Natives Gale Branden and Kasoundra Dorsey befriended an aspiring clothing designer in Little Rock, Arkansas when they relocated to the state after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since meeting the hospitable artist, she’s quickly become a household name in the fashion industry.

Korto Momolu (pronounced Cut • Toe – Mo • Mo • Lu) is now known to many as one of the finalists on the fifth season of the (then) Bravo hit reality series “Project Runway.” Momolu, who was awarded the title of fan favorite, came in second place in the show’s final competition in New York City’s Bryant Park for fashion week.  Last Saturday, when she showcased her clothing line at the Morial Convention Center during the 2010 Essence Marketplace and Art Expo, she got the chance to see two familiar faces.

“I’m not surprised by her success,” Branden stated. “I saw her talent early on. I love the colors she uses in her designs; it’s clothes that could be worn by all types of women.”

Both Branden and Dorsey attended Momolu’s fashion show to see the vibrant, funky/classic styles in person, and to support an old friend.

“I met these two special ladies from New Orleans through word of mouth, “Momolu told The Louisiana Weekly. “I was a known hair braider in Little Rock, so many of the women and men found me through the local hair stores and my existing clients. We bonded and remained friends. I told them about moonlighting as a designer at night while I braided hair during the day, so it was to their surprise when they saw me on Project Runway.’”

“I was watching the show I and said to myself, ‘That looks like Korto! It is Korto! I was so excited. I’m just so happy for her.” Dorsey said.

Momolu, 35, remains grounded, and despite being recognized beyond Little Rock since “Project Runway,” had no problem mingling with the many visitors who crowded her vendor’s booth, not only to check out her clothing and accessories, but also to also talk to the designer and wish her well.  “I love the city and the people I love even more; they’ve always shown me so much love here and the spirit of the people is truly genuine,” Momolu said.  “I don’t take stardom as my reality.  What God has given me is a gift and he can take it away as He chooses; so I stay grateful for all my blessings — plus the fans are great; I never want them to feel unwanted or unloved by me.

“Her success hasn’t gone to her head,” Branden added. “She is still humble and just as warm as she was when we met her.”

Branden has since moved to Lake Charles, La and Dorsey came back to New Orleans in 2007; but both have continued to follow Momolu’s career.

The ladies shared much in common with Momolu when it came to rebuilding after tragedy and loss. In the late 1980s, Momolu’s world got turned upside down when the First Liberian Civil War hit. The native of Monrovia, Liberia and her family, who were living in Canada at the time, were reduced to refugee status and lost everything they worked for; but she and her parents simply picked up the pieces.

“When Katrina happened, I really could relate,” Momolu told The Louisiana Weekly. “It was the exact feeling I felt; helpless and angry…angry that this could happen in America.” It (the Liberian Civil War experience) just showed me that you could have something, lose it, and start over again.”

“We just loved being in her company” said Dorsey. “We bonded even more with her when she told her story of what happened in Liberia.”

Momolu enjoyed being in the company of those who came out to the party with a purpose.

“The Essence festival was an amazing union of women of many different backgrounds, joining for one weekend to cause awareness, fellowship, and support. It was great,” she said.

In February 2010, Momolu’s line of jewelry and handbags premiered at Dillard’s department stores and the plan is to have her afro-chic women’s wear soon to follow.

This article was originally published in the July 12, 2010 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper