Monte Durham is a style maven best known for his prominent role on “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” for over 14 years. His discerning eye and emotional approach to bridal styling have made him a beloved figure in the fashion world. Not only is he an expert in his field, but he’s also a longtime supporter and dear friend of Kent State Fashion. 

Durham attended the annual Kent State Fashion Show at KSU’s main campus last year, and he has graciously returned for the 2024 NYC campus show this Thursday, Oct. 17.  But, what many don’t know is the inspiring journey that brought him to where he is today.

Growing up in the “hollers” of West Virginia as he shares, Durham’s introduction to fashion came from humble beginnings. “I grew up in a house with no running water and an outside toilet,“ he recalls. His mother, one of twelve siblings, inspired his early interest in fashion. 

He fondly remembers trips to town where his fascination with fashion was sparked by flipping through pattern books. “I thought I had gone to heaven,“ Monte reminisces. This early exposure ignited his creative spirit, leading him to sketch and cut out dresses from shopping bags, fueling his dream of becoming a designer.

Durham’s journey in fashion took many turns, eventually leading him to “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.” Despite his initial hesitation about stepping in front of the camera, he was persuaded by the producers who told him to “just be Monte.” His natural charisma and deep understanding of brides’ emotional needs made him a perfect fit for the show. Working with brides has taught him that, at the end of the day, it’s not about the dress itself—it’s about how it makes the bride feel. “They don’t expect miracles. They just want to look and feel good,” he shares.

Durham’s approach to bridal fashion is rooted in understanding and education. He emphasizes the importance of teaching brides about fabrics, necklines, and styles that suit their body types. “I don’t want them to just like it, I want them to love it,” he explains. 

Whether he’s guiding a bride through choosing a structured silk Mikado gown or a drapey silk charmeuse, Durham makes sure the dress highlights their beauty. He’s also known for helping brides find confidence, regardless of their body shape or size. 

His philosophy is simple, something he says his grandmother used to say: “There’s a lid for every pot.”

Beyond his work with brides, Durham’s personal style is another testament to his love for fashion. Known for his classic, tailored looks, he lives by his own principles he calls the “Three F’s: fit, fabric, and fashion.” Growing up without flattering clothes due to financial limitations, Durham developed a sharp eye for how garments should fit and how they can transform a person’s appearance.

In 2020, Durham took his passion for style to a new level by opening his own hair salon in Alexandria, Virginia: Salone Monte. While many would have found the timing daunting, as the pandemic had just hit, Monte saw it as an opportunity to create an intimate space where people could feel pampered and special, with social distancing in mind. Being that they were the only salon in the area with contained spaces that complied with COVID-19 protocol, they built a huge clientele quickly and it’s stuck, with business continuing to grow ever since. “Hair is the crown you never take off,” he says, emphasizing that the right hairstyle is just as important as the perfect dress. His salon quickly became a success, offering clients a full-service experience of beauty and confidence.

From his humble beginnings in West Virginia to becoming a bridal fashion icon, Monte Durham’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of helping others feel beautiful. Whether on television, in his salon or behind the scenes, Durham’s dedication to fashion and his ability to empower those around him remains at the heart of everything he does.

As Durham looks to the future, one thing remains clear—his love for fashion and the brides he serves will never fade. “It’s never just about the dress. It’s about the feeling it gives you. That’s the magic.”

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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.