Mark Montano is an American fashion designer, interior designer, artist, writer, and TV personality.
Mark Montano's creative life began in his quiet childhood home of La Junta, Colorado where at the young age of 14 he began designing and sewing clothes for his mother. At 16 he was hired by the Colorado State Board of Education to be an inspirational and motivational speaker to other high school students across the country. Upon graduating Colorado State University with a degree in business, he ventured to New York City where he continued his education at the fashion institute of Technology earning a Master's Degree in Costume History.
An internship at Oscar de la Renta gave him an appreciation for exquisite fabrics and the inspiration to begin his own ready to wear collection. Always developing new skills as a designer, Mark draws inspiration from the quirky flavor of New York City, especially the East Village, where he has established his home and a flagship boutique. As the youngest member ever to be inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Mark Montano designs a signature collection of empowering downtown couture.
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A master of mixing fanciful ideas, colors and luxurious fabrics, his vibrant ensembles are sold around the world and by the fashion press he was crowned The King of Downtown Couture. His whimsical designs are splashed across fashion magazines and are preferred by women who love elegant clothing that showcases their flavorful personalities. When Mark Montano joined Cosmo Girl! Magazine as a contributing editor in 1999, his magic touch became known to teens everywhere. His creative room makeovers make his monthly column. COOL ROOM the must-read of every issue. Here he marries his explorations in interior design and writing to inspire young adults to be creative and live daily productive_lives in inspirational and affordable environments. In early 2002, Mark Montano continued inspiring teens with the publication of his first book SUPER SUITE, a collection of 15 room makeovers of real teenagers. SUPER SUITE, published by Rizzoli,is available Barnes and Nobles and other prominent bookstores across the country. It was selected for inclusion in the "Books For The Teen Age 2003 List" published by the New York Public Library. It's continued success prompted Montano to publish his second and third book, DOLLAR STORE DECOR AND THE DUMMIES GUIDE TO WINDOW TREATMENTS AND SLIP COVERS. In February 2008 his next book, The Big Ass Book of Crafts hits the shelves with the support of Simon and Schuster. At the epicenter of an industry "YouthQuake" Montano writes a weekly column in over 70 newspapers across the country titled "Make Your Mark." Syndicated by Knight Ridder Publications, Montano answers reader's questions with his own brand of do it yourself advice as well as supplying them with gift certificates from major retailers to complete their projects. In August 2004 he debuted as a feature columnist in THE NEW YORK POST Home Section where his article "Mark Your Territory" that tackles city living problems.
A master of mixing fanciful ideas, colors and luxurious fabrics, his vibrant ensembles are sold around the world and by the fashion press he was crowned The King of Downtown Couture. His whimsical designs are splashed across fashion magazines and are preferred by women who love elegant clothing that showcases their flavorful personalities. When Mark Montano joined Cosmo Girl! Magazine as a contributing editor in 1999, his magic touch became known to teens everywhere. His creative room makeovers make his monthly column. COOL ROOM the must-read of every issue. Here he marries his explorations in interior design and writing to inspire young adults to be creative and live daily productive_lives in inspirational and affordable environments. In early 2002, Mark Montano continued inspiring teens with the publication of his first book SUPER SUITE, a collection of 15 room makeovers of real teenagers. SUPER SUITE, published by Rizzoli,is available Barnes and Nobles and other prominent bookstores across the country. It was selected for inclusion in the "Books For The Teen Age 2003 List" published by the New York Public Library. It's continued success prompted Montano to publish his second and third book, DOLLAR STORE DECOR AND THE DUMMIES GUIDE TO WINDOW TREATMENTS AND SLIP COVERS. In February 2008 his next book, The Big Ass Book of Crafts hits the shelves with the support of Simon and Schuster. At the epicenter of an industry "YouthQuake" Montano writes a weekly column in over 70 newspapers across the country titled "Make Your Mark." Syndicated by Knight Ridder Publications, Montano answers reader's questions with his own brand of do it yourself advice as well as supplying them with gift certificates from major retailers to complete their projects. In August 2004 he debuted as a feature columnist in THE NEW YORK POST Home Section where his article "Mark Your Territory" that tackles city living problems.
