Korto Momolu to Present The Korto Momolu Collection at New York Fashion Week

Celebrity Designer Korto Momolu Debuts Fall 2010 Collection at New York Fashion Week: Project Runway’s fifth season standout contestant Korto Momolu (Cut . Toe – Mo . Mo . Lu) will debut The Korto Momolu Collection, a contemporary female apparel and accessories line during New York City Fashion Week at the Union Square Ballroom on February 15, 2010.

Momolu gained national recognition after participating in Bravo’s hit reality competition series, and this will be Momolu’s first showcase and collection since appearing on the show.

Korto Momolu
Korto Momolu

“This is my return to fashion week after Project Runway, so it’s important for me to establish my voice,” said Momolu. Known for her intrinsic creations, Momolu opted for a collection of serene designs that reflect her lifestyle, cultural and design background. “The fall 2010 collection is an eclectic blend of rich fabrics, detailed beading and infusion of northern African influences. It holds true to everything I am as a designer, focusing on fit, structure and detail.”

Korto Momolu, a native of Liberia, West Africa, easily stands out from the rest and has already captured the attention of the fashion industry elite. The Korto Momolu Collection includes exquisite apparel designs and carefully hand-crafted accessories with prices ranging from $150.00 to $1600.00. Additionally, her collection will include a sneak peek at the signature handbag and jewelry line exclusively designed for Dillard’s Department Stores and Dillard’s online, scheduled to launch in all stores on February 15, 2010, coinciding with her runway presentation.

Highlighted as one to watch, Korto has been featured by EOnline.com, Essence, LA Times, InStyle, African Vibes, Washingtonian magazine, Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine and more. Television and radio appearances include the Wendy Williams Show; BET’s My Black is Beautiful and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

Project Runway Season 7 Sneak Peek

On behalf of Lifetime, Style Interviews is excited to give you a sneak peek to PROJECT RUNWAY Season 7! Headed back to the one and only Big Apple, this season kicks off Thursday, January 14, 2009 at 10/9C only on Lifetime!


Meet the Project Runway Season 7 designers cast

Continue reading Project Runway Season 7 Sneak Peek

Project Runway Season 6 now on LIFETIME

Style Interviews is pleased to share a first tease from the upcoming Season 6 of Project Runway, now on LIFETIME! New Season. New Network. Don’t forget the new season kicks off on Thursday, August 20th at 10PM ET/PT!

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Continue reading Project Runway Season 6 now on LIFETIME

Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia is one of Bravo’ Project Runway famous judges along with supermodel Heidi Klum, and fashion designer Michael Kors. Nina is also a magazine editor who until August 2008 acted as the Editor-at-Large of Elle Magazine. Nina is now a fashion director for Marie Claire Magazine. In 2007 Nina Garcia released her first book called: The Little Black Book of Style, by Harper Collins, which is a must-have read for any woman who would like to discover her own fashion sense. In August 2008 Nina published her second book: The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. In this interview Nina Garcia tells Marta Walsh what it takes to be successful in the fashion industry, the best part if being a judge on the Emmy nominated Bravo series Project Runway, her inspiration behind her latest book The One Hundred, and the Nina Garcia definition for style.
Why did you decide on a career in fashion and what does it take to be successful at it?
I was immediately drawn to the fashion industry’s constantly evolving nature.  To be successful?  It takes determination and a thick skin.

What is the best part of being a judge on Bravo’s Project Runway?
I love being a part of a show that has brought a great deal of attention to the fashion industry.  I think it has made fashion cool again and it has illustrated that it is an industry full of creative, vibrant, intelligent people.  I am very proud of that. 

  

What was your inspiration behind your new book: The One Hundred?
Really, the inspiration came out of necessity.  I had to move out of my apartment for 8 months while it was being renovated.  I couldn’t take my whole closet with me, so I was forced to ask myself, what are the items I cannot live without?  This is, for the most part, is a list of those items.

