A lot has changed for Liberia-born Korto Momolu (pronounced Cut-Toe Mo-Lu) since her family fled the Liberia civil war in 1990.
The fashion designer has since appeared on the fifth season of the popular fashion reality TV competition, “Project Runway.” Her Sankofa collection was exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. And Little Rock, Ark., which she now calls home, officially declared Nov. 13 Korto Momolu-Briggs Day.
After leaving Liberia, Momolu’s family settled in Canada. It was there that Momolu decided to pursue her passion for fashion.
She studied at the L’Academies des Couturiers Design Institute in Ottawa, Ontario. “It was always a dream of mine to be a fashion designer,” Momolu told AFKInsider. “So after high school I just went after it.”
Momolu studied at the famed Parson School Of Design before moving to Little Rock with her husband to live and raise their daughter. It was here where she began her women’s wear and accessories line with designs influenced by her African roots and fabrics.
When Momolu landed on “Project Runway,” it changed nearly everything. During the season finale, she presented her spring 2009 collection at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week and ended the show as first runner up.
“I was always a fan of the show and wanted to see if I could possibly get on and maybe win third place,” Momolu said. “The show made me internationally known and has opened doors that would otherwise be closed.”
“Project Runway” has enabled her to show her clothes in Liberia where she has traveled and been recognized because of the show, she said.
After “Project Runway,” Momolu produced collections including a Liberian one which she presented at the Sankofa Fashion Show in Liberia. It was done completely with African fabrics, with 75 percent to 80 percent of fabric purchased in Liberia, Momolu said.
She was asked to present at the show through the Amani Foundation, which contacted her about doing the show in Liberia. The foundation trains women and some men in design, teaching them sewing skills. Since most African tailors are men, this opens up the field of tailoring to women.
Momolu used her Liberia collection to tell the story of the women of Liberia through the designs.
While she may no longer live in Liberia, Momolu’s African roots are always present. “It’s who I am regardless of where I live and what citizenship I hold,” she said. “I am an African woman who is proud of her heritage.”
Her designs show subtle touches of her African aesthetic. In fact, Momolu says she likes the nods to her African heritage to be subtle. “I’ve always loved to infuse my African heritage,” she said, “but it’s not in your face.”
Despite her international following, there are still many challenges facing her as an African designer, Momolu said. One is the lack of exposure for designers of color in fashion.
“There is diversity but there isn’t anyone telling the stories of the these individuals,” she said. “So until we start telling our stories, we won’t be heard. But the major obstacle is funding. The most challenging is financing and I’m still not where I want to be but it’s a work in progress, for sure.”
Part of that progress is building her brand.
“Now we are focusing on branding and structuring the business for the wholesale market,” she said.
After her appearance on Bravo channel’s “Project Runway,” Momolu partnered with Madera Exotic Woods to design The Saba Collection – an exclusive line of fashionable eco-friendly jewelry. Branching into fine jewelry, she also launched a “Green Love” line of fine jewelry during her spring 2011 show at New York fashion week.
“Madera was an amazing experience and we still collaborate on different events,” Momolu said. She also formed a partnership with Dillard’s Inc. to design a collection of handbags and jewelry that is now sold in more than 70 stores nationwide.
Her major goals for 2014 are growth, structure, branding, financing and longevity, she said.
Above all, Momolu loves what she does.
“I love the freedom to move at my own pace and make my own decisions in a creative way,” she said.
