Go Korto!

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!