Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds — The Dean of Fashion™
Fashion Strategy | Creative Leadership | Educator | Media Voice

Photo credit: Amelia Jackson

Imagine the bold authority of André Leon Talley, the mentorship precision of Tim Gunn, the cultural clarity of Elsa Klensch, and the unapologetic truth of Tupac Shakur—converging in one visionary. That visionary is Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds, The Dean of Fashion™. He blends academic rigor with creative leadership, guiding emerging and established talent across fashion, education, and media. From Atlanta, Georgia, to Milan, Italy, and St. Lucia, he creates programs, curricula, and strategies that unite innovation, workforce readiness, and global impact—positioning Atlanta as a hub for creative leadership.

Career Journey

  • Special Education Teacher → Early realization that mentorship and structured guidance unlock potential.

  • Assistant HR Manager, Neiman Marcus Atlanta → Optimized processes and elevated team performance with strategic creativity.

  • Academic Program Director, The Art Institute of Atlanta → Launched first BFA in Fashion Design, led Fashion Marketing programs, and secured full SACS accreditation. Recognized nationally, aligned with Obama-era skill-building initiatives.

Current Roles & Global Impact

  • Founder & Principal, CAH & Co. → Luxury retail strategy, brand growth, human capital development, curriculum innovation.

  • Professor → Capella University & Georgia Military College.

  • Mentor → Startupbootcamp FashionTech, Milan.

  • Host → Miss Universe St. Lucia Pageant.

  • Fashion Ambassador → St. Lucia Fashion Council.

Dr. Hammonds bridges education, entrepreneurship, and global fashion leadership—shaping emerging talent, innovative programs, and industry-defining brands.

Media & Commentary

  • Senior Fashion Editor, Upscale Magazine; former editor, HERS Magazine.

  • Featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, NPR, GQ, InStyle, WWD.

  • Long-running Fashion Friday segment on NBC affiliate.

  • Early coverage of Project Runway and Project Accessory established him as a trusted interpreter of fashion, culture, and creative expression.

Creative Collaborations & Industry Partnerships

Dr. Hammonds has partnered with industry icons & thought leaders and global brands, blending strategic vision, creativity, and influence across luxury, mass-market, and media sectors.

Industry Icons & Thought Leaders: André Leon Talley, Tim Gunn, Fern Mallis, Alek Wek, Mimi Plange, June Ambrose, Mychael Knight, Cynthia Bailey, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, Emme, Nicolas Ghesquière, Clare Waight Keller, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.

Global Brands & Platforms: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Banana Republic, Bloomingdale’s, Charleston Fashion Week, Chattanooga Fashion Expo, Condé Nast, Gap, GQ, Glamour, Mezlan, National African American Women’s Leadership Institute, New Orleans Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and Susan G. Komen—reflecting a career defined by cross-sector impact, cultural influence, and creative leadership.

Education & Honors

  • DBA, MBA, B.S. in Education

  • Awards: Stephen Shank Award for Teaching Excellence, President’s Volunteer Service Award, Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50, Modern Luxury Atlanta’s Man of Style

Quick Facts

  • Born: August 2 | Shares birthday with James Baldwin, reflecting a legacy of fearless truth-telling and vision for justice.

  • Global Roots: From his hometown of Columbus, Georgia, through formative years in Berlin, Germany, his professional launch in Atlanta, Georgia, a creative stint in Nassau, Bahamas, to ongoing work in St. Lucia

  • Mentorship Philosophy: “Talent thrives when curiosity meets structure.”

  • Rising Star Moment: Co-launched luxury boutique at Atlanta’s Phipps Plaza at 23.

  • Signature Vision: Elevates talent, brands, and programs on a global scale.

  • Nonprofit Impact: Co-launched Fashion Uncorked with Easter Seals of North Georgia, supporting special education.=

Vision & Philosophy

Dr. Hammonds blends creativity, strategy, and education to elevate talent and shape global leadership. Deeply human and globally influential, he inspires originality, purposeful leadership, and meaningful impact across fashion, media, and education.