Are any of you watching Project Runway? It’s my main reality television fix. Despite the fact that Bravo has all but buried the show in light of its defection to Lifetime, this season has emerged as popular. And good! Although Tim Gunn was right — there are no Christian Sirianos or Santino Rices or Jay McCarrolls this season. But the designers are talented and interesting, and I already have a favorite. You probably already guessed if you’ve been watching — Korto Momolu for the win!
To which my husband responds, “you are so predictable.” OK, maybe I’m a little biased. I can’t help that whenever there’s a natural haired woman on TV, my attention immediately turns to her. This season of ProjRun, I love Kelli’s and Terri’s styles, and I agree — Keith is hot. But Korto’s stuff makes me want to go out shopping. Her clothes are right up my alley. And yes, I love her hair. And her eyeshadow is fire. You already know!
Born in Liberia, Korto attended fashion school in Canada and now she makes her home in Little Rock Arkansas. Korto’s designs tend to be funky and flattering — that’s because she designs plus size clothes, and her designs thus far reflect that in a wonderful way. Her clothing would look great on a curvy bella like me.
On last night’s show, I thought her challenge winning Olympic athlete inspired design had a universally flattering silhouette — not only could it easily be translated into menswear, I would also wear those pants. In a heartbeat.
African fashion blog Ladybrille did a great interview, where Korto discusses her other areas of interest — she performs African dance, is part of a dance and drumming group, and is a skilled hair braider, although she reveals — ” In Little Rock it is actually [illegal] to do African style hair without a cosmetology [license], which means doing my child’s hair is considered a crime. . . It’s 2008 but I’m fighting this issue.” (Korto’s daughter Alyse is ADORABLE, BTW).
I think Korto’s diversity and ability make her stand out from the pack, even at this early stage. In the Ladybrille interview she addresses that: ” I love being so diverse. I am older and wiser than some of my competitors and that is a threat. I’ve been there. I’ve been told “no.†Yes and I have a pretty thick skin. I don’t have nightmares about challenges to come that involve real women or people over size 6. Those are who I make clothes for everyday. Everyone wants to look [and feel] good, sexy, stylish and classy. I offer those that are above the industry standard of what’s beautiful, that option.”
I am all about it. In the future, whether she wins or not, I would love to see Korto design a plus size line for Target (no designer has taken on the plus size opportunity at Target thus far, save for Mossimo). There’s so much possibility there, and from the looks of her designs and her personal style so far in the competition, Korto gets it. I’m rooting for her.
So bellas, do you watch? Any favorites so far? If you don’t watch Project Runway, what reality TV do you watch? They can be such guilty pleasures, but I do indulge. And I’m sure you do too!
I watch Project Runway, and I like Korto’s designs. I wonder if her hair is natural, or maybe a weave or a wig. I just imagine it would be hard to maintain that style with a crazy schedule like those designers have.
I love Project Runway and am also rooting for Corto. I think she is wearing a wig.
I am a FAN!! I watch the reruns all week and watch the show on wed night. Sick. I like Korto also. Her style, though plus, I see myself in her clothes also. I’m ready to go find that black romper she made in bright Lights Big city (Episode 3). That was sooo me!!
Can someone stop suede from talkin in the 3rd person PLEASE!!
From day one of Project Runway, I picked Korto as the winner. I love her style, her hair, her designs and her curves! She is a winner and I hope she goes all the way on the show
I don’t watch Project Runway,but one of my favorite reality shows is The Baby Borrower’s,and I also like to watch Wipe Out .
Love it, it is also my fave reality show o the moment. I don’t miss it! I also like Korto and she is my fave to win! But I am checking for Terri, Kelli, and Suede. I thought I was the only one who thinks Keith is Hot!! But he’s sneaky and underhanded.
LOVE Project Runway. HATE the fact that I don’t have cable. I’m still waiting for Season 4 to come out on DVD but I keep up by reading recaps on Jezebel. I also watch America’s Next Top Model (new season should be starting soon). It’s not as good as PR but I must feed my addiction somehow.
