Korto Momolu is proud to present her new Fall 2012 line at New York Fashion Week today!!! Follow @kortomomolu to stay up-to-date with latest details of the fashion show, and keep reading our blog to find out how everything goes for her. You know we’ll be posting with the most current news that we can, all about Korto.
We already know that New York Fashion Week is a huge deal. And that it’s been global for years now. So what do I mean by “going global?” I mean that global trends and fashions are going to be dominating Fashion Week. Whether it be African, Asian, or South American styles, non-Western fashions are going to be ruling the runway this year. Me and my team are ready to rock it. Bring it on, NYFW.
Korto Momolu, along with Jeannie Mai—host of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?”, Karen Meleta—ShopRite Partners in Caring spokeswoman, and General Mills Executives , will be the judges of the “Knock Out Hunger” t-shirt design contest sponsored by ShopRite. The contest goes to support its year-round, hunger-fighting initiative. ShopRite invites local media to attend the event and take an in-depth look at how local artists are raising hunger awareness in their communities. The winner of the design contest will be announced on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 1-2 pm, and their design will be featured during New York Fashion Week 2012.
You can feel the African vibe from just a small selection of the whole collection of H&M's Fashion Against AIDS Campaign.
African fashion, as luxurious as it is, can be for everyone, and can be affordable for everyone. It’s slowly but surely turning into a trend we’re seeing in the stores, not just the runway.For example, for the fifth year in a row, Swedish retailer H&M has launched their fifth “Fashion Against AIDS” campaign full of African-styled pieces. Artists and illustrators from around the world have added to the spunk of this collection full of bright colors and bold prints on tops, bottoms, jewelry and accessories. Our favorite part has to be the African trims on the blouses and bustier. What’s so awesome about H&M’s collection is the fact that not only is African fashion being promoted and reaching the general public of shoppers, but also it raises a ton of money for AIDS Awareness, and the proceeds are going to a great cause.
It may be the season finale of the show, but this is definitely not the last time we’ll be seeing Korto Momolu in the media.
BET’s show Lens on Talent is currently in its third season and about to wrap it up with the finale this Wednesday night. As we know from past episodes Korto Momolu is a judge on the show along with hit-making producer Rodney Jerkins and entertainer Leslie “Big Lez” Segar. Three finalists moved on last week and one will take home the prize of being the one to watch this year. Tune into BET’s Lens on Talent to watch Korto make some hard decisions on the remaining three independent filmmakers just tryin’ to make it big.
What’s next for Korto? She’s got a New York Fashion Week Runway Show coming up next Monday in New York City, and we can’t wait to post all about it!
Fashion designer Korto Momolu. (Photographer, Cole Stevens)
Korto Momolu is a fashion designer who was the first-runner-up and was voted “fan favorite” on the fifth season of the then-Bravo TV show “Project Runway.”
Known for designs inspired by her West African heritage, Momolu studied fashion at the Parsons School of Design in New York, and designed women’s wear and accessories in Arkansas before earning her spot on “Runway.”
Korto Momolu is making history … in fashion, by bringing the vibrant colors and prints reminiscent of her Liberian background to mainstream runways. She has shown her collections during New York Fashion Week, and in addition to her line of clothing, designed two lines of eco-friendly fine jewelry. Momolu has shown her designs at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and has been named New York Magazine’s top five designers to watch.
What’s next for Korto?
Korto Momolu continues to design and show her own clothing and jewelry and is fast becoming an internationally-known designer in her own right. She recently debuted her Spring 2012 collection at the NY Fame Show.
In her own words…
“The challenges are countless. As an independent designer, there will always be obstacles in your way, from financial-investment opportunities to manufacturing issues,” Momolu told TheRoot. “It’s a struggle, but when I read the feedback from fans and supporters all over the world, it motivates me to keep pushing — no matter what.”
