Dallas College

Student Experience: Levi Palmer

“I heard of El Centro’s Fashion Design program by accident when applying for a retail job on Cedar Springs. Then I found out they offered courses in pattern cutting and fashion design, as well as many other valuable courses, so I thought it would be the best place for me to be at that point in my life. 

“The best part of my experience there was the incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging faculty, as well as the amazing location that El Centro provided. Also, the ethnically diverse student body provided more inspiration than any other school in Dallas could have. My education here has provided me with the necessary foundation of skills and knowledge in the fashion industry, which I use on a daily basis today. 

“The most important thing I learned was to always aim for what seems impossible. Then, whether you achieve your goals or not, you have no regrets upon looking back. I would definitely recommend this program! It is the least expensive and most educational program/degree of its type in the state of Texas, if not the entire U.S. 

“In April 2003, I won a national fashion career competition in the U.S. called Career Day, where I received two scholarships from Fashion Group International to study in London and in Paris. This achievement would not have been possible if not for the invaluable education provided to me at El Centro.” 

Levi Palmer received an associate degree in Fashion Design from El Centro before moving to London to study menswear and earning a bachelor’s degree from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Levi has worked internationally across varied specialty markets in the fashion industry. He and partner Matthew Harding currently design for their own label, palmer//harding, specializing in men's and women's shirts, with retail accounts in many of the world's best luxury boutiques, and carried by Betty Reiter in Dallas. Their brand has been featured in magazines worldwide, including American, Italian and British Vogue, Marie Claire, WWD, Harpers Bazaar, i-D.com, Style.com, The Independent and The Wall Street Journal.


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Nolan Brett

Nolan Brett

Mastering Engineer, Crystal Clear Sound
“It’s really invaluable to be able to learn from professionals who are a part of the industry. I also really like that it’s an accredited institution of higher learning, not a fly-by-night group of people trying to make a buck.”
Commercial Music
Lindsay Weatherread

Lindsay Weatherread

Fashion Stylist and Designer L. Weatherread Design
“The program has small classes and is very hands-on. When I left El Centro and talked to people in the industry who had gone to other schools, I found that I had learned way more than most of them. Pattern making and sewing are definitely a big strength at El Centro.”
Fashion
Jerry Dean

Jerry Dean

District Manager, Aramark Higher Education
“The experience at El Centro helped establish my career as an executive chef. Now I work in food service administration, where I have the ability to impact the culinary experience of thousands.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts
Jeremy Freeze

Jeremy Freeze

Freelance Fashion Designer New York City
“What I appreciate most about my education from El Centro are the technical aspects of the trade that I learned there; they’ve helped me tremendously. I’ve met people who went to other fashion design schools and I’d put what I know against what they know any day.”
Fashion
Levi Palmer
Levi Palmer
Co-founder and Designer, palmer//harding private label
Fashion
School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design
Updated September 22, 2026