I thought Keith was gay. Either way, I don’t find him the least bit hot.
Can you consider an afro wig/weave a natural style?
My wig/weave radar must not be as good as you bellas… it didn’t occur to me that Korto must be wearing a wig. I guess that makes sense because he hair does always appear to be on point.
I love the show. I missed the season opener but got caught up by the reruns, so maybe that’s why I wasnt partial to any of the designers until last night.
I was fascinated by Korto’s perfect hair and her quiet confidence and I love Terri’s curls. I thought with all the compliments her outfit received, Terri would have surely won. But I think Korto’s outfit was geared more toward the athletic, as was Joe’s. Hated Jennifer’s personal look and her designs. Can you picture 100+ female athletes parading around in the heels that Daniel, Jerell, and Jennifer’s outfits required? Ugh
Who cares if its a wig or weave she is rocking a curly style fro and hardly any other women on tv are doing that nowadays anyway
would u rather she wear the typical beyaki or at least represent the afrobellas by keeping it almost real
Very happy for her and as someone of Caribbean heritage, but born in Liberia, I will be tuning in especially because of her. For those of you interested in learning about another Liberian in the U.S. doing great things, you may want to check out “The House at Sugar Beach”. Starbucks has already made it known it will sell the book in its stores.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-House-at-Sugar-Beach/Helene-Cooper/e/9780743266246
I’ve liked Korto’s designs in the past but I thought they were a little boring. She really brought it with her Olympic outfit. I was rooting for Terri but the supportive looks she gave Korto when she won really made me tear up. I love sisters supporting sisters.
I LOVE the show, Korto, Kenley Terry and Suede are my faves so far.
Hello there!
I don’t own a television and I haven’t owned one for at least TEN YEARS!!
This is probably why I read about 80 to 100 books a year…
I am not sure what hit latest shows are but this one sounds interesting!!
(smiles)
Lisa
I agree with w 4 wilemina. Who cares if she’s wearing a wig or weave. She rocking a curly fro at a time when most of her peers aren’t. Especially on T.V.. I haven’t gotten to see Project Runway as yet but I will definitely be tuning in at the next available opportunity.
I love Project Runway! I do agree that there are no Christians this season though. So far, I haven’t really picked a favorite but I do love Korto’s style. I feel like now that I know more about her background, I like her even more! Thanks for the great post!
N*
I didn’t know a sistah was on Project Runway! I’ll will definitely have to set my DVR to tape the shows. The only reality show I currently follow is Baldwin Hills. I used to watch Top Model, but after while it started to feel kind of staged. I love me some black television! I sure hate that Girlfriends is off the air, even though I’m not really digging Traci’s new hairstyle.
I just caught the rerun of Project Runway and I’m so glad that Korto won that challenge. Homeboy thought he had it in the bag, but my girl stole the show. I love how her designs are simple yet dramatic–if that makes any sense. I also love how the two sista-designers this year are serious contenders. Black girl power!!
Two sistas and a brotha are on ProjRun, Shan Shan, and they’re all super talented. As are so many of the other designers! Kenley’s from South Florida I hear, and I didn’t care for her winning dress but she’s definitely skilled. The more I look at Terri’s outfit from the Olympic challenge, the more I like it!
I think Corto is fantastic but I need her to stop with the crying! White folks don’t give money to people they think are unstable….she needs to man up!! Having said that I totally love her stuff. I also think Terri is a sleeper who is going to shine quite a bit. I was astounded that no one pointed out her cable knit sweater halter top from the first show that she did from a mop!! She doesn’t play!!! The black dude on the show is awfully fond of his work but I find myself completely underwhelmed. Otherwise Daniel, and the blond girl with the crazy hats and heavy make up are good as well as the brunette girl who rocks the 1940s vibe. I LOVE THIS SHOW!
Not a bella but I am addicted. I was happy to see her win last night! Bewtween her & Terri, I would be happy either way. They both have a fly style. As the weeks roll, we will see! It’s all about leatha!!!
