In a 2008 interview with Entertainment Weekly, an upset Korto Momolu who’d just been kicked off “Project Runway” declared, “The sky is the limit for me. I really do feel like I have a future in fashion.” In less than a year-and-a-half, the designer is making a name for herself. She has an accessories collection in select Dillard’s stores across the country and is debuting her fashion designs during fashion week in New York. If these accomplishments are any indication of her career’s upward trajectory, then the Liberian-born designer is sure to have abundant success. –yvette caslin
Who is your customer?
I make clothes for women — the staples [are] in every collection. My customer is definitely a woman like me … a trendsetter, she doesn’t follow trends. She knows what works for her, what is great for her body. She steps out of the box and says ‘This is who I am and what I am representing.’ People follow her [and] if they don’t follow her, they respect the way she carries herself. Also, she likes one-of-a-kind pieces.
What is your inspiration for your collection that you are showing during fashion week?
This collection is influenced by Morocco, Tunisia and northern African [countries] … the textures of those countries, the colors that they use, even the way that they layer their clothes and the military [uniforms]. I took those aspects [and] incorporated [them] as well as the military and masculine inspirations. For those who have been to Africa, it will take them back to the place that they know as so beautiful and for those who haven’t, it will transform them.
What can we expect from your fall 2010 collection?
I am making what they call statement jackets. The dominant colors in this collection are magenta [a really beautiful, burnt orange], charcoal gray and black, taupe, and off-white. I have some prints, but a lot of my fabrics are just plain colors that have a lot of texture to them. The ones that didn’t … I created texture through a beating effect. I am using silk and wool [stretch, gabardine, bouclé, cashmere, mohair]. I look at wool in a new way. People don’t really look at all of the variations of wool.
You mentioned that it has been a little nerve-wracking preparing for the show, how do you stay focused?
Some days I work in complete silence when I get into draping. Others, I have a work mode playlist on my computer. I listen to Miles Davis, Bette Midler and Fela Kuti, I am using two of his songs in the show. By using an African soundtrack, people will see the movement behind it, get that vibe. I have to create a mood at my show [to] take you to another world — to Africa for all five minutes of it.
When will your accessories collection be in Dillard’s?
My jewelry and handbags will be available at Dillard’s on the 15th of February. I’m taking baby steps with it and going on a promotional tour.
To fans who haven’t seen you since your departure from ‘Project Runway,’ is there anything that you’d like to say?
I hope that people really see my story as someone who was against all odds. Don’t let people define your destiny. I came in second, twice. I am truly going out there to claim my destiny. I am really excited about showing and getting back into the clothing game.
For more of Momolu’s collection, please visit kortomomolu.com.
