For over 40 years Jamileh Kamran, owner of Jamileh Kamran Designs, has dedicated her career to fashion and along the way has not only made a name for herself locally, but also nationwide. Kamran’s impressive lists of clients include attorneys, judges, business owners and politicians. “These groups need more professional outfits which will be an investment toward their careers,” notes Kamran. It ca
n 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.”
“All aspects of a person’s culture, background and education really forms whom a person is, which is why I like to tailor my designs to fit that person’s specific individuality,” noted Kamran. Mothers-of-the brides are also frequent clients, because, as Kamran notes, “It assures mothers and mother-in-laws that their outfit will be unique and not replicated.” Kamran also points out that a significant portion of her clients are empty-nesters who need flexible wardrobes, whether it is for traveling or for local formal events. Vann Ackers of Little Rock, who has been a loyal client and close friend for over four years, cannot sing Kamran’s praises enough.
“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 due 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.”
Ackers goes on to say “considering how hard she has worked to get where she is today, Jamileh deserves her success.”
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 13, 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 followed her husband and family to the United States to begin a new life. Kamran, who has been married for over 32 years, initially put her design dreams on hold as she immersed herself in learning the language and culture of her adopted home in Little Rock. “It was always my dream to have a couture shop,” says Kamran. Once Kamran was settled in Little Rock it wasn’t long before she began putting together a portfolio. It was a slow process, according to Kamran, trying to balance work with raising two small children. Kamran notes “at times it was discouraging but when I met Senator Clinton, that all changed.”
Kamran met 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. After the show, Hillary came backstage and told Kamran to “hang in there.”
