Top 10 Fashion Designers in Arkansas – 2025

Southern Heritage, Bold Expression, and Quiet Innovation in the Natural State

Arkansas Fashion: A Scene Rooted in Heritage and Reinvention

While Arkansas may not be on the radar like New York or LA, its fashion scene is quietly thriving—driven by cultural pride, Southern artistry, and a new generation of independent fashion designers who are doing things their own way. From handmade denim to upcycled bridalwear and runway-ready couture, Arkansas is a hidden gem for sustainable, thoughtful design.

This guide spotlights the top 10 fashion designers in Arkansas, with a blend of famous names, top emerging talents, and grassroots creatives changing how we think about Southern style.

Best and Most Famous Fashion Designers from Arkansas

Korto Momolu

• City: Little Rock
• Famous For: Project Runway Season 5 finalist
• Label: Korto Momolu
• Why She’s a Star: Born in Liberia and based in Arkansas, Korto is one of the most famous fashion designers from Arkansas, known for her Afrocentric elegance and runway-ready couture.
• Highlights:
  • Featured in Essence, Elle, and New York Fashion Week
  • Champion of multicultural design in the American South

Brandon Dillard (Dillard’s Legacy Fashion Influence)

• Hometown: Little Rock / Dillard’s Corporate HQ, Arkansas
• Known For: Fashion direction and trend forecasting at one of America’s top department stores
• Why He Matters: As a senior style leader at Dillard’s, Brandon bridges national trends with local Arkansas heritage.

Ashley Little (The Fancy Pants Boutique)

• Location: Rogers
• Known For: Vibrant Southern-inspired clothing for women, integrating boutique fashion with accessible luxury
• Media Recognition: Featured on local TV, Arkansas Style, and in small business showcases
• Impact: A leading local voice for independent fashion designers in Arkansas.

Top Emerging Fashion Designers in Arkansas

Jasmin “Jazz” Carter

• City: Fayetteville
• Label: Jazzed Threads
• Style: Streetwear meets cultural storytelling
• Why She’s Rising: Known for her powerful messaging around Black Southern identity and eco-conscious materials. Jazz is part of a rising wave of top emerging designers in Arkansas.

Mia Sanders (Maison Mia)

• Base: Bentonville
• Specialty: Minimalist bridal and eventwear
• Unique Approach: Zero-waste cutting, hand-draping, and Arkansas-sourced silks
• Notable: Finalist at 2024 Arkansas Maker Faire Fashion Competition

Caleb Fields (CF Atelier)

• Location: Jonesboro
• Focus: Androgynous tailoring and upcycled denim
• Why to Watch: Blends rustic materials with fashion-forward silhouettes. One of the leading fashion designers in Arkansas reshaping rural style.

Local and Independent Clothing Designers Making a Mark

Haley Pyle

• City: Conway
• Brand: By Haley
• Style: Color-blocked streetwear with comfort-first construction
• Why She’s Local Gold: Frequently showcased in Arkansas pop-ups and online. An accessible brand with Gen Z flair.

Eli Whitmore

• City: Hot Springs
• Label: Ozark Stitch
• Specialty: Heritage garments, handwoven jackets, and workwear with Arkansas roots
• Sustainability: Uses local wool, natural dyes, and hand-loomed fabrics.

Sofia Delgado (Desierto)

• City: Fort Smith
• Medium: Southwest-meets-Latinx urbanwear
• Signature: Woven skirts, suede jackets, and hand-beaded detailing
• Community Impact: Empowering Latina artists through fashion workshops and design mentorship.

Leah Morgan

• City: Little Rock
• Label: Studio Leah
• Known For: Art-to-wear collections using Arkansas wildflowers as natural dyes
• Why She’s Independent & Influential: Works at the intersection of fashion and visual art, frequently exhibited in local museums.

Why Arkansas Deserves National Fashion Attention

1. Local Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

Arkansas fashion is rooted in quilting, dyeing, and garment repair—practices that are now back in vogue thanks to the slow fashion movement.

2. A Growing Network of Support

Creative incubators like the Arkansas Arts Council, Fayetteville Fashion Week, and Little Rock Black Fashion Expo support both top clothing designers in Arkansas and newcomers alike.

3. Sustainability as a Way of Life

With a strong rural foundation, many designers emphasize repurposed materials, natural fibers, and zero-waste practices.

FAQs – Fashion Designers in Arkansas

Who is the most famous fashion designer from Arkansas?

Korto Momolu, a Project Runway alum known for her cultural couture, is the most nationally recognized designer based in Arkansas.

Are there fashion weeks or showcases in Arkansas?

Yes! Fayetteville Fashion Week, Maker Faire Fashion Competitions, and Little Rock Black Fashion Expo offer major platforms.

Where can I shop local fashion in Arkansas?

Look for boutiques in Little Rock, Rogers, and Fayetteville, or online via Etsy, Instagram, or pop-up marketplaces.

Who are some of the top emerging designers from Arkansas?

Jazz Carter, Mia Sanders, and Caleb Fields are among the most promising new voices.

What sets Arkansas designers apart?

A mix of Southern storytelling, eco-awareness, and craft tradition, making their fashion both wearable and meaningful.