The woman behind the wonderful excess.

For Amanda, fashion has always been about more than what people wear.

It's a way of telling stories. Of creating beauty. Of making something that began as an idea in your imagination exist in the real world.

That fascination led her to study apparel design at the University of Alabama, where she graduated magna cum laude, and continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

She went on to intern at Oscar de la Renta and work as a dress designer at Calvin Klein, experiences that helped shape her understanding of construction, fit, fabric, craftsmanship and the extraordinary amount of work behind an exceptional garment.

Those years taught her the importance of discipline.

They also helped her discover what she wanted to do differently.

Amanda loved the artistry and sophistication of high fashion. But she wanted to create clothes that felt joyful, expressive and deeply connected to the women who wore them.

She wanted to make the art herself.

And she wanted to build a world around it.

In 2012, Amanda founded House of Perna.

It wasn't simply a decision to launch a clothing label.

It was a decision to build a creative life on her own terms.

A place where original artwork could become fashion. Where unexpected combinations were encouraged. Where the details mattered as much as the first impression.

And where beautiful clothes didn't need to wait for a special invitation.

Fourteen years later, the House continues to evolve, but that original idea remains.

Amanda still creates the artwork that inspires the collections. She still cares about the tiniest design decisions. And she still finds enormous happiness in seeing someone wear a piece she once imagined on paper.

Because for her, fashion is most meaningful when it leaves the atelier and becomes part of someone's life.

You may have seen Amanda on Project Runway, where she appeared for two seasons.

Or on television, where she's shared her love of design, creativity and fashion with audiences far beyond the atelier.

Her work and story have appeared in publications including Vogue, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Forbes, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping.

She's also an author and illustrator of F Is for Fashion, including a special edition created for Neiman Marcus, and a co-author of Pivot with Purpose.

She's a speaker, a mentor, a creative collaborator and an entrepreneur who knows firsthand that building something meaningful takes more than a good idea.

It takes courage, patience, adaptability and the willingness to begin again.

Sometimes more than once.

And while her work has taken her onto runways, television sets, stages and into remarkable creative partnerships, some of her favorite moments happen much closer to home.

At the design table.

In a room full of students.

At a community fundraiser.

Or with a customer who tells her a story about where she wore her dress.

Amanda believes that the opportunities she's been given carry a responsibility to create opportunities for others.

Over the years, she's devoted her time and creativity to nonprofit organizations, fundraising events, education, mentorship and community leadership.

She's served on boards, supported youth and family programs, helped raise funds for important causes and mentored emerging designers and students pursuing creative careers.

She believes that teaching someone what you've learned is one of the most meaningful ways to honor the people who taught you.

And that creativity becomes even more powerful when it helps someone else find their voice.

For Amanda, the relationship between fashion and philanthropy is a natural one.

Both begin with seeing possibility.

I started House of Perna because I wanted to create things that made people happy.

That sounds simple, but I've come to realize how much it means to me.

I love the process of creating something from nothing. I love the way a drawing can become a print, a print can become a dress, and that dress can become part of someone's most wonderful memories.

I love the women I've met through this work. The stories they've shared. The friendships that have grown from what began as a conversation about clothes.

And I love that after all these years, I still wake up with more ideas than I know what to do with.

Building a creative business has taught me so much about resilience, hard work, change and believing in something even when the path forward isn't obvious.

But one of the most important things it's taught me is that success means very little if you don't use it to do some good along the way.

I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.

Whether you've worn one of my designs, attended an event, supported a cause, worked alongside me or simply stopped by to say hello, you've helped make this House what it is.

And I hope you'll continue to be part of whatever we dream up next.

With love,

Amanda

Founder & Creative Director, House of Perna

Come see what we're making, what we're dreaming about and what happens when a room full of creative people gets together.

We'd love to meet you.