JAMILEH KAMRAN
For more than 55 years Jamileh Kamran, owner of Jamileh Kamran Designs, has dedicated her career to fashion. Along the way she has not only made a name for herself locally, but also nationwide. Kamran’s philosophy “you cannot find two persons alike” is evident in her approach to each design.
Kamran’s impressive lists of clients include attorneys, judges, business owners and politicians. “These groups require professional outfits that function as an investment in their careers,” notes Kamran. It can take a minimum of three weeks for clients to receive their final pieces, because, as Kamran acknowledges, “you will never find my creations being mass produced.” Ms. Vann Ackers of Little Rock, who has been a loyal client and close friend for over four years, cannot sing Kamran’s praises enough.
“I look at every aspect of your life, whether it is personal or business,
to design an individual style that’s right for you.”
- Jamileh Kamran
“Four years ago I came home from a trip to Paris and came to Jamileh to do alterations on a couture dress only to discover Paris was in my back yard,” said Ms. Ackers.“ It does not matter if it is formal or informal, dresses or pants; Jamileh’s clothes are always perfect for what I need.” Ackers contributes Kamran’s success to her hands-on approach.“Jamileh personally selects all the fabrics in her store, consults with her client every step of the way, and is hands-on in the in the design process,” says Ackers."Her clothes are one of kind and just absolutely beautiful.”
In September of 2007, Jamileh Kamran wrote two books, The Art of Couture and The Art of Decoration. Shortly after that Kamran opened the first School of Fashion in Arkansas, the Jamileh Kamran School of Fashion, now known as Jamileh kamran Arkansas Fashion School. Since then, Kamran has trained and mentored students of all ages and genders to be successful fashion designers and create jobs for themselves and others.
Ms. Kamran, who was born in Iran, knew she would always be involved in fashion.”I have always loved fashion, even at six years old I was cutting fabric out for my dolls. I was born with the passion for color and design, so the rest just naturally followed.” By age 12, Kamran began taking courses on fabric and design.“I took courses, but more than anything it was a combination of practice and passion that fueled my desire to succeed in fashion design,” says Kamran. In August of 1978, Kamran moved to the United States and started practicing fashion and creating wardrobe for the most influential ladies in Arkansas.
Kamran met Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton at a local runway show where Kamran was showcasing her designs and Clinton, who at the time was the First Lady of Arkansas, was the MC of the show. “Hillary was one of my very first clients,” says Kamran. Kamran designed for Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, throughout the years when she was the first lady of Arkansas and also during the presidential inauguration of 1992-1993.