What is Nina Garcia’s definition for style?
You know when you can’t take your eyes off of someone and you are not sure why?  That’s style. 

What is next for Nina Garcia?
I just started a great new job at Marie Claire, I will be shooting the next season of Project Runway, and I have a few other ideas and opportunities rolling around.  We’ll see.  I’m always looking for a new challenge. 

Style Interviews would like to thank Nina for sharing some of her secrets with us. You can find Nina on Bravo’s Profect Runway and look out for The One Hundred at major bookstores / online retailers.

Rami Kashou

Fashion designer Rami Kashou, who is also Project Runway’s Season 4 Alum, has designed for celebrities such as: Heidi Klum, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan to just name a few. In this interview, Rami Kashou talks about his experience on the Project Runway show and his life after the show, why he enjoyed designing for Heidi Klum, how did he come up with his signature draping look, and his plans for the future.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
At an early age of five.. I remember peeking through my mothers closet and picking out the things that she should wear 🙂

How did your involvement with Bravo’s Project Runway come about?
I auditioned during Season 3 castings purely out of curiosity but decided to pass after giving it some thought. During Season 4 castings Tim Gun and Jennifer Eagan of Gen Art called me on a Saturday and inspired me to reconsider.. I ended up doing so.

How would you describe your experience on Project Runway?
Exciting, terrifying, frustrating at times, exhausting, inspiring, alienation from the outside
world and truly bizarre.

What projects have you been working on since the show?
I was asked to design looks for Heidi Klum right after the show wrapped, which I was more than happy to. I dressed her to the US Weekly Hot Hollywood part where she was honored for style icon of the year
– I was invited to design a paper money outfit which is in the current Forbes issue, and I was asked to be with her in the shoot.. you will see me in the mag.. with her
– I was honored by los angeles president Eric Garcetti
– I was invited by Scoop Style to design a look and be Stefani Greenfield’s guest on HSN/ The dress sold out in 4 minutes which was fantastic
– lots of evening, bridal and custom orders
– I will be flying to Washington to receive an honor accomplishment award
– I was invited on the set of Ugly Betty to meet and great with the cart… Vanessa Williams, Rebacca Romaine, Becki Newton and others.. was really great
– Dressing Becki Newton currently
– there are more things brewing that I will reveal when I am allowed 🙂

“Heidi Klum, she is great, open to my ideas and ready to try new things, we make a good match because I know what she likes and she goes for what I design very well.”

How would you define your designing style?
Elegant, feminine and sophisticated. It is really about celebrating women.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
My muses are all the women I design for with a theme usually outlines, last season was derived from Joan of Arc.. this theme is still in the works for Spring Summer 09.. Colors are usually inspired from paintings I may look at, they also represent a deeper meaning at times, depending on the mood of the collection at hand.. it is an ever changing process.

 

How did you come up with your signature ‘draping’ look?
I am self taught, therefore since I didn’t know the trained rules obtained in school, I discovered unusual ways to drape materials that outline the figure in flattering ways, the more I did it the more I fell in love with the technique..

Who do you see wearing Rami Kashou fashions?
Any woman who takes pride in being feminine, desires to exude sex appeal and sophistication at the same time..? A modern woman who like classic elements with an unusual twist.

Can you tell us about the Rami Kashou collection for this season?
I like clean lines, flattering fits and fresh colors that make you think of a new time.

Which celebrities have you designed for and how was it like collaborating with them?
Heidi Klum, she is great, open to my ideas and ready to try new things, we make a good match because I know what she likes and she goes for what I design very well. Becki Newton, is a pure sweetheart and is ready to wear anything that is different

Jessica Alba is a pure classic feminine beauty, she has been a great supporter since the beginning of my career. Dita Von Teese, will wear the most daring looks that I design and pull them off beautifully. She is exquisite.

Where can we shop for the Rami Kashou fashion line?
Visit my website www.ramikashou.com and you will find all the stores that carry my line in and out of the US.

