Amanda Uprichard Backstage

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A chat with Charles, AU Customer Service Rep

What do you do for Amanda Uprichard?I’ve hopped around within the company, first as the shipper, then wrangling orders for production, and now I’m working in customer service and production management. Bobby and I are the dynamic duo when it comes to getting orders out on time.

You write. How does that figure into your everyday work? Any other hidden talents?I studied journalism in college, which encourages clear, direct writing. It helps to use a similar tone when you’re coordinating so many dimensions of the supply chain.  I’m also a musician and have been playing unwholesome noisy rock since I was 13.

Five things you’d carry with you if the house burned down:My dog Abigail & my cat Henry. A bass I found in a dumpster that a friend fixed up and customized.  My computer because it has my entire music library & all my writing. A lot of nerdy action figures I couldn’t easily part with. It would be nice to bring this cool desk I put together but that might not be practical.

Describe your style:Minimalist metal. I wear black jeans and band t-shirts pretty much 365.

Favorite AU piece and why? Who would you give it to?The Galveston Combo in black and white is just a sharp looking piece. Classic lines and an eye-catching print. Definitely projects confidence. I could see it looking fabulous on just about anyone!

Leah: AU Associate Designer

What’s a typical day like for you?

What I love about my job is that I don’t really have a typical day I generally get to do a little bit of everything.  I can go from design to sewing muslins to making production patterns to setting up line sheets for the next show all in the same day without skipping a beat.

What’s your design process?

I really need to pull inspiration from my experiences.  My best work always comes from things I have seen during my life.  I find that taking photographs of the places I have been and the things I have seen so that I can revisit them at the spur of the moment is my favorite way to design.  I love working with one form of art (specifically my photographs) and turning it into inspiration for fashion. 

What’s the strangest (or most unlikely) place or item or muse you’ve picked inspiration from?

I actually designed an entire collection inspired by rough sketches of Tim Burton animation.  It was definitely not something I would normally work from but I had a lot of fun with it.

Music or no music? Bright lights or a dark room? What conditions must you have to be 100% inspired?

Generally I like to design in a well-lit room with movies playing in the background.  I love movies and I find having them running and seeing the costume work while sketching sometimes helps me develop ideas further.  It also allows me to keep track of time subconsciously without having to watch the clock all the time.

AU fall piece you can’t get enough of?

My favorite AU fall piece would have to be the Renae Blouse in beige cracked ice or in ivory w/ black.  I feel like it is something I could wear for work or dress up for a dinner out in the city.  It’s very versatile and comfortable.  

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On our desks-Alyson

Alyson is the Amanda Uprichard customer service powerhouse. We took a peek at her desk and asked her to defend herself.

1. “The Barbie represents my favorite Amanda Uprichard dress. The hot pink Plaza Dress! Coming in Spring 2012.”

2. Louis Vuitton Purse: “This is for grabbing lunch at Bravo”

3. Chanel Adventure: “The color is so beautiful! And Because I’m always looking for an adventure,” says Alyson.

4. iPhone: “I love the leopard case.”

5. Pencil: “It’s pink! I have to have a pink pencil!”

6. Notebook: “My whole life is in there. It has reminders, notes. I’m very visual and have to check things off as they’re completed.”

7. Post-its: “I use them to tag orders and then love ripping them off because that means I’ve completed something.”

8. Chanel Sunglasses: “I just love them. It was love at first sight.”

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Six questions for Bobby, AU Shipping Manager

1. Highlights from your job:

My title is shipping manager, but I wear a lot of hats. I check factory production, what’s being made, count dresses in, get production sheets, etc… I have a lot to do with production. I hear that tape gun going and that’s the sound of money to me.

2. Talking of hats… You modeled in your past life. Tell us more and about how that translates into your job.

[Modeling] fell into my lap. I was walking on the street in East Village and this girl, a casting scout, asked, “Can I take your picture?” I did a few shoots for her and then soon after I got a modeling contract.

It carries over into my personality and confidence. I was exposed to several designers which made me hip on fashion.

3. And music?

I’m a multitalented musician. I play almost every instrument. Music is mathematical. I’m real organized because music is real organized. I remember PO numbers the same way I remember riffs.

4. Desert island music?

Rock, man! Rock in general. If I had only one album with me it would have to be the Melvins (Stonerwitch). They influenced me more than any one else.

5. What is your favorite fashion accessory?

I don’t wear accessories. I like my backpack and my sneakers and tattoos. My tattoos are my favorite accessory.

6. AU must-have for the ladies?

The Everyday shirt. I think the shirt is rad.