Everybody Is Welcome Inside The House of Momo
by Jane Moritz | @janemoritz
designs by Momo | @madebymomoo
photos by Alex Free | @alexfree_hii
Momo, a 25 year old fashion designer, woke up with a message from a used scrap of fabric. The fabric’s past owner in the dream was stalking Momo and trying to take back their material. Instead of being frightened, Momo was inspired. This burgundy chiffon could only be saying one thing: use me.
“I feel like if we open our hearts and mindsets when we're touching a textile, it will lend itself to what it wants to be,” said Momo as they sifted through all the creations in their Queens studio.
The haunting fabric became a blouse and joined a multitude of garments created for House of Momo’s upcoming fashion show, AMORE MIO, STO SERENAMENTE PERDENDO LA RAGIONE, on September 2nd. All the pieces come from the same spiritual intention to find peace in chaos, sometimes even in a tangible way. Momo’s collection includes weighted vests that “align yourself with a peaceful place” by actually shifting your shoulders back to open your heart. It’s like wearing a deep breath.
The actual planning started three years ago but the themes have been in their mind since living among artists in Spain and Italy. Momo said the language barrier made it hard to describe “the empowered feeling of wearing something uplifting” but they realized that you don’t need words to “get that feeling of peace in a physical sense.”
Momo craved a space similar to their experience in Europe so they founded House of MOMO, a fashion atelier where all artists can feel at home. The brand prioritizes slow fashion, sustainability, and collaboration. It’s quite different from Momo’s experience creating for other “gatekeep-y” brands with outdated practices.
“The fashion world is so entrenched in what it’s always been, there is so much room for intention,” said Momo.
The multimedia show, happening at We Are Here in Brooklyn, will feature several designers and print artists beyond just Momo. Before the official start of the performance, viewers can enjoy complimentary drinks while exploring the installations and House of MOMO merch. There will be an opportunity to order the garments off the runway or custom pieces based on the collection.
The runway itself won’t be typical; the space will be open with models walking around the viewers. Momo wants to leave behind Manhattan’s emotionless catwalks. Their models, who are actually trained dancers, will express whatever emotions they feel in the moment. Instead of recognizable pop songs, Momo created a continuous soundscape full of spoken diary entries, movie dialogue and synthesized melodies.
It’s also important for Momo to rebel against the instant gratification of our world. They take time to find the perfect material by going to FABSCRAP, a Brooklyn-based non-profit providing used fabric to designers. Momo’s colors and silhouettes delight the eye in a way that reminds us to enjoy life. Their creative process includes being present in the moment and sewing before they sketch instead of the other way around.
In nervous preparation for the fashion show, Momo was outside laundering a vibrant pink dress. Warm in the sun, they felt reassured when a family of fruit flies started buzzing to the fabric. Just like Momo, Mother Earth wanted to feel the color’s effects.
“I always remember the pace of nature is slow and when you listen to her, you're able to give yourself to the natural way and frequency we are all on.”
There will be shows at 7:00pm and 8:30pm on Saturday, September 2nd. Tickets can be purchased on Momo’s website here.