What does it take to succeed as a fashion designer?
Dedication, love of the business, originality, understanding, hard work, being in the right place at the right time.

How would you describe your own style?
Mine would be dressy casual.. I like a good pair of jeans with nice dress boots and my own dress shirts that I design on my free time.

What’s next for Rami Kashou?
A new collection, more evening dresses a boutique where people can visit with me and have custom made designs created for them… and a few more things that I will share when we’re closer
to the date!

It was a pleasure to interview Rami you can check out more of his great designs at his website: www.ramikashou.com

Nick Verreos

Style Interviews is excited to introduce to you Nick Verreos, Project Runway’s Season 2 alum and designer of NIKOLAKI fashion line. In this interview Nick talks about life after Project Runway, his partnership with David Paul creating NIKOLAKI fashions, his designing style, and his plans for the future.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
When I was very young, my family and I traveled because my dad was a Diplomat so I became fascinated with the uniforms of the flight attendant (remember it was the 70’s and they were cuter then). Then, in my early teens, I found myself drawn to looking at magazines such as Vogue, as opposed to looking at the Sports section of the newspaper. I would then be inspired and draw collections in my notebooks that my mom had bought me.

How did your involvement with Bravo’s Project Runway Season Two come about?
I watched season one of the show and loved it, of course. Then I began receiving emails and messages from friends in the industry telling me that the Season Two casting was taking place and that I would be perfect for it. As an established Southern California designer who had shown at LA Fashion Week, been in magazines already and was also an Instructor of Fashion Design, I was a bit apprehensive about doing it. I felt both that I was “above that” and at the same time, afraid that I would be rejected from that first round of casting and not even make the cut. Thank God I wasn’t. Looking back, I can’t believe I ever had those reservations or feelings.

How would you describe your experience on Project Runway?
Two words: Fashion Olympics! It was an incredible experience throughout. Some weird “fashion” adrenaline kicked in, that I never knew I had, and I was able to sustain the surreal work and living environment that the show asks of its designers/contestants. I loved being at Parsons and the thought of creating work that would then be seen my millions of people, including my friends and family. Up to then, I was growing disillusioned with the fashion industry as a whole and how much I had struggled and nothing seemed to be happening. The show gave me that bit of added battery life that has changed my outlook on life and work.

What projects have you been working on since the show?
Apart from continuing to design my line, NIKOLAKI, last year, I became part of the “Glam Squad” of fashion and beauty experts for MSN’s “Style Studio” which I am extremely proud of. I also became the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, the school I teach at. Besides this, I have been making appearances as a fashion expert/commentator on red carpet post-awards shows on TV Guide Channel as well as E!. Did I mention I barely sleep anymore?

“Nikolaki is for a confident, sexy, ultra feminine woman. I would love to have women as diverse as Charlize Theron, Panelope Cruz, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Kylie Minogue wear NIKOLAKI. A boy can dream, right?”

NIKOLAKI is a partnership between you and David Paul. How did this business relationship evolve and how do you make it work?
I began NIKOLAKI (which means “Little Nick” in Greek) in 2001, soon after Henri Bendel ordered my first dress line. I asked my partner, David Paul, if he wanted to be my design and business partner, because I could not do this alone. It’s like “Donny and Marie”—He’s a “little bit Country” and I’m a “little bit Rock & Roll” and when we design it is the perfect “ying” and “yang” situation. He tames me and makes all my drawings/ideas more palatable for an elegant, sexy every-day woman, as opposed to the South American Diva Princess (my “imaginary muse”) whom I design for.

Who do you see wearing NIKOLAKI?
Nikolaki is for a confident, sexy, ultra feminine woman. I would love to have women as diverse as Charlize Theron, Panelope Cruz, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Kylie Minogue wear NIKOLAKI. A boy can dream, right?

