Smashing Darling Blog

Amanda Boyd has been working in the fashion industry for over ten years on couture and commercial levels in the areas of production, merchandising, specifications packages and design. After four years of freelance apparel and textile design for private label sleepwear, she launched Sandmaiden, her own small line of sexy lounge wear and at lingerie.

Trish: How did you get into fashion?
Amanda: My mother is very into fashion, she always made our clothes for us when we were children, as soon as I was tall enough to reach the peddle I started making them for myself. Patterns came a couple of years later and fashion itself well I suppose that has been a life long interest.

Trish: Where did you study?
Amanda: I went to fashion design college immediately after high school at Blanche McDonald immediately after high school, later I worked in the industry and kept learning that way. I don’t know that I use very much of what was taught in school.

Trish: When did you start your own line of lingerie?
Amanda: I’ve been sewing lingerie for several years but just put my first “collection” together about a year ago, since then I’ve created about 10 collections for the Sandmaiden label.

Trish: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
Amanda: I try to keep track of what European designers are doing but more than anything I just keep an eye on what I see on the street and if a color or a silhouette jumps out at me I think about reinterpreting it.

Trish: You have been in many aspects of the industry, what is your favorite part?
Amanda: I like cutting and sewing, there is something so satisfying about seeing your ideas come to life. I once heard that we never really create anything, only discover things…everytime I start a brand new piece it’s a joyful process of discovery. after 20, it’s just sewing.

Trish: Do you see the industry differently now that you have your own line?
Amanda: No, but more than ever I support indie and handmade anything, i’ve always been inclined to believe this is the only way to a healthy economy.

Trish: How do you see your company in the future?
Amanda: I see it just the way it is but perhaps with improved photographs, designs, fabrci. I want to stay small and independent.

Trish: What does your average day entail?
Amanda: I wake up, check my emails, respond. shower, breakfast, coffee with my husband, take my daughter to school etc. When I get home I switch gears and start cutting and sewing taking periodic breaks to answer emails, at the end of the day I slow down and pack up what I’ve made to go to the post, take a nice brisk walk to the post office before making dinner for my family. I’ve set things up this way so I have time for other people any myself which one never seems to have while working a job. I usually do the photographs and updating of the websites on the weekends but I enjoy that so it’s more fun than a chore.

Trish: Describe your personal style?
Amanda: Here in the northwest there are heavy grunge/hippy undertones in the fashion world, I always seem to be more dressed up than everyone else but not in a clean and tidy way. I’m always a little bit disheveled, I can’t stand looking really buttoned down. I’ve always got on a few pieces of chunky jewelry or a hat to look pulled together in spite of my pension for holey t shirts and jeans.

Trish: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
Amanda: Hmmm…, I think Cyndi Lauper was my last fashion icon and she definitely influenced my style, since then I pull my cues from all directions not really having one iconic inspiration.

Trish: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
Amanda: I’m really into handmade gladiator sandals right now, I just can’t seem to get enough of the really delicate ones.

Trish: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
Amanda: That Anne de Pasquale…millinery? I really admire that! I’ve always wanted to make hats and I’ve tried a few but hers are just breathtaking. What a brave niche to take and so talented!