amanda deLeon clothing

We have recently launched our new online store and would like to...

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:27:00 -0400

We have recently launched our new online store and would like to offer all of our customers 10% off* on all orders through June 15th! Simply use the cupon code ‘GRANDOPEN’ in your cart.

*To receive the 10% discount, customers must enter the coupon code ‘GRANDOPEN’ in their shopping cart. The discount is applied to the entire order. The code may only be applied once to each order, but can be used on multiple orders between 05/15/2012 and 06/15/2012. Offer ends at midnight CST on 06/16/2012.

Amanda deLeon clothing is proudly designed and built in New Orleans, LA.

FW2012 Three Piece Red Suit on the cover of Not Just A Label....

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:01:02 -0400

FW2012 Three Piece Red Suit on the cover of Not Just A Label. Entitled New Orleans Rising.

Photo: The ever so talented Robby Klein

Let’s have a little conversation about my most recent show...

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:57:51 -0400

Let’s have a little conversation about my most recent show at Nola Fashion Week.

Because of my background in architecture, I will most likely always abide by “form follows function.” However, my true inspiration comes from music. Yes, I do have at least a thousand sketches, wether they be in my notebook, or on random slivers of paper and napkins that are haphazardly thrown into junk drawers, boxes or forgotten with the dust bunnies under the sofa. But, music is where it all starts to come together. I use music to build cohesion, point of view, and emotion into a collection. My sewing techniques are just that….techniques, until I construct them into a frame of mind. I view my collection presentations as a window into the thoughts and conversations that I have with myself, when no one is around.

I had a very interesting conversation with Myrt Hales, after my show. It was the type of conversation that every designer wants to have about their collection. He told me that, as he watched my show unfold, he began to analyse the choices that I made in both structure and fabrics, trying to understand my message. I love how my show was presented. I am very proud of the work that I put into my collection. The Martine Chaisson Gallery was an incredible space to show in. I really couldn’t have asked for a better result. But, one of the things that made me happiest, was the conversation with Myrt. What many designers, that consider their work as an artform, are looking for, are thought provoking conversations with the viewers. That is what solidifies the personal connection that we are trying to have with our audience.

These conversations lead to learning how tiny details have deliberate meaning. Just by the summary on the show’s line sheet, you see how this collection was initially inspired by the song “Foot of Canal Streeet,” written by John Boutté and Paul Sanchez. When I first moved to New Orleans, I took a friend to see Paul Sanchez play, at Chickie Wah Wah. I remember the story he told, that night, about the collaboration with Boutté, and how it made me chuckle. But, after my friend went home from her visit, I began to think about my past experiences at funerals and how I felt they never represented the person in honor. So, my thinking turned into obsessing. How would I be represented, at my funeral? Would people feel the need to honor me in the traditional way? Would there be a viewing? If so, what would they dress me in? Who would do my hair? Would the make up artist dust me with an inappropriate amount of bronzer? (I’ve always been this pale, ya know. It’s not just because I’m dead). Would my relatives respect me enough to wear a sensible suit, or would they just dust the ole Harley Davidson baseball cap off and call it a day? I am a control freak, by nature, and this show was a way of me controlling what people wear and how people conduct themselves at my funeral. Is that creepy? I don’t think so.

The music for my show was very carefully selected. Three out of the five songs played, during my show, were written by Louisiana musicians. I felt that was important to express my love for New Orleans and act as a sort of coming home soundtrack. The first song was See You in Hell or New Orleans, by Dax Riggs. Dax is originally from Houma, Louisiana. He has such a haunting voice that weighs heavy on you heart. I have been a huge fan of his as far back as Acid Bath. The second song was written and performed by a friend of mine, Adam Dale, from Gonzales, Louisiana. Adam is an amazing artist and I was so happy that We Burry Our Own,” worked so well with the rest of the music. Beggars, by Thrice, was up next, followed by At the Bottom, by Brand New. The finale song, of course, was At the Foot of Canal Street, where everyone second lined out of the show. It wouldn’t have been a New Orleans funeral without a little second line. You can see my show playlist here, on spotify, along with other music that played a huge part in my process.

