FEATURING PROJECT RUNWAY FINALIST KORTO MOMOLU
Minneapolis (July 13th, 2010)-- Runway Africa introduces a lineup of new African designers to the Twin Cities including Project Runway finalist Korto Momolu whose designs have made an impact on the global fashion industry.
The designers that we have ensembled are from different African countries, from Ethiopia to Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo to Liberia and South Africa: they have combined their traditional color and cloth; fusing these two elements with contemporary fashion to produce beautiful couture and everyday wear that is bold and beautiful.
As you know Minnesota is home to the largest Liberian community in the US, and what better way to learn some of their collaborative culture than through fashion and design. Korto Momolu has been doing this when she introduced the world to her designs on Heidi Klum’s Project Runway (as seen on Bravo TV). Local Minnesotan designers Ariel Simone and Grace Crawford, also Liberian immigrants, are beginning to make their mark.
Other designers include: Mekdi Design whose designer Mekdes Taye, a Californian of Ethiopian descent, most famous design is a wedding dress she made from popcorn, wire mesh and handcrafted cotton textiles.
Kahindo Mateene’s label Modahnik uses traditional silhouettes with contemporary styles a reflection of her global influences. Born in Uganda of Congolese parents, Mateene now lives in Chicago.
Lalesso, a label run by a South African and Kenya duo uses the traditional East African cloth, the khanga, to design colorful and vibrant summer wear. Featured in a Vogue spread their clothes have been described as light, airy, vibrant and ready to wear.
On a visit to Kenya from California Wawi Amasha found herself buying yards of fabric from a market compelled by the colors. And the birth of Mami Afrika, her clothing label.
Recent St. Cloud State graduates, Lloyd Keli and Timothy Kariuki, fuse Nairobi and American urban fashion to create a men’s fashion line Nairobi Wear.
For interviews and other queries contact Natalie Augur, VimLab Promotions. 612 229 8522
Having studied in Kenya and Spain and worked as a designer for other labels, it was inevitable that John Kaveke would eventually set up his own label entitled ‘Kaveke’. John has been heavily involved in a number of prestigious projects such as the International Smirnoff Fashion Awards, Sarajevo Fashion Week and Catwalk Kenya.
The inspiration behind the designs come from her roots and the 2010 couture collection features exotic African animals and scenery hand painted with swarovski and jewel embellishments. The ready to wear collection features cutting edge designs in bold prints and tailored silhouettes with the ethnic influence apparent. The ready to wear draws from her couture roots with exaggerated shoulders, cinched waists and sharp silhouettes. It celebrates the classic feminine hourglass shape with a hint of the tribal. The limited edition range is available in exciting vibrant colours and tick all the trend boxes. They have the military cut dresses, the jumpsuit, the maxi, and lots more. They also offer these stunning designs on a made to order basis with a choice from their stock of exotic prints..
The garments are handmade by Asake or manufactured under Fair Trade using mostly silk, cotton and linen which are natural fabrics. The limited edition ready to wear is a solution to the fashion victim who finds it easier to follow high street trends as AsakeOge instead designs and produces original, contemporary pieces that set the trend. As well as being available online, bespoke services are also offered for that one-off outfit you need to stand out in the crowd 
