For those who can feel a piece of fabric, picture an entire design and predict how the textures and colors will work together on the runway, there’s a school for you. Blume & Hall Fashion Academy shows students how to stitch their keen eye for style into a successful fashion career.
In 2007, the late designer Jamileh Kamran opened the Arkansas Fashion School, the first and only of its kind. Nearly two decades later, the institution has reopened under a new name and the leadership of model Lara Blume McGee, designer Ashton Hall and instructor Amanda Morley.
“Local talent needed a place to learn real, industry-connected fashion without leaving home,” says Lara, who has modeled in Miami, Los Angeles, New York and London. “We wanted to keep Kamran’s hands‑on, mentor-first teaching alive.”
Aspiring designers can take a two-year, 15-course program covering sewing, pattern making, draping and garment construction. They begin with foundational projects like skirts and tailored jackets before advancing to evening and bridal wear.
In November, students will debut their collections during “Paint the Runway,” a scholarship fashion show that also celebrates the academy’s graduates.
One of the mentors, Ashton lends experience from his time at Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret Direct and Gentleman Farmer in Paris. He encourages students to stay true to themselves in an industry known for fierce competition.
“I tell these students, ‘You can do anything. This is just your stepping stone to get the technical.’ So my job is to align them to their passion, create opportunities, call my resources and put them in places to live out their dream.”
In the future, the school foresees more scholarships, more internships, more dreams sewn.
“If you’re passionate about fashion, if you’re willing to work hard, there’s a place for you here,” Ashton says. “We’re just getting started.”
For more information, visit blumeandhallfashionacademy.com.
“If you’re passionate about fashion, if you’re willing to work hard, there’s a place for you here."