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: Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds, The Dean of Fashion™. Bridging education, business, luxury fashion, media, and global culture, he fuses scholarship, strategy, creativity, and advocacy to shape trends and influence the next generation of talent. From Atlanta, Georgia, to Milan, Italy, and the Isle of St. Lucia, he transforms fashion, education, and media into forces that define culture, spark innovation, and inspire leadership—inviting audiences to discover the full scope of his work.

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. → Elevating luxury brands through strategic growth, talent development, and innovative curriculum design.

  • Professor → Shaping the next generation of leaders at Capella University & Georgia Military College.

  • Mentor → Guiding FashionTech startups at Startupbootcamp, Milan.

  • Recurring Media Voice → NBC Atlanta’s Fashion Friday, delivering insider style expertise.

  • Host → Miss Universe St. Lucia Pageant.

  • Fashion Ambassador → Championing St. Lucia’s fashion industry on the global stage.

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.

  • 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, Michael Buckholtz, 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.