I envisioned my funeral to take place in the late fall or early winter, when the trees are bald and the nip in the air stings the lungs. This collection consisted of wools, leather, silks and fringe with an obvious color palette, at least to me, of black grey, and red. Black is one of my favorite colors. In this particular placement black represents death, but it also is a color that embodies all color, which can be argued that it is, in fact, very colorful. Grey is a color of sorrow and depression. It represents limbo, wanting to neither move forward or backward. Red, in this case, represents heartache, anger, and strength. These are all stages that you have to work through to move forward from a loss. I also incorporated a custom photographic print, of Greenwood Cemetery, photographed by my husband. This print celebrates the beauty and tradition of the cemeteries, here in New Orleans. I plan to donate a percentage of sales, of garments made from this print, to SaveOurCemeteries.Org. This gives me a chance to use my work to give back to an organization that understands the importance of preserving a part of New Orleans culture.

Paul Estin was my lead hairstylist. He worked tirelessly to mold the glittered hairpieces into place. The hair was based on a marcel wave style. I chose this because of where I was in my life when I had this particular style. I was in between moving from North Carolina to Austin. It was a time where I didn’t know who I was, anymore. I felt this great distance between myself and my family and friends. I couldn’t help but notice that I really didn’t belong anywhere. Now that I am in New Orleans, which is where I have longed to be for quite some time, I realize that I wasn’t necessarily in a terrible place. It’s just that when you go through changes in your life, you are faced with the question of “Who are you?” This is when you have absolutely no directional pull in your heart. That’s the scariest part….when there is no burning in your soul.

You may have noticed tiny glass bottles hanging from the necks of some models. This is actually on the lighter side of my collection. Well, that depends on how you see it. It is a running joke between me and my husband that when I die, I want to be cremated and he has to wear my ashes around his neck. He replies, “That will not be good for my dating scene.” The bottles were a decision to make light of the situation. Well, that and the fact that my white girl moves were exposed during the second line.

Photo courtesy of Robby Klein.

Thanks to Meghan Wright, for the summary of the presentations...

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:43:13 -0400

Thanks to Meghan Wright, for the summary of the presentations during Nola Fashion Week, on Slow Southern Style.

Thanks to Jason Kruppa, for some amazing shots of my FW2012...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:08:38 -0400

Thanks to Jason Kruppa, for some amazing shots of my FW2012 show. Above, is one of my favorite shots of Sheeka second lining out of the Martine Chaisson Ballroom.

InvadeNOLA: NOLA Fashion Week Photo Issue

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:19:58 -0400

InvadeNOLA: NOLA Fashion Week Photo Issue

Thanks to Rachel Elizabeth Adams and Katie Elizabeth Dumestre,...

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:06:17 -0400

Thanks to Rachel Elizabeth Adams and Katie Elizabeth Dumestre, of The Elizabeth Chronicles, for posting such kind words about my show. Also, thanks to Jason Kruppa for providing these lovely photos.

Go here to see Rachel and Katie’s wonderful post.

Nola Fashion Week - Nola.com

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:07:40 -0400

Nola Fashion Week - Nola.com

Thank you to all who were involved in Nola Fashion Week. Your...

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:39:26 -0400

Thank you to all who were involved in Nola Fashion Week. Your passion for this industry is more important than you know. I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of a community that lends so much love and support. New Orleans is truly a unique city, and I am awed everyday, by her beauty and character.

The Amanda deLeon, FW2012 line began with inspiration from John...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:56:33 -0500

The Amanda deLeon, FW2012 line began with inspiration from John Boutté and Paul Sanchez’s song, “Foot of Canal Sreet.” The cemeteries of New Orleans are so beautiful and rich with architecture. They are an undeniable staple in the city’s history and culture. After musing over the idea of a New Orleans burial, deLeon’s line began to develop based on her feelings and experience of, not only death, but also her struggles with religion, depression, and anxiety.

