Hello everyone, how are you doing today? I am so excited to introduce you to a young woman with an enormous amount of talent and passion. Prepare yourself, you are about to see knitwear presented in a whole new way!
Amanda Henderson is a young woman with a vision and heart of gold . I was given her name by a dear friend and instantly fell in love with her work. When I looked at her creations I wanted to know more about her. When the sense of curiosity came over me I reached out to her. I wanted to share with you our interview so you can get to know her as well.
When did you realize you wanted to make fashion your career?
I’ve always made things with my hands, and I’ve always been interested in different cultures. When I was a little kid I would draw in the sand at the beach and build tree forts with my friends. As I grew up, I pieced together ways I could continue working outside in nature, while connecting those experiences back to the way people live. I did pursue other creative outlets — painting, photography, writing (and still do) but, knitwear and textile design really clicked.
I attended college at the Fashion Institute of Technology after I graduated high school. Throughout that time, I really fell in love with the process of design.
What is your biggest dream in life?
I am always working towards owning my own land. I would eventually like to move out of the city, to upstate New York near the mountains.
I would also like to build relationships with boutiques, designing small sweater groups or accessories sold exclusively at their stores. Also, to explore selling at local markets and through the internet.
Do you ever get creators block? If so, where do you go to get a refreshed view on life and creativity?
Of course, it happens all the time. It’s the reason why I practice design in a variety of outlets. I go through cycles throughout the year, at some points I become uninspired to draw, so I’ll experiment in knitting. Then my ideas for knits will pass, and I’ll work on felting or experimenting in making jewelry. Also, a lot of times I’ll start a piece, get a bit foggy and let the idea rest, and come back to it after some time passes and take it in a new direction.
Can you give us an idea of what a day in the life of Amanda Henderson looks like?
Most days I wake up early in the morning, make some oatmeal with fruit, feed my turtle and head out to work. I work in the garment district at a very small production and sampling company. Together with my boss, we work as lesions between New York ready-to-wear designers and local factories, pattern makers, cut rooms, graders, etc. I run around 38th street all day, keeping on track at the factories, making sure they have the necessary notions to complete the sample making process, patterns, and fabrics. I communicate woven construction details, and then sit in on fittings with our clients. Continuing the process, I help to organize the production the follows, until we ship out the goods for distribution.
Would you say your designs reflect who you are? Sometimes people say that their style is an “out picture” of their inner life. Do you agree?
My designs very much reflect who I am. I don’t usually have a set plan when I begin a piece, and I don’t frame it with time. So, the end result is a natural form of my expression, and your own expression is what differentiates you from any other person. I believe that the way I form texture and shape is also individual to myself.
How has designing your own line helped you grow as an individual?
During this F/W 2013 fashion week, I presented my work publicly for the first time since I began building the collection 2 years ago. Before the presentation, I had a body of work, directed only by my instincts and things that inspire me. It was my release from the workday, yet still an unfinished idea.
In order to present, I had to really develop the message I was trying to make. Who am I and what is it I’m trying to say to everyone? How will I move forward, and what is the end goal of all this? All my thoughts became focused on answering these questions.
What is the most fulfilling part of your life outside of fashion and designing?
Spending time with family and friends is important to me as well as experimenting and exploring new places, reading, meeting new people and learning new things. Using my senses, sometimes it’s as simple as that.
If you could express your style with one word, what would that word be?
My style in a word: Earth-born.
Who are your favorite designers and why?
My favorite designer, I’d have to mix John Patrick and Rick Owens. Clever, clean, simple, and wearable, mixed with a bit of the grotesque, monster, or ancient realm.
Shall we have a little silly fun now?
Amanda has a way of bringing a certain level of chicness to knitwear. When I was browsing her website I had a new appreciation for knitwear and the design that goes behind creating such magnificent pieces.
Amanda is a wonderful example to me of someone who honors her own style, creativity, and authenticity. A huge thank you goes to her for taking the time to speak with us. I am so happy to be able to share her vision and work with you.
Wishing you a wonderful day,
Jocelyn
images: Chelsey Cullman via Amanda Henderson.
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