Designer Amanda Perna proves sustainability never goes out of style

Style shows the world who we are and what matters most to us. Lynn's fashion and retail program is challenging the status quo by creating pieces for this year's Lynn Fashion Showcase that will empower customers while decreasing the carbon footprint.

Fashion industry extraordinaire Amanda Perna is working alongside students as they create their runway-ready and eco-friendly designs.

Perna became a household name when she was cast in Season 9 of Project Runway in 2011. She captured the audience's attention with colorful designs inspired by her South Florida hometown that were fun and sophisticated.

Now, Amanda has her own retail business, The House of Perna, is a champion of positivity on social media, and wrote a book, F is for Fashion. Her mentorship is helping the next generation of designers prepare for success.

Lynn University hosts the annual Lynn Fashion Showcase, a student- and faculty-led event that displays the talents of students enrolled in the B.S. in fashion and retail program. The show is a collaboration between Lynn's College of Business and Management, the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn College of Communication and Design and community partners. This activity contributes to the achievements of the United Nations Sustainable Goals.

Katrina Carter-Tellison invited me to meet with the Lynn team about the show, and I was instantly blown away and excited to be part of it!

Sustainability is at the forefront of this event in many creative ways! I don't want to give away too much, but many event elements, including the set and environment, are using repurposed materials in unexpected ways. The pieces on the runway will all have an element of sustainability, and even the items that will be available for sale will all fall into this theme.

Now, more than ever, finding a way to shop and design more sustainably is easy. For consumers, it's about buying from brands that focus on ethical business practices and small-batch production. No collection ever needs to have thousands of different options. Another way is to focus on purchasing vintage or gently used pieces or even doing clothing swaps with friends.

For designers, it is paying attention to the materials that are used, and seeing if there are more eco-friendly options such as digital printing, which wastes less water, using deadstock fabrics or recycled fibers and only consuming what is needed.

It is so important to give back and help the next generation of fashion. It is so wonderful to learn things in school, but graduating with real-world experience will help the students go even further, and I am honored to be a small part of their journey. It feels like just yesterday, I was in their shoes.

Growing up, I thought I would do musical theatre, and then I studied psychology when first attended college. I always made clothes for myself and my dolls growing up, but it wasn’t until college that I realized I could do it as a career.

I love bringing joy into the lives of others. It was why I originally wanted to go into psychology, but then I realized that by helping women feel good about themselves, I was providing something everyone needed.

There are no words to describe it. I think the closest would probably be "magical." Seeing something come to life after it only existed in your head is surreal. On a runway, it's extra exciting because of all the different people involved in bringing the show to life.

This career path is not for the faint of heart; it is a rollercoaster of the highest highs and the lowest lows. I would have said COVID, but this year, unfortunately, we lost our whole year of work on a FedEx truck that caught fire. We lost hundreds of thousands of dollars and the ability to meet our deadlines. It took all the strength in my body to create another collection after this considerable loss of time, money and creative vision.

The world needs more happiness, love and authenticity. I try to find the glitter lining, even when it is hard to, and share love with as many people as possible. My advice is to be authentically you. There is only one of you! Trying to imitate another person will never help you; they are already the best at being themselves. Even though it can be scary at times, being you is what the world needs.

I am honestly blown away! The professors and administrators care so much about preparing students to go out in the world, and this program truly sets students up for success.

It can be challenging at times; women are often taught in life that we have to be nice, polite and people pleasing. In business women are also taught to be mean, tough and strong. There is a way to be kind yet firm. This happens by being honest and straightforward in handling things but also delivering the message in a constructive and helpful way for your team or partners. My other advice is to make your "why" your guiding light.

It is a team effort, and I couldn't have done any of it without so many incredible people seeing my vision and wanting to be part of it. I know it sounds like a basic answer, but you just have to do it. You must be true to yourself and your mission and share it. If you are too scared to talk about your business, how can you expect anyone else to? Let people see the real you, because the real you will attract the right clients every time.

Just like Perna, this year's fashion students are dedicated to creating art that will benefit the planet as they embark on their own careers.

Learn more about Lynn's Fashion Showcase.