Edward Coleman is a soon to be graduate of the Jamileh Kamran School of Fashion Design (http://www.jamilehkamran.com/) based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Known to be the only fashion focused design school in the state of Arkansas, Coleman has taken advantage of his opportunity to learn from designer Jamileh Kamran’s forty plus years of experience. His journey had led him down a different path than what he originally started out on and he is ready to share his thoughts about this new direction into the fashion design world.
When did you realize your passion for fashion?
I did not realize my full potential for fashion until I entered the school. I originally wanted to be a tailor and there are really no options for learning the skills for that job here, so I searched and found the next best thing.
What were your expectations entering fashion school and have you achieved them or exceeded them?
Upon entering fashion school I expected to learn the bare minimum needed to sew and possibly draft designs. The cost to attend is not prohibitive and I simply expected some basic design instruction and perhaps the ability to make contacts outside of the school in the fashion world. This of course is not how it played out. As a student at the Jamileh Kamran School of Fashion we are deeply immersed into the technical and creative side of fashion and are provided with a foundation and direction that will allow us to leave the school and stand on our own.
What has it been like for you to work with and learn from Jamileh Kamran?
It has been amazing. Rarely do you meet someone that has the passion, drive, and skill that she possesses and offers to share it.
What is your favorite design that you have made so far?
I am currently designing a pair of pants for myself and they are so far my favorite.
How will you continue your fashion design career from here or do you plan to use your new skills for your own personal use?
My long term plans include designing a womens line (I already have the preliminary sketches for several of the outfits), entering local and regional fashion shows and applying to be a contestant on Project Runway in the future. Ultimately I plan to own my own business where I design and sell the garments.
If you could be a famous fashion designer for a day, who would it be and why?
Hands down it would be Alexander McQueen. His style was very innovative and in your face and at the same time it complimented the female form perfectly.
If you could design an entire wardrobe for your favorite celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would love to design a wardrobe for Iman. She is a very elegant, sexy, and classy woman and I think that she personifies the aesthetic I want my garments to represent.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?
I draw from everything, but nature and basic shapes are my biggest muses.
What is the one thing that you learned during your studies at Jamileh Kamran School of Fashion that you consider the most important?
If it’s worth doing, it must be done to perfection.
Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion designers?
If it is your passion, do not let anything stand in the way of achieving your dream and always seek to improve yourself as a person and a designer.
