Korto Momolu arrives in Dillard’s

Little Rock’s beloved fashion designer has truly made the most of her 15 minutes, by turning her Project Runway alum status into a major retail partnership. Korto Momolu recently launched her signature jewelry and accessories collection at Dillard’s. eye*like*your*style was honored to catch up with Korto during LA Fashion Week to chop it up about her eye-catching accessories collection.

eye*like*your*style: So, what is a dope fashion designer like you doing in Little Rock, Arkansas?

Korto Momolu: Well, I always say God brought me here. It was never my plan to live here, but fate stepped in and like Tim Gunn would say I made it work!

eye*like*your*style:  Who is the Korto Momolu customer?

Momolu: The Korto Momolu woman is confident. She takes risks in fashion and she starts trends. She’s never afraid of going against the grain. She embraces her body and is comfortable in her own skin. She’s me!

eye*like*your*style: Your designs are inspiring, and made to fit just about any woman. What inspires you to create?

Momolu: I usually tend to create things I never see when I go shopping. Be it color, textures in fabrics, bold vivid prints or silhouettes to fit the curvy woman.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
eye*like*your*style: What can we expect for your Spring 2010 collection?


Momolu: Lots of color, use of African prints in a way that every woman can be flattering in it. Separates, gowns and a few casual items, I tend to focus a lot on dressy, evening pieces. I’m trying to expand slightly over to sportswear.

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
eye*like*your*style: Congratulations on the arrival of your line in Dillard’s! Drawing from your West African heritage--your color palette, rich fabric and texture selections, do you see this being accepted in mainstream?


Momolu: Yes of course. Dillard’s is launching my jewelry and handbag line first, so I truly believe everyone will find something they love. All of the items are inspired by my original line of accessories seen on my website.

eye*like*your*style: During LA Fashion Week, we experienced the fashion show collaboration, if you will, with former Project Runway alum Jerell Scott. How did that come about?

Momolu: Jerell and I have become like siblings since the show. We always support each other no matter what. There is NO competition there. And when he asked me to show with him, it was a no brainer for me. He’s always been there to support me so that’s what we do.

eye*like*your*style: Tell us about your jewelry and accessories.

Momolu: The lines are both bold and very vivid. I always try to infuse some cultural details whether it’s my culture or someone else’s. There is use of chain, horns, agate, crystals, coral, wooden beads. I try to let the design experience stay as organic as possible. The bags flow with exotic cow hides and bull horn handle details. The end result is a beautiful array of jewelry that truly comes from my heart and soul.

Korto Momolu's collection of jewelry and handbags now available at Dillard's

www.kortomomolu.com

Seth Wellington Spring 2010.

Seth Wellington, a casual sophisticated menswear line, had an uber sexy preview of its spring 2010 collection presented by the Dolce Group at their newest location -- Wonderland!

Ray J attends Seth Wellington Menswear Preview Launch Party

Jay Canady on the red carpet at the Seth Wellington Menswear Preview Launch Party

Seth Wellington and models wearing Seth Wellington Menswear

Jackie Christie Unveils Spring/Summer 2010 Collection to Standing O at FASHION MINGA.

Jackie Christie returns to her high fashion roots with the debut of her spring/summer 2010 collection, bringing the audience to a standing ovation during Los Angeles Fashion Week at Fashion Minga.

Included in her collection are soft, flowing gowns, perfectly tailored jackets and skirts, with a broad range of casual to classic and super sexy pieces, Jackie Christie's line won the hearts of the Los Angeles audience, fashion photographers and retail buyers alike.

Vintage Couture Celebrates Valentino: The Last Emperor presented by Elizabeth Mason, The Paper Bag Princess

The Fashion Glitterati shined as The Paper Bag Princess celebrated the classic couture of Valentino in gala benefit at MOCA.


Elizabeth Mason took center stage during LA Fashion Week with a line inspired by the movie Valentino: The Last Emperor. Mason, owner of vintage couture shop The Paperbag Princess, paid homage to the Italian fashion icon with vintage Valentino designs and models adorned with Valentino's signature red lipstick.

There were great vintage dresses and gowns--mostly in black --spanning the 1930s, 40s and 80s, featuring the creations of Christian Dior, Richard Tyler, Givenchy, Nolan Miller, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, and James Galanos. The runway show also featured some of Mason’s own designs.

Here’s a 1960s chic one shoulder black silk chiffon caftan gown with feathers

Fits like a glove: Later that evening, The Los Angeles Spirit Award For Style and Substance was awarded to Maria Bello for her philanthropic work and the support of Los Angeles designers.

FASHION ROCKS: Jerell Scott presents “Electric Circus” with Korto Momolu.

The official afterparty for LA Fashion Week was Jerell Scott: FASHION ROCKS. This was a fashion show like never experienced. Project Runway alums Jerell Scott and Korto Momolu under one roof was simply amazing.  Scott and Momolu presented their collections at Los Angeles-based style house Chic Little Devil. Scott's edgy, indigenous-inspired collection incorporated lots of black, gold and metallic embellishments. While Momolu channeled her West African heritage with bold and vibrant colors and her very own accessory designs.

Jerell Scott Collection 2009 Photo Exhibition and Fashion Installation. Spring 2010 Review with musicial performances by Macy Gray and Sy Smith.

Jerell Scott Fall 2009 Collection

Sy Smith and Macy Gray in Jerell Scott's Fall 2009 Collection

with photographer E. Leon Myers and Jerell Scott

Jerell Scott is headed for fashion rock star status, by single handedly taking over LA Fashion Week with his don’t call it a fashion show, fashion and music event. Inspired by the beauty of the world’s many indigenous cultures, Scott simultaneously presented his eclectic and cutting edge Fall 2009 along with his Hollywood glitz and glamour inspired Spring 2010 collections. The photo exhibition of the collection was photographed by E. Leon Myers.

Mike Vensel Spring 2010.

Los Angeles-based designer Mike Vensel debuted his Greek inspired ‘Wild Horses’ collection at Fashion at Broadway at the Los Angeles Theater.