is beauty in both. Traditional costumes have a real connection to our heritage and take so much craft, especially when you consider the individual large costumes they still compete with in the Caribbean. But I think modern costumes also have their space as the colours and new creations in style bring carnival to a new generation. I think, more than anything, the culture behind carnival needs to be at the forefront of why we all do it, so no matter what section or costume you pick – it’s with the education and the understanding of where it comes from.
8. Which Caribbean carnivals have you participated in so far? (Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, etc.)
St Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad, Notting Hill, and Berlin
9. How do you prepare mentally and physically for carnival season?
I think the pre-Soca Season fetes are always great preparation for the actual day of carnival, as you reconnect with old faces; you get to grips with new music and any new dances. Songs that didn’t hit in your bedroom may change your mind at the actual party – which just takes the vibe to the next level on the road.
10. Can you share a memorable or favourite carnival moment?
Seeing myself on the side of the RDR truck last year. In my career, I have achieved a lot that I am proud of, but this hit me so differently because it was so deeply
connected to my culture. It was something I could see and share with my grandad and family, and they knew how much it meant to me and how big it was, without needing to explain it.
Culture and Identity
11. How important is it for you to represent your heritage through carnival?
So important. St Lucians are super proud of where we are from and our island, especially as growing up, there weren’t many of us and we would often be dismissed as Jamaican. Watching us really show up in music and having people directed to our island to experience every part of it that we love – always feels good.
12. What challenges have you faced as a Caribbean model in the carnival or fashion world?
I won’t lie and say I’ve faced much. I mean, there is always stuff we go through – whether that is battling the egos that happen behind the scenes, but I’ve always modelled for designers I have personal relationships with, so I often manage to avoid any unwelcome situations.
13. How do you feel carnival empowers women, especially women of Caribbean descent?
I feel like – especially nowadays – we are embracing diversity, whether it’s darker skin or larger figures, and I LOVE IT. We as a people are made up of all different beautiful women, and a darker side of our history has been the colourism that our history has brought with it. The growing push from designers to be more representative in their model selection is helping to change some of that.
The Future and Advice
15. What advice would you give to young women who want to get involved in carnival or modelling?
Use your socials and networks to your advantage. Sooner or later, taking nice pictures just won’t cut it. We are moving into a more digital world with online launches, and designers are looking for ever more innovative ways to get their designs seen and
purchased. Having interesting cultural content, connections, and gravitas in the soca scene and being able to be passionate and help bring their creativity to life and on a bigger stage will become a big part of the modelling experience.
16. Are there any designers, bands, or brands you dream of collaborating with?
I can’t answer for me specifically, but I can answer for the Soca scene in the UK. I work with brands in my day-to-day life, and have worked hard in bringing brands authentically into our culture. I would love to see the likes of a Pepsi collaborate in the scene in a big way with BIG BUDGET. Helping to bring the entertainment they’re known for into the soca experience.
17. What changes or improvements would you like to see in the carnival or modelling industry?
I would like to see fairer standards in modelling. A lot goes into modelling, which is expensive. From hair, nails, waxing, and having the right accessories. I don’t necessarily feel that it is reciprocated from the bands in terms of pay, travel, and even discounts offered back to the models. That for sure needs to change.
18. How do you stay true to yourself while balancing public attention and your private life?
I feel like I’m a very private person anyway. My job is working with global brands and celebrities, so it feels like it helps put things into perspective as to what REAL fame or attention looks like – and why that’s not always desirable.
Fun Extras
19. What’s your ultimate carnival must-have item (besides your costume)?
My must-have for sure is my St Lucia flag. It has seen me through many a carnival, and if there is a malfunction in my costume, my flag is a good little tie/cover-up
20. If you could describe your carnival vibe in three words, what would they be?
MUST PRESS GASSSSS!
Contact/Socials: @kimmyimpossible
Kim’s story is more than sequins and soca – it’s a powerful reminder that carnival is a cultural connector, a stage for empowerment, and a mirror of identity. Whether she’s waving her St. Lucian flag or pushing for fairer treatment for models, Kim continues to blaze a path for others to follow – with purpose, passion, and pure GASSSS.
Images By:@biggie_wuk
