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.

Read More