In the fifth season of TV’s “Project Runway,” Korto Momolu showed the world that black women are capable of participating in reality shows without threatening to “beat b***es up.” She let her gorgeous designs do the fighting and came in a close second after what was arguably the most impressive Bryant Park show in “Project Runway” history. Korto’s personality is a reflection of her design aesthetic. Like the clothing she creates, she is a delightful blend of unpretentious elegance, ethereal grace and the sun-kissed sassiness of a proud African woman. AfriPop! recently had the pleasure of catching up with Ms. Momolu via email. We were truly inspired by her thoughts about life after the show, the immigrant experience, the fashion industry and what it takes to make dreams come true.

AfriPopmag: So Korto, what have you been up to since season 5 of “Project Runway” wrapped? You were already an established designer in Little Rock, Arkansas before you were selected for the show. What are things like now?

Korto: Life is very crazy these days. Between sewing for various shows, making jewelry for my online site, public appearances and mommy/wifey duties I am pretty much always on the go.

AfriPopmag: One of the things I loved about you on the show was your authenticity. You never seemed to be putting on an act for the camera. How did you stay so natural on screen?

Korto: I decided that being on a reality show if you start as a character you must stay that person. If you ever decide to become real [later on] people will think you are crazy. I went on the show to be the best designer I could be and win some money to start my label so being fake wasn’t in my schedule. I wanted women, especially mothers and immigrants, people with families and especially African-American women to see a positive image of someone that looks like them and has experienced all that they have as well.

AfriPopmag: Tell us a bit about your experience moving from Liberia to the United States.

Korto: Moving back and forth from Liberia then to the U.S. then back to Liberia then to Canada and now finally back to the U.S. was really challenging and sometimes hard as a child. It was hard for me to make friends so my art and imagination seemed to become my buddies. I am glad that we did move around looking back at it because it opened up my mind to a lot. I miss the naturalness of Liberia; getting fresh fruits, the moisture in the air, my beautiful flawless skin [laughs], and most of all, my family that’s still there.

AfriPopmag: The United States has changed a lot in the past year. How do you see our new president affecting your beautiful young daughter’s future?

Korto: Seeing the Obama’s take office was definitely life changing. My daughter was very in tune with what’s was going on in politics which says a lot about how things have changed. It makes me feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to and [that] my daughter Alyse’s dreams are all possible.

AfriPopmag: OK, back to fashion. I love the term you used to describe your aesthetic in your audition video, “funky-classic.” You definitely create timeless clothing that still has an edge. How did your style come to life?

Korto: My style of “funky-classic” has always been my trademark. Making clothes that are not influenced by what’s hot right now but what’s just hot. In our economic times people need to feel the items they purchase can be worn [several] seasons…and still be considered fashionably chic. That’s what’s classic. I love to infuse my African culture by way of fabrics, beads and technique of details. That’s the funky part.

AfriPopmag: I also love the subtle yet striking impact of the West-African influence weaved into your designs. Do you find that your clientele tends to come from many backgrounds or do you see more ethnic women interested in your clothing?

Korto: Women of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures tend to be attracted to my work. I think it’s more the fit, style and cuts that are attractive. The ethnic influences just make the clothes seem fun and exotic. The influences are so subtle that most people never make any issue of it.

AfriPopmag: What is the fashion business like for African designers? Are you well-acquainted with any others?

Korto: Right now it’s a great time to be an African designer. Many other well-established designers have been influenced by our culture and it’s only right for us to represent for our continent. The message sent is that we are and can be just as fashion-forward and innovative as the next man.

AfriPopmag: What was your favorite piece that you created for the show? I was obsessed with the seat belt dress and the short gold dress with the poufy sleeves in your final collection. I would totally rock either of them and I am no size 2! Oh, I also loved the long green dress in your final collection. That color was stunning and fit the model like a glove. There are so many to choose from!

Korto: My favorite was the seat belt dress as well as most of my collection and my Olympic-winning look. I’d love to see the seat belt [dress] one again one day [laughs].

AfriPopmag: What is the toughest piece of criticism you have heard about your performance on the show?

Korto: I think most people saw the serious side of me more than the fun, lighter side. I can be pretty intense but I know how to laugh at myself as well. People also thought that when I cried I couldn’t take criticism. I have gone through so much to get where I am and three judges can just say “hate the collar, you’re going home.” So, it is what it is but being tested and critiqued on items you pour your heart into is probably one of the hardest things we all had to endure. The hardest critique [was] when they questioned my subtle hints of my culture with words like “costume” and even implied that it may not be quite high fashion. Please [laughs].

AfriPopmag: What would you say to up-and-coming designers? Besides talent, what has been the key to your success?

Korto: The key to this industry is you must know who you are, if not someone will always try to take you off your game. I believe what I’m selling so it’s hard to break my confidence in my design and myself.

AfriPopmag: We love the hair! Is it natural or “adopted?”

Korto: My hair is very adopted. My own God-given hair is natural and I love big hair so if you can’t grow it overnight, buy it [laughs].

AfriPopmag: Where did you meet your hubby?

Korto: My husband and I met in NYC by his army base in a mall. It was love at first shop [laughs].

AfriPopmag: What’s your educational background?

Korto: I went to an all-girls boarding school in Canada, Trafalgar Castle School, from 9th grade to grade 13. I also went to fashion design school at a couture academy in Ottawa, Canada, L’academie des Couturiers des Canadiens.

AfriPopmag: Who is your favorite designer?

Korto: Too many to list. Valentino, Byron Lars, Tracy Reese, Oscar De La Renta, Randolph Duke and Kara Saun.

AfriPopmag: What was that song you chose for your final runway show? It was perfect!

Korto: The song was from a local Arkansas artist Joshua. His track is on my blog on my website called “Binti” which means “first daughter” who my show was dedicated to.

AfriPopmag: We wish you the very best. I hope I can afford you when I’m shopping for a wedding dress designer someday!

Korto: Come summer [I] will launch my online store with some goodies. In Los Angeles, [you can get my clothes at] Jane Doe John Doe owned by Jerell Scott from “Project Runway.” Still searching for investors but a sista is still going! Thanks for all the love and support. Smooches!

For more info on Korto, check out www.kortomomolu.com