Delicate menageries of gold and rust-colored beads ebb into smart frocks,intricate buckle tiffany necklaces lie against the backdrop of understated chartreuse gowns and subtle swatches of lively prints-blossoming violets,wheat-colored checkers-peak beneath muted hues and structured lines in fashion designer Korto Momolu’s clothing.
But for Momolu,the mahogany-skinned,Liberian-born fan favorite of “Project Runway’s” fifth season,becoming an indemand designer with global requests and a sundry of ubiquitous admirers still seems illusory.
Next week,Momolu’s burgeoning celebrity will take a backseat to Barack Obama’s discount tiffany jewelry,and millions of others,make the pilgrimage to Washington D.C.,for one of America’s most historic transitions of power.But in the days leading up to Obama’s election,she will prepare to showcase her collection at the International Ball,a gala bursting with celebrities and most fashionable factions from the District and beyond.
“I’ll make sure I have some evening gowns,I’ll have a more casual kind of luxury dressing,then some casual looks as well,a mixture,” she said.”Some will have my traditional African designs that I usually do,then there’ll be tiffany set and handbag.”
Momolu has also envisioned what she calls a “classic” inaugural ball style for first-lady-to-be Michelle Obama.”Michelle looks like she’s really simple,not really fussy.She is a woman with curves.I’d design something really simple that complements her shape and just really include some of my jewelry pieces,such as tiffany charm with the African beading and some other beading work,just to show some of her husband’s heritage.”
After the whirlwind presidential instillation and her own D.C. debut at the International Ball,Momolu will continue to prepare a traditional Liberian garment for Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf,Liberia’s leader,after the president requested her services.The request,however,was bittersweet for Momolu who will return for the first time in more than a decade after living in war-ravaged Liberia on and off as a child.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for Johnson-Sirleaf to even think of me.It’s going to be more a traditional African outfit,traditional,what we call ‘country’.I haven’t been home in about 15 years and to be invited by the president of my country because of this show.The word has spread around the country,I have huge support.”
Her advice to anyone looking to break into the fashion industry:”Find outlets that can enhance your skill.Join up with other people doing tiffany jewellery shows,that’s how I started in the Little Rock area.”said Momolu, “Always step up your game and never stay in one place.I’m always growing and remember that nothing happens over night.”