Fashion Design
Amanda has always had a deep love of fashion, but she realized it was her calling while taking a sewing class at The University of Alabama. Since that first sewing class, Amanda has worked designing for acclaimed brands including Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein.
While working at Calvin Klien as a dress designer, she continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology and fell even more in love with the Fashion Industry. Though she loved learning under the expertise of renowned designers Amanda’s entrepreneurial spirit always called her to begin her fashion brands.
The House of Perna and Neon Bohemians were born. The House of Perna, in 2012, which debuted during Miami Swim Week. After the success of The House of Perna, Amanda launched her second brand, Neon Bohemians, in 2018.
These brands, the truest reflection of the dynamic sides of Amanda’s personality, have been sold internationally to high end retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and more! She specializes in creating ethically made products and designs with an eye focused on maximalist style with minimalist waste always featuring bright colors and bold prints.
“What I love about fashion is I get to create art that is wearable and often part of an important moment in someone’s life.” -Amanda
THE HOUSE OF PERNA
In 2012, Amanda launched the award winning, sustainable slow-fashion brand, The House of Perna. The House of Perna has been featured in over 100 articles, sold in over 50 retailers (in 9 countries) including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom & Anthropologie. THoP was selected by WWD as an emerging brand to showcase at MAGIC LAS VEGAS twice, and won the best emerging brand at AmericasMart in Atlanta. All products are made to order in the USA or in collaboration with artisans globally.
NEON BOHEMIANS
After the success of The House of Perna, in 2018, Amanda launched her second brand, Neon Bohemians, to create socially conscious products that celebrate artisan-crafted products at the most affordable price possible. All products are made in small batches to eliminate the waste of overstock.
PROJECT RUNWAY
Amanda was selected from thousands of applicants to appear on season 9 of Lifetime’s Project Runway. She was later invited back to compete on Season 14. She was so excited to be amongst so many incredible alumni, and still considers many of her fellow cast mates dear friends.
ART COUTURE CORNELL MUSEUM EXHIBIT
When it comes to fashion, Amanda understands that there are two types and loves doing both… or finding the happy medium between them.
She truly sees fashion as art and loves designing both couture gowns as well as pret-a-porter. She often refers to herself as a “fabric sculptor”. After all, fashion is taking a two dimensional piece of fabric and turning it into something three dimensional.
In 2019, Amanda was approached by the Cornell Museum to showcase her work along with fashion greats such as Andy Warhol. Being a dream of hers, she jumped at the chance and showed some existing pieces along with creating new couture garments.
She was given the honor of having the featured position in the exhibit and created a 16 ft gown with 200 yards of tulle, hand appliquéd stars and a custom swing for the mannequin to sit on.
Amanda loves to take on commissioned couture gowns for clients who want something special. Contact us for more information.
See photos of Amanda and her team working on the pieces for the exhibit.