March 8, 2012, 7pm.

Ever since I’ve moved to New Orleans, my business and...

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:28:55 -0500

Ever since I’ve moved to New Orleans, my business and artform has been celebrated in ways that I have found nowhere else. I feel that our hand full of southern designers have a way of understanding and upholding our standards of design and production. We feel that every piece is special, and should be treated as though. We are not looking for a mass market, we are looking for collectors of art.

sweetheartsocialclub: Spring Trend Report I am excited to share...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:08:30 -0500

sweetheartsocialclub:

Spring Trend Report

I am excited to share that I’ve been asked to contribute to Scene Magazine. My first report will be coming in March! I’ll be sharing the tips and tricks that southern gal tastemakers know to be festival and fashion week ready.

So here’s a look back at the NOLAFW S/S ‘12 trends from seafoam green to steeley greys and neutrals to neons, these trends will get you ready for the sunny Louisiana spring season.

1 - Andrea Loest and some serious pops of color

2 - Ashlie Ming and the perfect color blocking

3 - Ashlie Ming and my favorite electric yellow

4 - Matthew Arthur, party girl cool

5 - Amanda deLeon, out of this world

*all images by Robby Klein

xoxo,

Andi

An artist friend of mine, created this print. It says,”...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:14:31 -0500

An artist friend of mine, created this print. It says,” The US Supreme Court not only unlocked the door of segregation in the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case, they opened the door completely by ruling that it was unconstitutional for places of education to enforce segregation.” Still, after 58 years we remain separate through involuntary segregation. The late great Martin Luther King once said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” We still have so much work to do and we have to fight, everyday, against the anger and hatred that our ancestors have tried to pass down to us. If the fence fell down, would you go see what’s on the other side?

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day, and every day, fight against evil, not against color.

Black and Gold of the Week. Saints vs. 49ers. Enjoy.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:02:52 -0500

Black and Gold of the Week.

Saints vs. 49ers.

Enjoy.

Digital Sea. Designer: Amanda deLeon Model: Mary Clausner Hair:...

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:35:34 -0500

Digital Sea.

Designer: Amanda deLeon

Model: Mary Clausner

Hair: Paul Eastin

Mua: Maria Barreda

Photographer: Kevin deLeon

Black and Gold of the Week. Saints vs. Lions. Enjoy. BTW…I...

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:49:20 -0500

Black and Gold of the Week.

Saints vs. Lions.

Enjoy.

BTW…I did not wash my saints shirt…again. Why would I want to wash the voodoo away?!?!

Black and Gold of the Week. Saints vs. Panthers. These. Enjoy.

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:49:12 -0500

Black and Gold of the Week.

Saints vs. Panthers.

These.

Enjoy.

Matthew Arthur ss2012 Nola Fashion Week. Mat’s show was...

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:10:40 -0500

Matthew Arthur ss2012 Nola Fashion Week.

Mat’s show was one of the most anticipated, of NOLAFW. The show was a very sullen one, which is the quickest way to my heart. It was more of a feeling, than just a showcase of garments. The music was performed live, by Julie Williams, on an old rhodes piano, leaving the crowd with an eerie feeling that lasts in the pit of your stomach, the way only truly inspired art can.

Black and Gold of the Week. Saints vs. Falcons. Enjoy!

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:38:53 -0500

Black and Gold of the Week.

Saints vs. Falcons. Enjoy!

Andrea Loest s/s 2012 collection shown in the Beaux Arts...

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:44 -0500

Andrea Loest s/s 2012 collection shown in the Beaux Arts Ballroom, of the Martine Chaisson Gallery. Andrea’s dresses are simply magnificent and the hand dyed colors parading across those stunning marble floors, were nothing short of mouth watering eye candy.