O’More College of Architecture & Design has been ranked in the Top 50 fashion design programs in the U.S. and in the Top 10 programs in the South for 2023 by student resource site Fashion-Schools.org, taking into consideration things like graduation success rates, reputation and admissions data. Stacking up against hundreds of schools in the country, O’More came in at 35th nationally and 6th regionally. This is O’More’s second year on the list, ranking two places higher nationally than in 2022.
Photo by: Daniel Meigs
“This achievement is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our faculty and the talent of our students,” said Jamie Atlas, chair of the Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs. “We are proud to exemplify a mission-based approach that places purposeful design at the heart of the curriculum.”
O’More students walk across the graduation stage with years of elevated design training under their belt, aligning with industry standards and allowing them to be competitive and thrive in the global business landscape. They begin by developing their foundational skills and segue to digital design which incorporates leading 3D prototyping software programs such as Optitex and Browzwear, with many of Belmont’s design courses focusing on underserved markets.
“This program values shaping students into purpose-driven designers and offers students an industry-focused experience right from the beginning of their freshman year,” said Laura Finley Hasenbank, fashion design Class of 2025. “As a student, I have experienced the unwavering commitment of the faculty at O'More College to each individual's growth and development. Professors generously share their connections within the fashion industry, opening doors to valuable opportunities for networking, internships and hands-on experience.” Hasenbank was recently featured on Belmont’s Instagram, sharing the behind-the-scenes stories of her designs. Pictured left (wearing a design from student Kat Westmoreland), Hasenbank also walked in the 2023 O'More Fashion Show. Photo by: Jami-lyn Fehr.
Community partnerships are essential to the O’More experience. The college has worked with and raised awareness and funds for nonprofits like Tennessee Donor Services, Daybreak Arts, Gigi's Down Syndrome Achievement Center and Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee.
Students are also encouraged to learn beyond Belmont’s Nashville campus and utilize semester-long study away experiences through O’More’s partnerships with schools abroad such as Florence University of the Arts, Regents University in London and Metropolia in Helsinki, Finland. Additionally, students have the opportunity to take part in Belmont USA, where students complete a required internship credit for a semester while also taking remote courses and living in New York City or Los Angeles. Past internship opportunities both in Nashville and elsewhere include, but are not limited to, Proper Cloth, Johnathan Kayne, ABLE, Nordstrom Corporate Office, Ralph Lauren, Natural Life, Dollar General, Nashville Ballet, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Fruit of the Loom and Banded.
Photo by: Ed Atlas
Alumni are and have been employed at a variety of well-established companies, including Ralph Lauren, Fanatics, Natural Life, Uncommon Goods, Osh Kosh, Christian Dior Couture, Tractor Supply Co., Kirkland's and Workwear Outfitters. Many alumni have also founded brands of their own, such as Payton James USA, Lady James Atelier, Johnnie Q and Pine & Sapling, paving the way for continued innovation and excellent work by O’More students for years to come.
“I’ll forever rave about my education within O’More College,” said Jami-lyn Fehr (pictured right), 2018 fashion merchandising graduate and founder and creative director of MODISTE. “There is a stigma that fashion students are obtaining a frivolous degree, but it couldn’t be more inaccurate. I learned many facets of business, was able to explore my creativity and gained real-world experiences that left me not only ready for life after school, but excited and hungry.”
Click here to learn more about the O'More College of Architecture and Design.