Our Story
Best of Both Worlds
Ashton Hall
President of Fashion Design
Ashton Hall is a visionary designer known for his innovative approach to fashion, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair. With a passion for creativity and a keen eye for detail, Ashton has made a significant mark in the fashion industry.
After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Ashton honed their skills under the mentorship of renowned designers, where they developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality materials. This foundation laid the groundwork for the launch of their own label, which has since gained acclaim for its unique designs and commitment to sustainability. Ashton Hall’s collections are characterized by bold colors, intricate patterns, and flattering silhouettes that celebrate individuality and confidence. Each piece tells a story, reflecting Ashton’s dedication to empowering individuals through fashion. Their designs have graced runways and red carpets, earning recognition from fashion critics and influencers alike.
Beyond the runway, Ashton is passionate about giving back to the community. He actively engages in charitable initiatives and mentorship programs to inspire the next generation of designers. With a vision that transcends traditional fashion boundaries, Ashton Hall continues to redefine style, creating pieces that resonate with those who appreciate artistry and innovation. Whether dressing for a special occasion or seeking everyday elegance, Ashton Hall's designs embody sophistication and grace, making every moment unforgettable.
Lara Blume McGee
Lara Blume McGee is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business leader dedicated to creating opportunities, empowering communities, and turning vision into meaningful impact. With a diverse professional background spanning philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, modeling, and luxury real estate, she has built a career centered on innovation, service, and helping others succeed.
Driven by a passion for service and community impact, she founded ALS In Wonderland Foundation after her father, Richard Blume, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The foundation was created to support individuals and families affected by ALS across Arkansas by providing direct financial assistance, resources, and compassionate support during one of life’s most difficult journeys.
She is also the CEO of Team Up World, a nonprofit sports management and consulting firm dedicated to helping professional athletes build meaningful philanthropic initiatives. Through this organization, she has successfully collaborated with more than 50 athletes from the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to create, develop, and manage charitable brands and foundations that make a lasting impact in communities around the world.
Prior to focusing on philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, she built a successful career in the modeling industry, working in major markets including New York City and across California. She later transitioned into the luxury real estate sector, where she specialized in serving high-profile clients and professional athletes, helping them secure premium properties while providing a personalized and discreet experience.
Chief Executive Officer
About Blume & Hall Fashion Academy
Our Mission:
Blume & Hall Fashion Academy was founded by visionary designer Ashton Hall and entrepreneur Lara Blume McGee. Licensed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), our academy is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of fashion talent through personalized instruction, hands-on experience, and exposure to the professional fashion industry.
Our programs are tailored to meet the needs, goals, and schedules of each student, with classes available both online and on-campus in Little Rock, Arkansas. At Blume & Hall Fashion Academy, students transform their creativity into runway-ready designs while developing skills that will sustain a lifelong career in fashion.
Formerly known as Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School (JKAFS), Blume & Hall Fashion Academy has been reimagined under the leadership of founder Ashton Hall and co-founder Lara Blume McGee. While we honor our legacy of excellence in couture education, our rebrand reflects a renewed vision for innovation, luxury, and hands-on fashion training for the next generation of designers.
The mission of Blume & Hall Fashion Academy is to teach the Art of Couture to people of all ages and backgrounds.
We achieve this by providing comprehensive training in all facets of fashion design, including:
Pattern Drafting Techniques
Body Draping Techniques
Garment Construction
Fashion Show Experience
Client Interactions
Portfolio Development
Our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue professional careers in fashion and to foster financial self-sufficiency, whether through traditional employment or entrepreneurship.
Vocational Diploma Program
Students completing our Fashion Study Program earn a Fashion Study diploma.
Fashion Study Program: A 15-course, intensive program designed to provide all the skills necessary to launch a career in fashion. Students typically complete the program in two and a half years, though personalized timelines are available to accommodate individual needs.
Vocational Diploma Program
For individuals looking to explore new skills in fashion, our A-Vocational courses offer 5-hour weekly sessions: one hour of instruction and four hours of hands-on practice.
Available courses include:
Basic Sewing & Tailoring: An 8-week, 40-hour program covering hemming, waistbands, zippers, darts, measurements, and other essential techniques.
Self-Improvement Courses: Tailored programs for students seeking personal enrichment or skill development.
Meet Our Team
Lara Blume McGee
CEOLara Blume McGee is an entrepreneur and philanthropist whose work is dedicated to creating meaningful impact through leadership and community service. She founded the ALS In Wonderland Foundation to support individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), inspired by her family’s personal journey.
As CEO of Team Up World, she has collaborated with athletes from the National Football League and National Basketball Association to develop impactful charitable initiatives. At Blume & Hall Fashion Academy, Lara provides strategic leadership and vision to help cultivate the next generation of fashion creatives.
Ashton Hall
President of Fashion DesignAshton Hall is a visionary designer celebrated for blending timeless elegance with modern innovation. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Ashton’s work reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship, artistic expression, and bold design.
As Founder and Creative Director of Blume & Hall Fashion Academy, Ashton leads the creative vision of the institution, inspiring students to explore their individuality while mastering the art and discipline of couture fashion.
Amanda Morley
Fashion Design InstructorAmanda Morley is a multi-disciplinary designer who is always expanding her skillset to bring her vision to life. She has a passion for fashion, fiber art, and costume design. A graduate of Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School in 2017, Amanda received her fashion design instructor license in 2021 and became a full-time instructor under the mentorship of Jamileh Kamran. Amanda is the instructor for the Fashion Study Program at Blume & Hall Fashion Academy.
Dominique Brown
Information Technology & Digital DevelopmentDominique Brown leads the technology and digital development for Blume & Hall Fashion Academy. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Dominique specializes in web design, digital systems, and modern technology solutions that support innovative learning environments.
From building the academy’s digital platforms to ensuring a seamless online experience for students and faculty, Dominique plays a key role in connecting fashion education with cutting-edge technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We provide comprehensive fashion education through our Fashion Study Program, a 15-course vocational diploma program covering pattern drafting, body draping, garment construction, and portfolio development. Additionally, we offer A-Vocational courses for beginners or individuals seeking self-improvement in sewing, tailoring, and other fashion skills. Students also gain hands-on experience through fashion shows, field trips, and one-on-one mentorship.
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Getting started is simple: schedule a tour of our campus in Little Rock, or submit an online application. Applicants are evaluated based on their passion for fashion and ability to succeed in the program. No prior experience is required—students begin with foundational courses and progress at their own pace. Applicants under 18 require parental consent.
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Blume & Hall Fashion Academy is more than a school—it’s a luxury, hands-on fashion experience. With small class sizes (maximum of 8 students), personalized instruction, and mentorship from industry professionals like Ashton Hall, students receive tailored guidance. Our curriculum blends timeless couture techniques with modern fashion innovation, preparing graduates for careers that are both creative and commercially viable.
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Students can enroll in the full Fashion Study Program (typically 2.5 years), which includes 15 courses totaling 600 clock hours, or select individual A-Vocational courses if they wish to focus on specific skills. Classes are offered once weekly, with flexible schedules to accommodate online or on-campus learning.
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Graduates leave equipped with the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge to launch a fashion career or pursue entrepreneurship. Students gain experience in real-world fashion shows, client interaction, portfolio development, and career placement guidance. Many alumni go on to secure positions in design studios, launch their own brands, or work in couture and luxury fashion sectors.
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Blume & Hall Fashion Academy provides comprehensive support, including tutoring, extra instructor guidance, and access to industry connections. Students also participate in field trips, fashion shows, and mentorship programs to gain hands-on experience and develop professional networks that enhance career opportunities.