A little-known fact about Korto …
Momolu was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia. She and her family left the country when a civil war broke out in 1990, moving to Canada. In Canada, Momolu studied fashion design at the L’Academies des Couturiers Design Institute in Ottawa, Ontario before moving to Arkansas
List includes 100 individuals from across 10 professional fields that are making a difference in their communities and across the country
NEW YORK, NY– January 2012– theGrio.com announced the third-annual theGrio’s 100 list, honoring Little Rock’s Korto Momolu. This exclusive list honors Black History Month by highlighting the next generation of African-American history makers and industry leaders who have the potential to make a difference in the lives of all Americans. Momolu joins 99 other individuals from across 10 professional fields, including business, education, sports, science and the environment, media, service and activism, politics, health, pop culture and the arts.
“TheGrio’s 100” was officially unveiled by theGrio Executive Editor David A. Wilson earlier today. Individuals from “TheGrio’s 100” will continue to be profiled on all platforms of NBC News including “NBC Nightly News,” “Today,” MSNBC, CNBC, and msnbc.com through the end of February.
“This year’s list celebrates 100 honorees that possess a unique set of characteristics that separate them from the rest,” said Wilson. “theGrio’s 100 gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on individuals that are making a difference today, with the potential to make history in the future.”
Visit www.thegrio.com/black-history to learn more about Korto Momolu and all other individuals on theGrio’s 100 list. To contact Korto Momolu, please visit www.KortoMomolu.com.
About TheGrio.com
TheGrio.com, a division of NBC News, is a daily online news and opinion platform devoted to delivering stories and perspectives that reflect and affect African-American audiences. The video-centric interactive community is populated with both aggregated and original content on topics ranging from breaking news and politics to health, business, and entertainment.
Sale season is over. Korto Momolu’s Trunk Show just started.
Check this out!
Wanna Be Spoiled by Shea Radiance? Let us get you into Project Runway’s Korto Momolu’s Fashion Week Runway Show!!!
How: All you have to do is ‘Like’ the Shea Radiance and Korto Momolu Pages on Facebook and write a comment on our wall telling us which three (3) Shea Radiance products you want to try.
Contest runs from Sunday, January 29th through Saturday, February 4th. Winner will be selected by Tuesday, February 7th.
What Do You Win?: One (1) ticket to Korto Momolu’s Fashion Week Runway Show and a basket of Shea Radiance goodies. Note: ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM NEW YORK CITY IS NOT PROVIDED.
When: Monday, February 13th
Where: New York City
What are you waiting for? Enter now and let Shea Radiance spoil you!
More info available at http://www.shearadiance.com/2012/01/27/shea-radiance-2012-new-york-fashion-week-give-away/
Team Korto Momolu is excited. After all the speculation in December 2011, Media24 confirmed to Bizcommunity.com late afternoon, Friday, 20 January 2012 that it will indeed launch the international news and fashion weekly magazine, Grazia in South Africa later this year. Big news- the 20th edition world
wide and the first one in Africa!
According to the source, the aim is to bring to South Africa the ‘easy chic’ formula that is the international characteristic of the Grazia brand: fashion, news and celebrities, mixing international trends with local styles and preferences.
We look forward to being featured in Grazia *wink* *wink*
Eagerly, but patiently waiting, we’ve finally received our video clip from Africa Fashion Week in New York 2o11 and it was well worth the wait.
This show was extremely action packed beginning with the planning of all of my looks, planning for a finale Wedding for WeTV (which happened during my runway show by the way) and of course the crazed media & press.
So Team Korto Momolu showcased Thursday, July 14th 2011 (last year). I used my collection to represent the transitioning stages of my countries’ social and economic conditions. Brutality against women, which was mainly due to the civil war in Liberia was common, however, because of social leaders and organizations like Armani Liberia, slowly many women are beginning to regain their voice and are being taught skills to establish and restore themselves, their families and country. I’m happy to have showed my collection and further the knowledge of those watching the video about our efforts in restoring Liberia.
It takes a team, it takes time, and it takes passion. Watch the video and see all of these elements sewn together.