Can you tell us about the NIKOLAKI collection for this season?
For Spring ’08, I continued to take advantage of the “Grecian Goddess” theme that was in the air. The theme of my collection was “Cleopatra in Rome 2008” and what she would bring with her to meet her Marc Anthony. We did a group of sinuous white silk jersey draped gowns and then added some dresses in bold graphic floral prints, as well as bright turquoise and fuchsia colors.

Can you tell us about the NIKOLAKI collection for this season?
For Spring ’08, I continued to take advantage of the “Grecian Goddess” theme that was in the air. The theme of my collection was “Cleopatra in Rome 2008” and what she would bring with her to meet her Marc Anthony. We did a group of sinuous white silk jersey draped gowns and then added some dresses in bold graphic floral prints, as well as bright turquoise and fuchsia colors.

Where can we shop for NIKOLAKI fashions?
Before Project Runway, our line was available in over 100 stores, from Henri Bendel to Nordstrom, to high-end boutiques such as Fred Segal, Diavolina and EMc2 in Manhattan. I have scaled down because of my busy schedule and last year, we began selling “By Special Order” through our website, www.nikolakidesign.com. This has actually worked out really well. In the future, we hope to have a “web store”, where women can purchase NIKOLAKI tops and dresses online. The gowns will still only be available by appointment only.

Which celebrities have you designed for and how was it like collaborating with them?
I was very thrilled when last month, Academy Award-winning actress (and “Dancing With The Stars” contestant) Marlee Matlin wore my gown to the Oscars. That was a coup for us. Her stylist contacted us and actually picked a gown from the collection and the next thing we knew, we were watching her, in the gown, being interviewed by Regis Philbin at the Live Pre-Oscars Show. Also, we designed a custom gown for “Desperate Housewives” actress Brenda Strong for the ’06 SAG Awards, which subsequently made the “Best Dresses of ‘06” lists of several publications. This collaboration began with her publicist contacting us. We then worked together on everything from the style to the color and fabrication. It all depends on the client. Other actresses who have worn NIKOLAKI in the past have included Patricia Arquette, Eva Longoria, Melora Hardin of NBC’s “The Office” and TV presenters Nancy O’Dell and Debbie Matenopoulos.

How would you define your designing style?
My designing style is mixing confidence, elegance and sexiness. She’s the European socialite’s daughter; she’s the Kuwaiti Princess, or the woman from Kansas who is going to a Charity Black Tie event. When I design I pretend every girl has their own “red carpet’ moment. Men want her and women are jealous at how amazing she looks. My design philosophy involves fusing my Mediterranean heritage with Roman sculpture-like draping, sensuous lines with hints of historical past fashion and a look into the future.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
Art, architecture, visiting museums (the Metropolitan in NY and Queen Sofia in Madrid are my favorites). Also, I love looking at costume and history of fashion books as well as going to the FIDM Library and scouring 1930’s and 1940’s Vogue’s and Bazaar’s for inspiration.

What does it take to succeed as a fashion designer?
Several things are important, including a passionate love for fashion of course, savvy business sense, recognition of “branding yourself” and perhaps more importantly, an investor from Dubai wouldn’t hurt, to throw you lots and lots of money for those first ten years until you finally turn a profit!

How would you describe your own style?
Quirky Elegant Dandy. In the past, I was very much into more casual Abercrombie and American Eagle clothes (the Southern Californian in me) but not too long ago, I had an epiphany and realized that I wasn’t 22 any more. I now wear mainly dress shirts, ties, handkerchiefs, vests and blazers. It’s Eurotrash with a touch of Savile Row tailoring perhaps—but from H & M and Zara!!!

What’s next for Nick Verreos?
I will continue designing my line and look forward to my MSN Style Studio shoots which I really love doing and hopefully helping more women achieve their “inner Diva” with my style advice. I will continue teaching and doing more fashion expert TV appearances. I think the world is ready for a bearded Greek-Venezuelan version of Carson Kressley and Tim Gunn, don’t you? (don’t answer that!)

It was such a pleasure to interview Nick you can discover all about his NIKOLAKI line at www.nikolakidesign.com