NEW YORK, Sep 4, 2003/ FW/ --- Fashion designer Mark Montano will be presenting his Spring 2004 Collection titled “Modern Day Saints” in The Bryant at Bryant Park at the 7th on Sixth Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week on Friday, September 12th at 8pm.

This exciting season Mark Montano has become inspired by the beauty and historical nature of Gold.

Joined by the World Gold Council, one of his sponsors for his Spring 2004 collection “Modern Day Saints”, Montano will be featuring authentic, modern gold jewelry styles on the New York fashion runway, as well as paying homage to gold's intrinsic beauty and classical heritage.

“As I began designing the spring line,” reflected Montano, “I knew I wanted to use gold jewelry. It’s has been around since classical times and has an ancient association to powerful and saintly women."

"By using today's fashion-forward yet affordable gold jewelry, I can express the emotional connections gold inspires in modern day women and enhance this sexy, bold and empowered fashion collection. The modern day saint can proclaim her own style and buy her own jewelry,” he added.

Joining him backstage will be the hair stylists of REDKEN, lead by Ellen Lawlor.

Merging the contemporary and chic street attitudes that have made REDKEN a hair industry leader, together with Montano’s collection, will be bringing these “blessed” women to life on the runway.

Fashion designer Mark Montano designs a signature collection of empowering “downtown couture” which is appreciated by women the world over. His mix of fanciful ideas, colors and luxurious fabrics creates vibrant ensembles that are coveted by women who love elegant clothing that expresses the magic within them.

The youngest member ever to be inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, this Colorado native’s creative life began at the young age of 14 when he began designing funky clothing for his mother.

Now living in New York City, Mark Montano draws inspiration from the quirky flavor of the East Village where he has established his home and flagship boutique.

People across America know Mark Montano for his highly successful monthly column COOL ROOM in Cosmo Girl Magazine, his syndicated column for Knight Ridder Newspapers “Make your Mark!” and for his best selling book SUPER SUITE, a collection of 15 room makeovers of real teenagers.

Now adding another jewel to his media crown, Montano is joining TLC’s most successful home re-decorating show “While You Were Out!” premiering November 28th.
Website: www.markmontano.com

(Photo of Mark Montano on the runway during the Fall 2001 season by Visko Hatfield)