Designer Korto Momolu (Liberia)
Link: http://bit.ly/wcXO9B
For Immediate Release
Media contacts:
Laura Jacobs
Communications Director
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
(479) 418-5774
laura.jacobs@crystalbridges.org
or
Leonard T. DeShield, Jr.
DeShield Enterprises, LLC
(Momolu’s Publicist)
(703) 498-8578
info@deshieldenterprises.com
Photos: Print-quality JPEGs available upon request.
INTERSECTIONS OF ART AND NATURE INSPIRED FASHION DESIGNER KORTO MOMOLU
Project Runway finalist designs uniforms for the newly constructed
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founded by the Walton Family Foundation
Jan. 16, 2012
You won’t see them on the runway at Fashion Week, but the guest services and security staff
at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas are sporting
some exclusive designer fashions. Elements of the uniforms for both men and women at the
museum were designed by Arkansas-based fashion designer and Project Runway “All Star” Korto Momolu.
Momolu, whose first name is pronounced “Cut-TOE,” is a Liberia native, and was first runner up
and “fan favorite” in the fifth season of Bravo TV’s hit show, Project Runway. She was
approached in 2010 by Crystal Bridges director Don Bacigalupi to create unique and stylish
uniforms for the museum’s frontline staff.
After visiting the Museum site and discussing the vision and mission of the museum with
Bacigalupi and museum founder Alice Walton, Momolu developed designs for a vest and
sweater for the male employees, and a dress and blouse for the women. She also created a
custom fabric print for the scarves and ties worn by guest services staff.
Momolu took pains to find ways to connect her Crystal Bridges designs with the museum itself,
and with the landscape of her adopted state. Long before the museum buildings were
completed, she spent time in the forest on the Crystal Bridges site, gathering samples of local
flora for color and texture.
“Walking around the grounds of the future museum site enabled me to become at one with what
the creators of the museum fell in love with; the beauty of Arkansas right at your feet,” Momolu said. “It was at that moment that it dawned on me to be inspired from the very place the museum would call home, the grounds surrounding it. I gathered leaves and berries and flowers that were well known to the area with the hope to create a signature print that not only
represented Crystal Bridges, but show the beauty of Arkansas.”
Visitors to Crystal Bridges can see the result of Momolu’s work on guest services staff in the
museum. The scarves in Crystal Bridges’ signature colors are reserved for staff members, but a
variation of Momolu’s print is also available for purchase in the Museum Store.
About Crystal Bridges
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate our heritage and artistic possibilities.
Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation and opened 11-11-11, the Museum takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall. Guest amenities also include a restaurant on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds and a Marlon Blackwell-designed museum store. Sculpture and walking trails link the Museum’s 120-acre park and gardens to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.
For more information about Crystal Bridges visit CrystalBridges.org
Whether it’s a purple hat or funky yellow framed glasses; each color has its own meaning. In Korto Momulo’s fall collection her designs has a lot of black, green and white. Here are quick definitions of what each color means.
· Black Elegance - the timeless color symbolize strength and sophistication.
· Forever Green- is more of a calm, easy going color that symbolizes relaxation.
· Heavenly White- other than meaning pure, white also symbolizes cleanliness, innocence and peace.
Springs 2012 most ventilated trend is color blocking.Color blocking pairing and strategically is placing two to three solid colors- contrasting, yet complimentary; bold, and yet bright.
The use of color has always been a must in Momolu’s aesthetic. How ironic is that the fashion industry is giving it a thumbs up?
‘This is definitely not a [passing] trend with us.
And in the ring…..!
Okay, okay… a bit “corn-ballish” with the word parody.
But as corny as it sounds, the actual 90′s smash hit record “Mama Said Knock You Out”
by LL Cool J hits very close to home for us at Momolu’s fashion house.
Simone I Smith, wife of LL Cool J launched a jewelry line
and will be featured during Korto Momolu’s showcase
during New York Fashion Week in Feb 2012 – a tight match.
