'Project Runway' star visits with VCU Fashion Students

By Colleen Flynn
VCU Communications and Public Relations

Korto Momolu, a finalist from Bravo TV’s “Project Runway” season five, visited students and faculty in VCU’s Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising to share her thoughts on the show, the fashion industry and accomplishing goals.

“When you want something, really want it, you can have it,” Momolu said Thursday.

Momolu was born in Liberia and is the daughter of an exiled politician. Though she says she traveled a difficult and rocky path on her way to freedom and success, and struggled as a poor refugee, she developed a passion for art and creativity and fought to attain her goals, unsupported by her friends and family.

According to Momolu, her dream was all the motivation she needed. She came “out of nothing” and worked her way through design school in Canada, graduating third in her class.

Momolu now lives in Arkansas with her husband and child. Even though she is finished with the show, she continues to create, drawing inspiration from everything around her including her African roots. Momolu prides herself on designing for real women with real curves. 

This semester she also will serve as a guest critic on African textiles for a design studio course taught by Linda Lee, VCU assistant professor in the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising.

“She has such a unique story. Having a designer come from nothing and follow her dreams no matter what, is just so inspiring,” said Lee. “It really helps the students see what it takes.”

“You fall so many times, but it’s how you get yourself back up that really matters, said Momolu. “Stay true to you.”