I have to agree with Pat. I do want Korto to slow down with some of the emotion. Also is it just me ( who always thinks there is a conspiracy against brown people) but everytime they are talking about someone elses design they pan to get her reaction. Sista bellas correct me if I’m wrong. But her designs (esp the yellow dress with the veggies) ARE BANGIN!
I so love her! Those pants were fire! I liked Terri’s design for that challenge as well. Now, if they could just get that blonde dude to chill out and stop tanning himself into an orange anomaly, it will be all good!!!
For those of you who don’t have cable and that includes moi, you can look at all the episodes online, mainly on Youtube. Who needs cable tv when you have the internet?
Ciao and enjoy!
For those who said “who cares if she’s wearing a wig/weave?”, I only asked for informational purposes, not to judge her. Whatever it is, it looks “Fierce”!
Its not fair, The current project runway will not be shown over here (uk)untill you guys have finished.
I enjoy xfactor, american idol, project runway, make me a supermodel(uk,usa) top model(usa, uk, australia – if only I coud get nigeria top model to watch in the uk)
cannot wait to see korto in action unless its online already
I have to agree her designs are fab especially that yellow dress she made it was to die for and would be perfect for a plus size diva.
i am late in watching project runway…but i see i have really been missing out!!!
i love KORTO!! i just wish she wouldn’t look so…scared when her styles come down the runway…i don’t know if scared is the right word, but i wish she would look more confident..that’s it..confident!
i can’t wait for next week’s episode and i also love the support that terri gave her, i did peep that too.
I guess, i’m as biased as you. My partial Liberian heritage has made me biased in favor of Korto. I hope she wins, Go korto, you can do it!
I am from Little Rock, Arkansas…and I have actually gotten a chance to meet Korto!!! And I am definately rooting for her…She is absolutely wonderful and a huge inspiration to me. I am 18 living in Arkansas where talent is usually overlooked. It is refreshing to see Korto doing her thing in the public eye and as I said she is a huge inspiration for me to get up get out there and do my thang…GO KORTO!!!!
I was screaming and clapping when she won, and I feel that she should have won the first time with that dress she made out of table cloths, simply beautiful! Now that dress needs to be sold in the stores because it flattered the body. I watch because I too design and make my own clothes. Even Nina Garcia and Michael Kors know that she and Terri both have style. Go Korto! Go Terri!
I LOVE Project Runway!!! My vote is for Korto and Terri. I think they both have an excellent chance of making it to Bryant Park. Korto is emotional, but as a designer myself, I must say that putting yourself out there exposes your vulnerabilities. Your creations are close to the heart and all it takes is for one judge to have a bad day or not feel your vision and you’re out of there! Plus, they are constantly under a lot of pressure — with the time constraints you have to think and work fast, so you may think of improvements after the fact. This is a life-changing opportunity. Ahh, Wednesdays don’t come soon enough. Both ladies do have fly hairstyles!! They are certainly representing. Now, that I think about it, the three sistahs from previous season wore natural styles as well. I been natural for almost 15 years and just last year I started pressing my hair again, just to switch things up, but the ends ending up being straight and stringy, so I had to shave it all of and start over. I got to have that volume!!
I agree. She is my favorite…I can actually see myself wearing her stuff. I like Terri too.
Thanks for the love.
Thanks for the link love Bella 🙂
Oh and does anyone else think she sounds exactly like India Arie when she speaks?!!!
I LOVE Project Runway, but I’m at work when it comes on. *insert sad face here*
I love Korto’s designs first because she’s a beautiful natural haired black woman and then because she’s “fierce” designer. She needs to be able to take constructive criticism a little better i.m.o., however she’s doing well. I was nervous with the gold inside out dress/I don’t know why people don’t take in what Tim Gunn says as he’s rarely dead wrong. Korto’s Olympic suit was fire! Well deserved win….
Jerelle rocked it last night! I think he should have won. I can’t see anyone rocking the winning design in an office, but then again I have never watched Lip Stick Jungle…..
