Photo by Nan Ryant
Monte Durham
Monte Durham pauses for a photo with a replica of Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown.
Monte Durham is coming full circle on Sept. 13, when he opens the doors to his Salon MONTE at 210 S. Union St., on Old Town Alexandria's waterfront.
The chic boutique salon, located next door to Hotel Indigo, will feature Durham, who got his start as a hair stylist before heading down the bridal path to a hit reality TV show, TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress - Atlanta."
A native of West Virginia, Durham got his start in Northern Virginia, working as a personal shopper at Woodward & Lothrop at Landmark Mall. While achieving fame on TV, he's quietly made his home in the Alexandria area for many years.
We caught up with him this week to hear more about plans for his new salon.
ALM: What inspired you to open your salon?
Monte: "With the new normal we’re experiencing now with COVID-19, TLC decided to shut down for the unforeseeable future. I am not one to sit idly by or on my hands and decided to take on this project and return to the world of beauty where it all began for me."
ALM: What will clients see when they step into Salon MONTE?
Monte: "The salon decor has a hint of French and British — in other words, boutique chic. With custom wallpaper, lampshades, tile and fixtures. There are a few surprises in the decor such as color and texture."
ALM: You're opening your salon the weekend of Sept. 12, which just happens to be the date that Jacqueline Bouvier married JFK. Coincidence?
Monte: "There are never any coincidences when it comes to Jackie."
ALM: You're known to be an admirer of the late First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Will there be a nod to her at the salon?
Monte: "There will be a beautiful nod to Jackie in the salon featured front and center. A gift to me by the LA Ronald McDonald foundation for my work with underprivileged students."
ALM: You're also remembering your mother, Rose, in a special way. Can you tell us about that?
Monte: "My dear mother passed away a year ago in May and I always say that she held the ladder for me to climb to the stars. In honor of her hard work dedication love of history, art, culture and people she will be remembered by a simple gesture of custom wallpaper and always red roses."
ALM: What differentiates and elevates the Salon Monte experience from other salons?
Monte: "Well there’s me of course! (laughs) We are bringing together a team of very talented artists who will be working in the salon. Their efficiency, knowledge and expertise will be offered along with an invigorating and unforgettable experience. We will be practicing all safety measures of course for our clients and our team's well-being. The salon will also carry the complete line of the MONTE hair care system."
ALM: So many know you from "Say Yes to the Dress" and might not realize that your work as a hair stylist is what put you on the bridal path. Can you tell our readers a bit about how you got interested in working as a hairstylist?
Monte: "It’s interesting what path one crosses and follows in life, I’ve always been interested and intrigued by how and why women and men wear their hair. I took it upon myself to go back to hair school, take the advanced course in London, came back and landed a job with the Red Door salon in Tysons. Little did I know that venture was going to lead me on a path of excitement, experiences and unforgettable adventures."
ALM: What services will you offer and can you tell us about the other stylists who will be working at the salon?
Monte: "The salon will only offer hair services, custom color, cuts, highlights, low lights, ombre, balayage — anything to do with hair. The team has been assembled and are at the foremost front of the latest trends and techniques in not only color and cutting but also styling."
ALM: How often will you be working at the salon?
Monte: "I’m planning on being visible in the salon every day, hopefully that works out. I have a few trips on the books, volunteering for the USO and a few other commitments that will take me out of the salon a few weekends before the end of the year, otherwise I plan to be in house."
ALM: You may be shooting a reality show right here in Alexandria — will clients be on camera?
Monte: "We are working on the terms and condition of filming in the salon... this has yet to be decided or worked out. It all depends upon the network and timing of what they want and what they need."
ALM: How can our readers make an appointment at the salon?
Monte: "To make an appointment you can go online at SALONMONTE. The site should be active by Sept. 1 and there will be a phone number: 703-283-9200 that hopefully will be active within the next few weeks."
ALM: What kind of reaction are you getting around town?
Monte: "I am looking forward to being a part of the business community in Old Town Alexandria. Meeting and greeting new clients, old friends and passersby and of course the fans. Giving tours of the salon and our talented team when available. So far, I have been welcomed with open arms and enthusiasm. I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement. See y’all in September!"
