FORMATION DESIGN STUDIO
AMANDA REDMON OF Formation Design Studio has loved hand-sketching for as long as she can remember, especially the movement of the human body. With that and her background in fashion illustration, she pursued design at Savannah College of Art and Design, and even landed a job designing with Urban Outfitters before she graduated. After some time growing with the company, she moved back home to North Carolina to start her own clothing line that just relaunched this year.
Amanda was kind enough to send me the soon-to-be released comfy black jumpsuit from her fall line that you see here. I don't wear much black, so I was excited to get a head-to-toe black garment. I think it's really helped to move on to different colors, especially darker ones in the fall. The darkest I ever go is navy! Anyway, I can see myself wearing this piece well into winter; it's so flowy and easy to style. Here, it's paired with the Charley boots from Madewell (love of my life!) and a kimono from Hackwith Design House.
Read on for an interview with Amanda on her design process, singing, and her son-- named Dillinger!
What are your design inspirations?
I am inspired by SO many designers (mostly the undiscovered, hardworking designers like myself). A few of my favorites that I have found and love via Instagram are: Elizabeth Suzann, Ilana Kohn, Martha McQuade and Jesse Kamm. Such beautiful and creative people, with amazing work to show! I also have my tried and true favorites like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Vivienne Westwood (VW for fun)
How does the city you live/work in influence your clothing aesthetic?
I no longer live in a fashion "mecca," but I love my hometown of Winston-Salem. It's alive, artistic, and beautiful here. I am inspired by the comfort of my life here, along with some travel of course. My clothing aesthetic has been inspired over the years-- developing through my appreciation of vintage, modern minimalism (in clothing) and geometry. I also LOVE to layer and layer....so F/W is my time of the year!
What other creative outlets do you have?
Other than my freelance design work, I love to sing...and it was always a back up dream of mine to pursue it.
Describe a typical day at work. Day off?
I have found that I like to juggle-- the more projects lined up, the more productive I am. It's kind of like a work horse- they never stop. That's me! I also have an amazingly energetic two year old son named Dillinger, and he sometimes ends up on my lap as I work. He likes to lay out my pattern pieces. It's off subject, but pretty flipping adorable.
As for a day off, what's that? :) We as a little family like to take day trips, whether it be to the zoo or to run through hiking trails exploring. We are the outsiders!
What's next for Formation Design?
We have a photo shoot this weekend for our Fall release next week (cutting it close as always). After that I will be working on a few small "Once Made" projects to release randomly. This is another side of my brand where I like to focus on either repurposing clothing, or releasing one-of-a-kind items only made once. We are also hoping to expand in the next year, hiring seamstress help...finally! Very excited about the growth of FDS!