Delicate menageries of gold and rust-colored beads ebb into smart frocks, intricate Tiffany jewelry buckle 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 Prada Handbags fashion designer Korto Momolus clothing.
But for Momolu, the mahogany-skinned, Liberian-born fan favorite of Rayban Sunglasses "Project Runways" fifth season, becoming an indemand designer with global requests and a sundry of ubiquitous admirers still seems illusory.
Next week, Momolus 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.
"Ill be tiffany rings and handbags."
Momolu has also envisioned what she calls a "classic" inaugural ball style for first-lady-to-be Michelle Obama.
"Michelle looks like shes heritage."
After the whirlwind presidential Louis Vuitton Sunglasses instillation and her own D.C. debut at the International Ball, Momolu will continue to prepare a traditional Liberian garment for Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Liberias leader, after the president requested her services. The request, however, was bittersweet for Momolu who, after living in war-ravaged Liberia on and off as a child, will return for the first time in more than a decade.
"Itt been home in about 15 years and to be invited by the president of my country, all because of this show... The word has spread around the country, I have huge support."
Momolu, a mother, wife and Arkansas resident, has also been confirmed as a featured designer on BETs " Rip the Runway" fashion show, which will once again broadcast her eclectic designs to multitudes of fashion-forward audiences, particularly young African-Americans looking to carve their own niche in the fickle, competitive industry.
Her advice to anyone looking to break into the fashion industry: "Find outlets that can enhance your skill...Join up with other people doing shows, thatm always growing and remember that nothing happens over night."