I love the show. I am hoping the Korto wins the whole thing!! She has some skillz I wish she could make something for me
Korto is fabulous! I love her style, and I have a good feeling she’ll make be one of the final three, if not win the entire contest. She’s beautiful, talented and I love the hair – whether it’s a wig or not! Terri and Jerell are great designers, too! It’d be AWESOME if both Terri and Korto were part of the final three!
I’m still mad that my man Michael Knight didn’t win from Season 3. LOL That brotha is fine! LOL
If Korto’s hair is natural, does anyone know how to achieve that style?
thanks for the love evrybody! to answer your questions yes its a weave but its mine I paid for it…lol.
and I am an emotional nut I cry watching oprah…lol love ya’ll sistas and brothas for sticking by me…..like suede would say ” korto wants to go to fashion week” so go korto! lol
ciao
Yeah! Korto, you have shown your ability to design and produce beautiful clothing on the show, but I already knew that from your spectacular fashion shows at LuLav and ArtScene! You’re the best!
Korto’s desin’s are funky and unique. She definitely has talent and needs to
have her goods on someone’s runway. Really diggin girlfriend’s hair and her sheer determination. She always seems distressed during the creating of the outfits, but always pulls off something sharp. I would love to rock her coat/dress and the drag queen design was FLAMING HOT!! Not diggin how (I believe her name is Terri, the other black girl) was laughing at Korto’s design. In fact Terri looks like a drag queen herself. Even Korto’s tops that she wears on the show are funky. If project runway doesn’t snatch Korto up, someone else will be frantically dailing her #.
christina
Miss mwabi:
I don’t know if you remember Danielle Spencer from What’s Happening. But listen to Korto’s voice and then think of Dee’s voice from What’s Happeing.
I love her, but do not sleep on Jerell Scott…that dude is fierce!! How he did not win the Jungle Lipstick challenge…The keith dress was a hot azz mess, if u ask me!
I, too, love Korto’s style, including her hair. BTW, I wear a kinky Afro weave which I do myself, and I get complimented at least once a day. I’d like to know what kind of hair Korto uses for her weave because I’d like to make a curly one as an alternate.
Hi everyone. I am a Liberian and I am so proud of my girl Korto! Her designs are inovative, fresh, and very beautiful. She truly understands the shape of a woman. I cannot wait for her to win…looking forward to wearing her clothes.
Korto, I am a huge fan. I’d really love to know where to find your clothes!
Korto’s designs are so innovative! What is also incredible about her is how she can give somebody thick and fabolous as “Sweetie” a waste line. I have to agree with Michael Kors, the shape, not only the design of Korto’s pieces are unbelieveable. I just started watching project runway for the first time and I know that Korto will win. If not Korto, then Jerelle will win.
P.S. Lovin the hair.
KORTO YOUR FABOLOUS!!!!!!
I’ve been following the show and Korto is my absolute favorite. It’s interesting that some describe her as too emotional while others criticize her for not showing ENOUGH emotion. Whatever. She is a talented designer that manages to be both humble and confident in her ability. Thats awesome. Her clothing somehow resonates with us “regular” people but would still turn heads on the red carpet. (seatbelt coat anyone?) I truly hope that she gets the financial backing she deserves. The white washed fashion world needs someone like Korto- diverse, cultured, fresh, and innotative.
i feel like i’m the only straight black guy not in the fashion industry who’s a fan of PR, and i’ve been a fan of Korto’s since the first show. i know she’s a married mother and her husband seemed cool when they showed him on last night’s show. so i can’t even think, ‘she shouldn’t be with him.’
but, damn, i love her black skin, her lips, her emotion, and yes, the booty.
i just think gets finer every week.
Your absolutely wonderful….your my winner any day girl!! for once they have clothes that we can all wear and they dont pick you…damn im so pissed!!
i love Korto’s designs! she has an awesome taste in color! Korto is just so amazing!
Very nice post! Well with your permission allow me to grab your rss feed to keep up to date with incoming post!