Mark Montano

Mark Montano: Designer, Author, Interior Decorator, Writer, TV Personality and Designer on "WHILE YOU WERE OUT" and now the new host of TLC's 10 YEARS YOUNGER! Mark Montano is an energetic, young, and undeniably cool designer. His creative musings, have manifested successfully in the worlds of fashion, interior design and writing making him a refreshing example of innovation and a beacon of creativity. Living and working from his mantra of "creativity can be fun" he has the contagious ability to inspire women, teens and makeover fans across the country to express themselves. 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 fun clothing for his mother. Upon graduating Colorado State University with a Bachelors 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 line. 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. A master of mixing fanciful ideas, colors and luxurious fabrics, his vibrant ensembles are sold around the world. 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 recently selected for inclusion in the "Books For The Teen Age 2003 List" published by the New York Public Library. It's continued success has prompted Montano to publish his second and third book, DOLLAR STORE DECOR AND THE DUMMIES GUIDE TO WINDOW TREATMENTS AND SLIP COVERS out in August 2005 and October 2005 respectively. 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 will debut as a feature columnist in THE NEW YORK POST Home Section  where his article "Mark Your Territory" will tackle city living problems. Adding a new dynamic to his media crown, Mark Montano joined the design team of The  Learning Channel's "While You Were Out" in 2003, one of the most established home redesign shows on television. He has transformed rooms for Penn and Teller, Shannon Elizabeth and Lisa Leslie, who are  just a few of the celebrities he has worked with to change the space for their loved ones. Due to his growing fan base and rave reviews on the show, Montano has already begun filming season 4 of "While You Were Out." Recently he was tapped to host and style TLC's new show 10 Years Younger.  A daily 1/2 hour makeover show with an empowering message for the viewer.  Mark Montano embraces and achieves his dreams with incredible persistence and a die hard attitude for success. His self- funded company highly acclaimed runway shows during New York Fashion Week, award winning books, and creative collaborations with national retail chains make Mark Montano a household name,  representing creativity and quality.