

I felt it was the perfect opportunity for me to show who I am as a person as well as the type of designer I am. The idea of completing a vision of yours under pressure is kind of cool. What prompted you to first try out for Project Runway? To see what I was capable of doing. When did you know you wanted to become a designer? I always knew that I wanted to become a fashion designer, but I truly started taking it seriously at the age of 13. Instagram handle: first made you fall in love with fashion? Looking through fashion magazines while wondering how garments were made at 9 years old is where it all started. And because she did, we all believed as well.Ĭurrent home base: Los Angeles, California Mantra: “ Faith.REPEAT!”ĭream client and why: Oprah! She is my she-ro. Trend you’re loving (or hating): Loving oversized clothing! Because we can finally breathe! Lars later in life and hear him tell me, “Well done”.life made! Their images in the pattern books I saw as a teen was inspiring. Byron and Tracy made me feel like I could do it and succeed because they did.

I felt beautiful, sexy and seen.she’s my mentor in my head. Donna Karan made me feel like a woman in her clothing.

Who are your fashion heroes or style icons and why? Donna Karan, Byron Lars, and Tracy Reese. It needed to reflect what I now call my “Rah Rah Rah.” The essence of Korto. I needed to make clothing that also included me and my body type and my culture. Honestly, it was for me and women that looked like me. I wanted to make clothes for the girl who was always forgotten. What or whom has had the biggest influence on your work and career? Women, the curvy girl, and my daughter. How would you describe your design aesthetic? Afro-Bohemian chic. Win or lose it was about representing for my “girl,” the Culture, staying true to my aesthetic and always representing myself as real and authentic as possible. How did you approach the All-Stars competition differently (if you did)? I was all about business. What has been your biggest success so far? I’m still standing! To be known as the first Liberian-born designer and to make it internationally is truly a gift! They push me to continue this mission and lead the tribe I’ve been assigned to! What has been your biggest challenge as a designer? And what has kept you going? Finances are always challenging, but my fans are absolutely amazing. Were you starstruck by any of the other designers? Kara Saun (Queen) is my all-time fave and Rami was an extreme pleasure to meet and work with. What was it like celebrating the 20th season? Honestly, it was truly a gift and blessing to be included in the top 14 with some of my all-time Project Runway faves! What does this second chance mean to you? A new opportunity to showcase my work to a new audience and era of fashion/ Project Runway fans. I knew it was meant for me to be on the show. What prompted you to first try out for Project Runway? Watching the very first episode, I was hooked. When did you know you wanted to become a designer? In the 11th grade, when my interest in art shifted to fashion design.

After a few cuts and stitches, I had my first collection. Instagram handle: first made you fall in love with fashion? At age 10, I got my first Barbie doll (wedding edition). “It’s important to me to set an example for my son about the value of hard work and pursuing your dreams.”īelow, get to know the designers, and make sure to tune in on June 14 to see how they rise to the challenges. “Being a fashion designer, business owner, and mother can be challenging,” Zhou says. Season 19’s Anna Yinan Zhou, founder of the darkly romantic brand Oraz, barely had time to catch her breath before being called back for season 20. Costa left New York in 2018 and moved back to his native Brazil, which turned out to be a great strategic decision for his business. “Kara Saun is a queen! She is my all-time fave,” says Momolu, whose work has morphed into what she calls “Afro-bohemian chic.” Also joining is season 10 runner-up Fabio Costa, who is returning for a record fourth season. So too is Korto Momolu, who first competed in season 5, and even admitted to being a bit starstruck by some of the competitors. He’s also looking forward to the camaraderie with the other participating fan favorites. “I’ve focused on making sure I’m more intentional with my designs,” he adds, citing his avant-garde take on streetwear. “I’m a totally different designer and person than I was before,” says Bishme Cromartie, a season 17 Project Runway competitor who is back for the show’s All-Stars competition and grateful for the chance to show the judges how his work has evolved.
