She hopes her designs will be second to none

“It opened up a lot of doors right now that would have never been opened,’’ says the designer. “Once you get over not winning, and you pick yourself up and keep going, you realize that it presents a huge opportunity. People know who you’re talking about when you say Korto.’’

The designer, whose first name is pronounced Cut-toe, is here this week to participate in Boston Fashion Week. She’ll be showing a 12-piece collection tomorrow night in Charlestown. Her wearable designs may not have earned top honors from “Runway’’ judges, but she’s been building a following and “hanging on to those 15 minutes as long as I can.’’

Q. You were voted fan favorite on “Project Runway’’ and won $10,000. What did you do with the money? Did you buy [competitor] Kenley a new cat?

A. You’re terrible! Maybe a new cat and a new attitude. No, I invested it. I decided I was going to invest it in my jewelry and my handbag lines. I have some of it left. I really believe in fate. I think it was my destiny not to win either one of those competitions and that greater things are in store for me.

Q. I read about your jewelry and handbag lines, but I haven’t seen a whole lot about your clothing line yet. Has it launched?

A. It hasn’t launched yet. It’s in the working progress stage. I wanted to win the show to get the money to start the line. Instead I’m doing custom pieces for people upon request. I just did a dress for one of the editors of “Project Runway.’’ She won an Emmy and I designed her dress last weekend. I’ve done a lot of wedding dresses, evening gowns, and lots of custom work.

Q. I was shocked when Daniel Vosovic was chosen the winner of the all-star competition. Frankly, I didn’t think his collection was anywhere near as strong as yours.

A. You and half of America have said that. This time I made sure there was nothing wrong with anything I did, so they would have nothing negative to say. So it would be so clear that they didn’t want to give it to me. They said that [Vosovic’s] one dress was pretty much better than all four of my pieces, which I don’t believe at all. It’s never clear cut on reality TV. It’s almost like they do it on purpose for controversy. Even Santino [Rice] told me I should have won, and he doesn’t give anyone a compliment.

Q. Have your designs evolved since we saw your work on season five?

A. They definitely have. But I still try to make clothes that fit all women. When women look at my clothes I want them to be able to see themselves in them, whether they’re pear shape, straight up and down, or, like me, really curvy. If it’s a dress, I think “How can I make this dress look good on a size 2 model, and a size 18 mom?’’ That’s how I’m trying to evolve.

For more information on Korto Momolu’s Boston appearance, log on to www.bostonfashionexpose.com. Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com.