Jamileh Kamran

(March 20, 1953 - July 17, 2025)

Jamileh Kamran, a devoted wife and mother, pioneering fashion designer and educator, and beloved mamani to three grandchildren, passed away on July 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 72.

Born in northern Iran, Jamileh found an early love for sewing after her father enrolled her in a summer fashion course and bought her first sewing machine for her at age 11. This gesture sparked a lifelong passion for design.

After graduating high school, Jamileh fell in love with Mohammad (Allen) Afsordeh. They married in 1975, and the young couple decided to start a new life in the United States. In 1978, Jamileh and their daughter, Nirvana, arrived in Arkansas, where Allen soon joined them.

Faced with a language barrier and limited resources, Jamileh first used her typing skills at the Arkansas State Hospital, then gradually built a name for herself in fashion. With support from Dr. Emile Eckart, she learned English, and eventually caught the attention of Hillary Clinton, for whom she designed an inaugural gown. Her client list soon included Arkansas figures like Judge Annabelle Imber Tuck and philanthropist Willie Oates.

In 1983, after the birth of her son, Nader, Jamileh left her day job to pursue fashion full-time. She opened her couture house on Kavanaugh Boulevard, where she designed for over 30 years.

In 1997, Jamileh founded the Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School, writing her own curriculum to teach couture techniques. Her goal was always to help others avoid the struggles she had faced herself, and many of her students have gone on to become successful designers in their own right.

Although she was celebrated for her award-winning designs – her work was featured in such magazines as People and Southern Bride – Jamileh’s contributions extended beyond fashion. She used her fashion shows to raise funds for nonprofits, including a standout project for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, creating custom ties and scarves to support Arkansas patients. Additionally, Jamileh was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jamileh Kamran is survived by her loving husband, Mohammad (Allen) Afsordeh; her daughter, Nirvana Afsordeh Manning and son-in-law, Trey Manning; her son, Nader Afsordeh and daughter-in-law, Danielle Afsordeh; her cherished grandchildren, William, Andrew, and Sophia Manning; her brother, Jalil (Jim) Kamran and his wife, Mahvash Kamran. She leaves behind a legacy stitched into every life she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday July 22, 2025, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at everloved.com/life-of/jamileh… to establish a scholarship in Jamileh’s honor for emerging designers.

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