Amanda Perna
Photos By Montana Pritchard Photography
Amanda Perna (aka The Sassinista) is a somewhat unassuming character. A woman with a “girl from next door” charm and an on-the- mark understanding of a woman’s personal style profile, she carries a whimsy yet powerful way about her. Perna is a young, spirited, and talented designer who draws her inspiration from a number of sources including her jetsetting lifestyle. Unlike many designers, who have specific – even iconic – reference points guiding them along a track, Perna gains inspiration from every day beauty. She doesn’t shy away from the bumpy road because it offers ‘surprises and inspiration in uncommon packages’.
I am inspired by life. By people, music, nature, and color. I strive to create clothing that is unique, impactful and makes a statement. I believe fashion should be fun and not take itself too seriously. I value clothing that encompasses many fundamentals of design but most importantly, color and texture.
— Amanda Perna
It was her journey at the University of Alabama and the Fashion Institute of Technology where Amanda discovered her love and passion for the industry. While studying fashion design, Amanda had internships at Oscar de la Renta’s O Oscar brand, and Calvin Klein’s bridge label in addition to starting her first fashion label Couture Chaos at the age of 19. In the midst of it all, Perna was also given the opportunity to appear on season 9 of Project Runway and asked back on Project Runway season 14.
Upon graduation, Amanda landed a coveted design position at Calvin Klein, where she worked for 4 years before leaving to start her new label The House of Perna. Not only was THoP selected by the WWD for the Emerging Designer Showcase at MAGIC Las Vegas and asked back as a “Allstar”, but it was also named best emerging brand at AmericasMart Atlanta.
Amanda Perna (aka The Sassinista) is a somewhat unassuming character. A woman with a “girl from next door” charm and an on-the- mark understanding of a woman’s personal style profile, she carries a whimsy yet powerful way about her. Perna is a young, spirited, and talented designer who draws her inspiration from a number of sources including her jetsetting lifestyle.Unlike many designers, who have specific – even iconic – reference points guiding them along a track, Perna gains inspiration from every day beauty. She doesn’t shy away from the bumpy road because it offers ‘surprises and inspiration in uncommon packages’.
It was her journey at the University of Alabama and the Fashion Institute of Technology where Amanda discovered her love and passion for the industry. While studying fashion design, Amanda had internships at Oscar de la Renta’s O Oscar brand, and Calvin Klein’s bridge label in addition to starting her first fashion label Couture Chaos at the age of 19.In the midst of it all, Perna was also given the opportunity to appear on season 9 of Project Runway and asked back on Project Runway season 14.
Upon graduation, Amanda landed a coveted design position at Calvin Klein, where she worked for 4 years before leaving to start her new label The House of Perna.Not only was THoP selected by the WWD for the Emerging Designer Showcase at MAGIC Las Vegas and asked back as a “Allstar”, but it was also named best emerging brand at AmericasMart Atlanta.
In addition to being the Creative Director for THoP, Amanda has had a great deal of success in collaborations with other brands. Her resume includes styling for celebrities, commercials, and major companies such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.She is very excited about her recent collaboration with Hallmark Signature!
Perna’s colors, signature ombre fabrics, and prints grace the cover of international and national magazines. Although she designs for the ‘every day woman’, her designs are worn worldwide. They are featured on catwalks from New York to California, to Paris, and can be spotted on clients from The Hamptons to Europe.
Amanda loves designing from her Delray Beach studio, and in her free time enjoys spending time with her husband Solomon, daughter Stella and Yorkshire Terrier Bruno.
