Cynthia Rowley

Illinois native Cynthia Rowley was just seven years old when she constructed her first dress. During her senior year at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she sold her first collection of eight pieces to a number of New York's most prominent stores.

Over the years, the Cynthia Rowley Collection has grown to include women's wear, shoes, handbags, eyewear, belts, dishes, baby gear, leg-wear, umbrellas, color cosmetics and a signature fragrance. The Collection is sold in Cynthia Rowley boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and East Hampton: in over 50 Cynthia Rowley boutiques in Japan and in the Cynthia Rowley online boutique. The Collection is also represented in better department and specialty stores both domestically and internationally.

Rowley's creative endeavors have proven to be award-winning. The Council of Fashion Designers of America honored her with the prestigious New Fashion Talent Award. The CFDA recognized her again, three seasons after she introduced a complete menswear line, with a nomination for the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Design Talent.

A broad range of targeted media has aided Rowley in reaching a large national and international audience. She has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, MTV, E! and VH1. She has also appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, Oprah, Good Morning America, Today and The View. Editorial coverage consists of features in print media such as Vogue, Elle, W, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour and the The New York Times. In addition, publications such as In Style, Elle Decor, French Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and the The New York Times frequently showcase the unique interior of her homes.

In addition to returning as judge for HGTV Design Star, her new home line, Whim, reimagines classic, warm-weather products and is exclusively available at Target. Her latest book, Slim: A Fantasy Memoir, debuted in April 2007.

Rowley is mother to two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys many death-defying adventures including surfing, waterskiing and scuba diving. She is an admirer of contemporary art and an avid art collector.

For more information, visit www.cynthiarowley.com.