O’More Ranks 35th Among Nation’s Top 50 Fashion Design Schools, No.6 in the South

Design excellence propels Belmont’s fashion design and merchandising programs to national recognition

Header photo: Sam Simpkins | Designs: CreatiVets Studio Project

For the third consecutive year, O'More College of Architecture & Design has secured a spot among America's top 50 fashion design programs, ranking 35th nationally and sixth in the South, according to Fashion-Schools.org's 2024 rankings. The recognition reflects the College’s strong admissions and graduation rates, as well as its stellar industry reputation. 

“This achievement is a testament to the technical expertise, industry experience 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 and experiential learning at the heart of the curriculum that prepares students for meaningful careers."

Armed with years of sophisticated design training, O'More graduates enter the workforce prepared to excel in the competitive global industry. Students begin with essential foundations before progressing to advanced digital tools, including curriculum that features industry-standard 3D prototyping software like Browzwear and Optitex. 

With a significant focus on designing for underserved markets, the program emphasizes real-world experience through partnerships with local nonprofits, such as GiGi’s Playhouse, Daybreak Arts and CreatiVets, both in the classroom and as an essential aspect of the program’s annual fashion show. The show itself is a launching point for design and merchandising students alike, with professional grade production and hands-on experiences in garment coordination, stage design and show promotion.  

O'More extends learning opportunities beyond Nashville through international partnerships with universities in London, Helsinki and Florence, Italy. The Belmont USA program places students in cities such as New York, Atlanta or Los Angeles for semester-long internships. 

“Being [in New York] feels like such a natural extension of everything I’ve learned in Nashville,” said fashion merchandising student Caroline Kelyman, who recently studied in the city while interning at Love Shack Fancy. “I have a front row seat to the action, but it’s much more than that. I get to be a part of that action –– marketing meetings, design meetings, company strategy –– this semester has shown me a glimpse into a bigger world a world that feels more accessible than ever before.” 

Nashville's thriving fashion scene offers O'More students distinctive opportunities to be involved with both established brands and innovative startups in this growing design hub. From retail giants and independent designers, students have interned at places like ABLE, Jonathan Kayne, Banded, Implement Now, Dollar General, Nashville Ballet, Tennessee Repertory Theatre and many more.  

Graduates have launched successful careers at apparel and fashion brands including Christian Dior Couture, Fanatics, Inc., Victoria Dunn and Ralph Lauren, while others have founded their own brands like Payton James USA and Modiste paving the way for future O’More industry leaders to make their unique mark on the fashion world. 

“At O’More, I felt like I could be a dreamer and a doer,” said alumna Marian Anderson, who is currently working in London as a bridal stylist for The Fall Bride. "The community-focused mindset is so evidently clear and there’s a huge sense of curiosity. I felt supported by the tight-knit community of O'More, and I credit my professors and peers for helping me land dream fashion design internships that empowered me to take on the fashion industry when I graduated.”