Hello my lovelies! I have had the pleasure of being around Dr. Courtney Hammonds on many occasions here in Atlanta! I would see him out at many fashion events but never knew what he did but loved his style. I’ve also spotted him during New York Fashion Week looking dapper as well. He is not one to shy away from color for sure and he wears fashion well! I had a chance to take my daughter on a tour of The Art Institute of Atlanta located in downtown Decatur where Dr. Courtney Hammonds is the Academic Program Coordinator over the Fashion Retail & Management. It was a fascinating facility to say the least plus to see all they have to offer. We met some of the faculty and students, it was surely a blast! I wanted you guys to get to know him and find out what he had to say about key essentials items all men should have in the wardrobe, his new fashion book and his signature style!
Tell us about your current position at The Art Institute of Atlanta?
I am presently Academic Program Coordinator over the Fashion Retail & Management ,Fashion Design and soon Fashion Marketing & Management programs at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta. The role of the program coordinator is to work with faculty and others at the program level to provide students with a high quality educational experience and a high level of student support and service.
Can you tell my readers five key essential pieces that men should have in their wardrobe and why?
1. Blue jeans: Can go from day to night and be incorporated with other essential items in your wardrobe.
2. A White Dress Shirt: Represents maturity and professionalism
3. A black/Blue Suit: can go from day to night and is essential once you become a professional within your field
4. Trench Coat: is Iconic and will last forever if cared for
5. Wing Tip Shoe( preferably Brown and Black): a necessity
Who are some of your favorite fashion designers and why?
Etro: The textiles and patterns cannot be compared
Amsale Aberra (Ethiopian): The definition of a True couture wedding & evening gown designer.
Christian Lacroix: The color options are fabulous
Rudolf Dassler (father of Puma footwear) was a influence during my stay in Berlin as a youth. Also, I love to incorporate a great pair of vintage pumas with one of my skinny suits.
What do you consider your signature style?
I believe my signature style reflects the man that Dares to Square in a Round World! I don’t compromise with trends or make excuses for my personal style aesthetic. My ultimate goal is to have staple pieces (e.g. White shirt, black suit, etc.) and be able to incorporate “signature” pieces such as a Bowtie, a bold pair of eyeglasses and of course a bag on a daily basis.
Tell us about your new book?
Understanding: This book develops understanding of basic wardrobe principles from a real-life point of view. Many men’s style/wardrobe books are “cookbook” style telling you what to do but not always why or how it works. Some also contain countless examples, but often from people that are unattainable. These examples are valuable, but often do not produce a level of understanding that can truly make someone better acclimated to the necessary tools and knowledge of menswear. This book contains examples and guidelines, but the main goal is to present the fundamental principles for the Everyday Man. If you understand a few basic principles, you can figure out what works for you on your own without being shown examples from other authorities in the fashion world.
