Designer Feature: Amanda Lee
In the first of this three-part designer feature series, we get acquainted with the lady whose name built the brand itself - Amanda Lee. Ambitious and passionate, Amanda sets the standards high for this homegrown boutique; every gown made by her team an art piece of its own. Brides who have worked with Amanda personally, know her for her candid outlook on both life and fashion, but here's what else you should know about Amanda Lee Weddings' boss lady.
They say artists are born crazy, but for Amanda, a little eccentricity has certainly come a long way.
At the brand's inception, Amanda Lee Weddings' first collection was known for its boldness in making brides wear colour. It was her way of giving brides a chance to show character, depending on the colour they chose to pair with classic white. It was also the first time, they got a peek of who Amanda was.
"My style is simple, elegant and bold. I believe a designer should be able to create, no matter the design brief."
From then, Amanda Lee Weddings quickly became the forefront of bridal fashion; helping brides make bolder gown choices and making heads turn. The rest they say, is history.
"I was very fond of sculpting and painting during my days in art school. It has always been my aspiration to create a range of art-related gowns, and I was finally given an opportunity to fulfill this fantasy."
When you ask Amanda who inspires her to create, you can be almost certain she'd name Henri Matisse and Roy Lichtenstein.
Evidently as you read on, this feature showcases three gowns out of a capsule collection she created wholly inspired by two of these great Modernism artists.
"Their paintings, painting techniques and choice of colors inspire me immensely. If time permits, I could keep on churning and extend the collection."
"At the beginning of my design career, I was a minimalist. As time passed, I started to explore colors, textures, textiles, cuts, toiling with little details."
As Designer-in-Chief, Amanda takes on the task of setting the tone and vision for each collection made. Always eager to explore and break fashion frontiers, she ensures that every gown in each collection is unique and alluring for the bride whose wedding visionary matches it.
Why bridal fashion?
"I enjoy the process of a gown being specially designed, individually custom-made, and nicely fitted to a bride. When I see their face light up with joy, I feel contented."
With fast-changing fashion trends, Amanda constantly finds herself working one step ahead to jump on the next wave, while having to be right on point of what's current as well.
"I do not like to be a typecast designer, who can only do one style. I'm like my own rebel, constantly pushing my boundary, challenging myself to create different styles for the world of diverse personalities."
When asked who was the perfectionist of the team, Amanda claimed the title herself.
And Miah and Pearlyn can only smile and agree (haha).
We also found out a little known fact about her, that only further justified her passion for the craft.
For her own wedding, Amanda designed all four of her gowns, in addition to the gowns she wanted to make for the women in her family. How exactly did she juggle that and business then, we're not sure, but it does prove how much this lady loves a good challenge.
Borrowing the likes of Hollywood glamour, Amanda and now-husband Joe, who is also her partner in the business, left every wedding detail to their most trusted allies, paying attention only to making outfits for both their families.
The couple also wanted to keep both their wedding outfits a secret from their guests for that added mystery, and intentionally left their families out during the process of fitting each other. Amanda and Joe got to witness the first look of surprise on their faces as they marched in, but they were the ones truly swept away. Every last detail of the wedding exceeded their expectations, and they couldn't be more moved by the love they received from friends and family who helped to make that night special.
"I loved it.
It may not be the perfect wedding, but it’s an awesome memory that I will not trade for anything else in the world."
Finally, advice from Amanda herself, to brides looking to wear Amanda Lee:
"Have some thought about how you would like to portray yourself on your wedding day, and keep an open mind for our designers to advise and assist you."
Find out more about Amanda and her creations at Amanda Lee Weddings by making an appointment with us.
See you soon!
Full photography and editorial done by Charmian Tan