Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds is a globally recognized fashion strategist, educator, media authority, and consultant who blends academic rigor with creative vision to shape the future of fashion and cultural leadership. Known as *The Dean of Fashion™, * he has more than two decades of experience across luxury retail, higher education, consulting, editorial roles, and strategic brand development.
Dr. Hammonds began his professional journey as a classroom teacher before moving into the luxury fashion sector, including a leadership role with Neiman Marcus Atlanta, where he served as Assistant Human Resource Manager early in his career. He went on to lead the fashion department at The Art Institute of Atlanta, launching its first BFA in Fashion Design, securing full accreditation, and crafting innovative curricula that bridged creativity with workforce readiness.
Today, he teaches at institutions like Capella University and Georgia Military College, and is the founder of CAH & Co., a consulting firm advising brands, fashion weeks, organizations, and governments on storytelling, talent development, and cultural strategy. As Senior Fashion Editor at Upscale Magazine, Dr. Hammonds’s insights on style, culture, and industry trends are widely published and sought after.
His influence extends internationally—mentoring design talent through programs like Startupbootcamp FashionTech in Milan and serving as Fashion Ambassador for the St. Lucia Fashion Council, where he promotes global collaboration and cultural exchange.
Dr. Hammonds holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), an MBA, and a Bachelor’s in Education, and his work has earned notable recognitions such as inclusion in Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50 and Modern Luxury Atlanta’s “Man of Style.” His multidisciplinary approach fuses education, media, and strategic vision to elevate designers and cultivate creative leadership worldwide.