NEW YORK, Aug 23, 2003/ FW/ --- On Friday, Sept 12, 2003, New York-based designer Mark Montano comes back at Bryant Park to present his Spring 2004 collection.

The Spring 2004 season marks Montano's 10th showing in New York Fashion Week.

A mainstay of the New York fashion season since 1999, this energetic, young, and undeniably cool designer, has the contagious ability to inspire women, teens and the industry to express themselves.

Montano who is a one-time Oscar de la Renta intern continually wows the crowds at New York's Fashion Week with his talents.

Last season, his 'Laura Ingalls Wilder' collection which featured cotton brocade gained kudos from Cotton Inc. for its timeless beauty.

Mark, whose creative musings, have manifested successfully in the worlds of fashion, interior design, and writing began his 'designing life' 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 business degree, he ventured to New York City where he continued his education at the Fashion Institute of Technology earning a masters 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.

Still developing as a designer, Mark Montano draws inspiration from the quirky flavor of New York City, especially the East Village where he has established his home and 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 across the world.

His whimsical designs are splashed across fashion magazines and are preferred by women who love elegant clothing that expresses the magic within them.

When Mark Montano joined CosmoGirl Magazine as a contributing editor, this magical expression 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 live teenagers.

SUPER SUITE, published by Rizzoli, is available at Barnes & Noble and other prominent bookstores across the country.

It was recently selected for inclusion on the "BOOKS FOR THE TEEN AGE 2003 LIST" by the New York Public Library. It's continuing success has prompted Montano to begin a second book.

The epicenter of an industry "Youth Quake", Montano writes a weekly column in over 70 newspapers across the country.

Titled "Make your Mark" and syndicated by Knight Ridder Publications, Montano will be answering readers 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.

Adding a new dynamic to media crown, Mark Montano will join the design team on The Learning Channel's "While You Were Out".

One of the most established home redesign shows on television, Montano will premier during the new fall season.

Mark Montano embraces and achieves his dreams with incredible persistence and a diehard attitude for success. His self-funded company, highly acclaimed runway shows during New York Fashion Week, acclaimed writing and creative collaborations with national retail chains, make Mark Montano a household name, representing creativity and quality.

(Photo of Mark Montano by Visko Hatfield)