Behind the Art: The House of Perna Philosophy and the Journey of Amanda Perna

In an age of mass production and fast fashion, House of Perna stands apart as a testament to the enduring value of artisanal craftsmanship and authentic creative vision.
Every piece that bears our name represents countless hours of hands-on artistry, personal attention, and a genuine labor of love. This isn't just clothing; it’s wearable art—a party that starts with a story, and that story begins with our founder and creative director, Amanda Perna.

The Artist Behind the Brand

Before founding House of Perna, Amanda's journey through the fashion world was anything but conventional. A graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in fashion design, she honed her skills working for major labels including Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein. Her talent earned her spots on two seasons of Project Runway, where viewers first glimpsed her distinctive aesthetic combining architectural silhouettes with vibrant colors and patterns.

But it was Amanda's entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to her artistic vision that led her to establish her own label. Frustrated by the constraints of mainstream fashion, she created House of Perna as a canvas for unfettered creative expression, a place where maximalism would be celebrated rather than tamed.

"I've always seen fashion as the most accessible form of art," Amanda explains. "It's literally something you live your life in. When I create a piece, I'm thinking about how it will make someone feel when they wear it, the confidence it will give them, the joy it will bring, the memories they'll create while wearing it."

The Design Process: From Sketch to Garment

What truly sets House of Perna apart is that every pattern begins as Amanda's personal artwork. With paintbrush (or pencil) in hand, she creates the distinctive prints that have become the brand's signature. Each collection starts in her sketchbook, where initial concepts evolve into intricate hand-drawn designs. These original paintings are then digitized and adapted for fabric printing, ensuring that every garment features truly one-of-a-kind artwork.

"I often start with inspiration from nature or my travels," Amanda shares. "But I'm not interested in simply replicating what I see. I want to translate the feeling of a place or moment into something you can wear. That emotional connection is what makes a design special."

This dedication to artistic integrity extends throughout the entire creation process. From pattern making to final construction, each step happens under Amanda's watchful eye at our Florida atelier. Nothing is mass-produced; nothing is rushed. This meticulous approach ensures that when you purchase a House of Perna piece, you're investing in genuine craftsmanship that cannot be replicated.

Limited Edition by Design

When we say our collections are "limited edition," we mean it in the truest sense. Each design is produced in extremely small quantities, often just a few dozen pieces. This approach isn't just about exclusivity (though we do love knowing our clients won't see their outfit duplicated at every event). It's about sustainability, integrity, and maintaining the highest possible quality standards.

This limited edition philosophy allows us to:

• Minimize waste by producing only what we know will sell

• Support ethical manufacturing by ensuring fair wages and working conditions

• Maintain impeccable quality control by personally overseeing every garment

• Create truly special pieces that our clients will treasure for years

"I'd rather create fifty perfect garments than five hundred acceptable ones," Amanda notes. "Fast fashion has conditioned consumers to expect endless options at rock-bottom prices, but that model isn't sustainable for creators or our planet. We're offering an alternative—fewer pieces, made with intention, designed to last.

Beyond Fashion: Amanda Perna's Creative Universe

House of Perna represents just one facet of Amanda's creative output. As an author, illustrator, and lifestyle expert, she brings the same artistic vision to multiple creative endeavors. Her children's book, "F Is for Fashion", introduces young readers to the world of design. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications and brand collaborations. And her lifestyle blog offers readers a glimpse into the colorful, joy-filled world that inspires her designs.

Amanda's background as a mother, entrepreneur, and creative informs everything about House of Perna. "Being a mom has profoundly influenced my design approach," she says. "I'm even more committed to creating pieces that are both beautiful and functional, clothing that works for real women living multifaceted lives."

Joining the House of Perna Family

When you purchase a House of Perna design, you're not just acquiring a garment, you're becoming part of our story. Our clients often share photos of themselves wearing their pieces in special moments, creating a community connected by a shared appreciation for artistry and self-expression.

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing how different women style the same piece," Amanda says. "That's the magic of truly great design: it becomes a canvas for the wearer's own creativity."

As we continue to release our limited edition collections, we invite you to experience the difference that truly handcrafted fashion makes, not just in how you look, but in how you feel. Because in the House of Perna, we believe that exceptional clothing isn't about following trends; it's about expressing your authentic self in full, glorious color.