Designer Amanda Perna pushes art to the limits.
This idea has not only become her trademark, but has guided her as she established two successful brands, created artwork for Art Basel, designed a greeting card collection for Hallmark Signature and was twice catapulted into the “Project Runway” competition.
“I see fashion as an art form,” explains the 36-year-old Delray Beach resident. “To me, the job of a designer is to push art to the limits.” She also sees fashion as integral to the empowerment of women. “I want to make women feel beautiful. You become the person you are by what you wear. It affects how you feel, and I know that bright colors create happiness.”
Those vivid colors are displayed front and center in Perna’s design studio in the Arts Warehouse, headquarters of the House of Perna in Delray Beach. The delightful space is jam-packed with brilliantly-colored haute couture dresses and jackets, as well as the intricate jewelry and accessories of her second brand, Neon Bohemians.
Born and raised in Coral Springs, Perna graduated from the University of Alabama where she went to study psychology, but discovered she had a passion — and talent — for apparel design. That led her to move to New York City to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology and work for Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein.
The experience showed her that she needed more freedom. “I realized that I wasn’t a corporate person,” says Perna, who has served on the boards of the Greater Delray Chamber of Commerce and the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. “I like a lot more color, texture and whimsy. I wanted to create the world as I see it. My mission is to spread as much joy as possible though my work. So I took a leap of faith.”
The result? A colorful line of haute couture sold internationally and through major retailers including Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
She also co-authored and illustrated a children’s book, “F is for Fashion,” with her husband, Solomon Strul, that was inspired by their 4-year-old daughter. Additionally, she co-hosts “Delray Morning Live,” a weekly morning talk show that airs Wednesdays on Facebook Live.
When COVID-19 created a challenge, Perna pivoted from fashion to the production of masks under the House of Perna brand — allowing her to retain all 12 of her employees and even hire freelancers.
As the lockdown subsides, Perna is again beginning to think about clothing design. “We’ve seen an uptick in color,” she says. “Everyone is looking for more happiness and joy.”