House of Perna
Fashion Intern → Fashion Assistant
Delray Beach, FL
My time at House of Perna allowed me to be part of a creative, fast-paced environment where design, marketing, and event production come together. I had the opportunity to work closely with the designer, Amanda Perna, across multiple aspects of the business, gaining hands-on experience in trend research, social media, event production, fabric sourcing, and inventory management.
Creative Development
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Creative Development .
I supported the creative process through trend analysis, research, and brand inspiration, helping to translate ideas into visual concepts for upcoming collections and events. This included creating decks, sourcing references, identifying relevant trends, and contributing to the development of seasonal direction. Working closely with the designer gave me a deeper understanding of how inspiration, market trends, and brand identity come together to inform design decisions. I was able to see how an initial idea evolves through research, material selection, visual development, and thoughtful refinement before becoming part of a larger collection or brand moment. The experience strengthened my ability to research with purpose, recognize emerging themes, and organize creative ideas in a way that supported the overall vision of the brand. It also gave me a greater appreciation for the balance between creativity and strategy, particularly when developing concepts that feel fresh while remaining consistent with an established brand identity.
Events and Production
I assisted with event production and managed trunk shows, gaining hands-on experience in the planning and execution of in-person brand events. From preparing merchandise and coordinating logistics to organizing displays and supporting day-of operations, I was involved in the details required to create an experience that felt polished, organized, and reflective of the brand. These events allowed me to see how product presentation, atmosphere, and client interaction work together to bring a brand to life beyond its traditional retail setting. I also learned how important it is to anticipate needs, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly when priorities shift during an event. Working behind the scenes strengthened my ability to manage multiple responsibilities while remaining focused on the overall experience. Through this exposure, I developed a greater appreciation for the strategy and coordination behind successful brand events and how thoughtful execution can create memorable connections between the product, the brand, and the client.
Fabrics & Merchandise
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Fabrics & Merchandise .
I worked closely with fabrics and materials, assisting with fabric selection and sourcing while developing a stronger understanding of quality, texture, color, and construction. Being involved in this part of the process allowed me to see how material choices can influence the overall direction of a design and how each detail contributes to the final product. I also supported inventory management by organizing and tracking merchandise, maintaining product information, and helping ensure pieces were prepared and accessible for fittings, trunk shows, and client needs. Working across both materials and inventory gave me exposure to the level of organization required to support the creative process while keeping day-to-day operations running efficiently. This hands-on experience strengthened my attention to detail, organization, and product knowledge while giving me a greater appreciation for the coordination that takes place throughout the development process. It also helped me understand how creative decisions and operational execution work together to bring a collection from an initial concept to a finished product and, ultimately, to the client.
The Perspective I Gained
The House of Perna strengthened my ability to be adaptable, creative, and detail-oriented while contributing across multiple areas of a fashion business. Through hands-on experience in trend research, event production, fabric sourcing, inventory management, and social media, I gained a broader understanding of how the different sides of a brand work together. Moving between creative and operational responsibilities taught me how to approach projects from multiple perspectives, balance priorities, and contribute wherever support was needed. The experience also showed me how thoughtful design, strong organization, and consistent brand storytelling come together to create a cohesive identity and customer experience. Ultimately, my time at The House of Perna expanded my understanding of the fashion industry and gave me a versatile foundation that continues to shape the way I approach new projects, challenges, and opportunities.