And might we add, Mrs. Smith jewelry is looking violently attractive.
Check it out: www.simoneismith.com .
Brooklyn, New York during a rainy afternoon on a roof top, September 30th, 2011 ; two models and four looks; an amazing team of individuals: photoshoot and public relations coordinator (Kelly), social media team (Adiree), makeup team (Renarda Joy), and Photographer ( Mari J Brooklyn) all gathered together to create a few looks for an editorial campaign and Korto Momolu’s lookbook.
I love the winter and the holidays and enjoyment that it brings, but I can only take the chilly weather for so long. Lately 
team Korto has been dreaming of warmer weather and the exciting new trends the Spring brings with it. We’ve taken a few of our favorite trends that we are very much looking forward to seeing this Spring and compiled a list.
Photo Credit: Champion Eye Media
A picture can say a thousand words, but an image on a high fashion runway could probably write a whole novel. Korto 
debuted her Spring 2012 collection during the NY Fame Show and Champion Eye Media, one of our sponsors was there to capture every word.
Champion Eye Media provides photos, articles reviews and write ups spanning from technology to red carpet events and general public interest. They have been assisting others to build their public presence with top notch images for years, and we could not thank them enough for their work during the NY Fame Show.
With talk of a healthier 2012, resolving to create a smaller carbon footprint, and plans to spend more time with loved ones, 
team Korto is making our New Years Fashion Resolutions. Now is the perfect time to clean out your wardrobe, donate what you don’t need to those less fortunate, and make room for lots of fun new fashion.
Team Korto is saying out with the old, and in with the new-but, maybe not all of the old.
The key to always staying in style, and not having to look back on old photos of yourself and cringe is to keep your wardrobe classic and timeless. Staple pieces like a gorgeous wide-leg pant, a classic LBD, and that go-t0, expertly cut blazer should always remain in your closet. These pieces will always go with any wild trends that may come your way.
With all the glitz and the glamor of fashion shows and the giving and receiving of shiny new gifts during the holiday season, it is sometimes easy to forget how fortunate we all truly are. The truth of the matter is that if you are reading this on your computer, smartphone, or tablet and getting ready to go out on the town and celebrate New Year’s Eve, you are already so much better off than so many people in this world. In an effort to give back to the community, Korto has started the Gracie’s Gift charity.
The idea for the charity began when Korto and a friend (Lisa Johnson) went on a trip to Liberia; upon visiting an orphanage and seeing the poor living conditions and limited education these children were receiving the pair knew they had to do something to change this heart breaking situation. 
The charity got its name from Gracie, one of the children in the orphanage that Johnson absolutely fell in love with. The main goal of the organization is to get all the orphanages in Liberia equipped with their basic needs and then follow up with their wants.
The Gracie’s Gift Organization is continuing to grow and gain support and an official launch is scheduled for Spring 2012. We hope to gain the attention and support of health and education professionals to give these kids a better chance and new hope for a healthy, prosperous life.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year from team Korto!
Working in the world of fashion it’s more than common to stumble upon a number of beautiful people. The Renarda Joy 
beauty company works to define inner beauty while creating outer beauty as well.
During New York Fashion Week the Renarda Joy team worked closely with team Korto to ensure that all the models wearing Korto’s designs looked their very best and let their inner beauty shine. For the Renarda Joy team, the beauty you exude on the outside is just as important as your inner beauty, and we couldn’t agree more.
The RJ brand is a one stop shop for all your fashion and beauty needs; their blog is a great way to get the latest makeup tips and beauty reviews all in one place, but the question remains, how will you let your inner beauty shine today?
‘Tis the season for lots of holiday parties, and every girl needs the perfect holiday dress to wear. Keeping up with this 
season’s styles and finding the perfect cut to flatter your body type can sometimes be a challenge, but trust us there is a dress out there for everyone trying to unleash their inner fashionista.
