The billion-dollar world of cannabis can seem like a continuous cycle of innovative moments; there are, however, a few when literally and figuratively, the stars align to create magic. That’s what happened when Women Grow, the largest national organization educating, inspiring and empowering current and next-generation women leaders in cannabis, recently partnered with Project Runway All Stars contestant Korto Momolu for an innovative new collection.
The Momolu cannabis-inspired medley for Women Grow SS20 Runway mixes ready-to-wear and athleisure-style pieces comprised of sustainable fabrics including hemp, cork, jute and metals. Confidence and comfort flow effortlessly through each design as the collection’s unifying theme, while the versatility of cannabis and hemp as a textile is illustrated through the fabrication of Momalu’s designs.
Health, wellness and beauty aspects of cannabis are represented by the athleisure looks emblazoned with the Women Grow logo and the ornate construction of the ready-to-wear pieces designed to be interchangeable and transferable from day to evening. The project, done in collaboration with Woman Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias, was borne of the desire for women in the space to visually represent the unifying aspects of cannabis and hemp.
“Women Grow has a great handle on an industry that is about to truly explode, and this offers a huge opportunity for women to make their mark. They’re all about empowering women, and that’s what resonated with me most,” commented Momolu. “We’re looking to normalize cannabis; – we’re showing vapes on the runway and an assortment of hemp-based fabrics.”
The collection recently debuted to a capacity crowd of industry and influencers from the worlds of cannabis, fashion and entertainment, including Greenleaf star Lynn Whitfield, at Pier 59 Studios during New York Fashion Week's spring/summer 2020 shows.
Using the international language of the runway and paired with a shift in attitudes around the plant, cannabis fashions were featured front and center without a wink and a nod. In this collaborative sense, fashion became a catalyst to demystify the cannabis and reveal its multifaceted benefits, uses and consumption. “While the intersection of fashion and cannabis industries may not seem obvious at first, the collaboration was created to amplify the message of Women Grow: empowerment , inspiration and education,” explained Macias. “Through Korto’s innovative and elegant collection, our goal is to break through the stigma of cannabis culture and bring to light the health benefits of the plant, and the value of women leaders in the industry.”
The athleisure pieces were made available through a pop-up shop at luxury cannabis accessory retailer Higher Standards in Chelsea, New York, following the show, at which inventory sold out. The athleisure styles from the Korto Momolu for Women Grow collection are currently available online at the Women Grow Shopify store.
