Esposito Menswear Ready to Wear Collection is now ready for you to buy online. Get it at espositocollection.com, Century 21 Department Store and Suite 21 in Ridgewood, NJ.
We first came across this brand and the sexy and talented designer at Fashion and Beauty Week where Amanda Esposito debuted her clothing line. With the brand being called Mandy’s last name, Esposito one would normally think of an Italian gangster clothing line or in some cases a guido line. However, Amanda Esposito has changed that perception with numerous designs and also with her current new collection inspired by Elvis.
We had a chance to interview the designer and see the collection during New York Fashion Week and I do have to say Pinstripe’s view on the brand has changed and is now a supputor of Esposito designs, which are bold, brash, and unique. To find out more about the lovely Amanda Esposito and her designs continue reading below.
PM: Many of us know you are Italian, what part of Italy are you from and do you visit often?
My father was born in Conca dei Marini, a small town on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I don’t visit as often as I’d like!
PM: How does being Italian inspire you?
Certainly Italy is the inspiration for much in life, art, food, architecture, etc. Italy is very important for contemporary art as the country is known for their famous artists and painters. We can now read a work of art due to the contributors of Italian culture, which have influenced me greatly in my studies and sketching as well. Italy hasn’t necessarily directly, but has most definitely been an indirect inspiration for many of the pieces I create.
PM: How many siblings do you have and what do they think of you designing?
I have one younger brother, he is not much of an artist. I got the genes of art in my family, he was not as blessed!
PM: Are your parents big supporters or did they want you to choose a different career?
My parents support me now more than ever. Initially, they wanted me to choose a different career path in life as any parent would. They thought of art and design as a ‘hobby’ and not so much of a career.
PM: When did you start designing?
I started designing at such an early age! I was in art classes since grade school and continued all throughout high school, leading me to attend and graduate from The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.
PM: What made you want to become a fashion designer?
I always loved playing with my Barbie dolls when I was little, dressing them and always imagining what other outfits I’d put them in! I would create these odd dressings for the dolls and I was always the weird kid in school who took too many art classes and entered drawing and painting contests. Combining that with my sketching and then attending FIT made me realize that was exactly what I wanted to do!
PM: Did you design for other designers before you created your own line?
I did, I worked for quite and few and some larger corporations.
PM: After graduating FIT what was your first job?
I worked for a private label in which we did design work for larger corporation companies. It all started from there!
PM: How else do you stay busy when not designing Esposito?
Stay busy? I actually wish I had a moment to break! There is always a new project I am working on, flying around the country to network with new vendors and boutiques, and really spending time to expand the growth of my business and team.
PM: What was the first thing you ever designed for yourself and for your line?
I made a skimpy black club dress for myself to wear in New York City when I was younger, I was so excited to go out in it! I think I still have it in my closet to this day! That wouldn’t count for my menswear line though! I’d have to say for the Esposito Collection it was the signature basic red, black and white shirts. I started with the basics and grew from there.
PM: What made you pick the theme Elvis for your current collection?
Elvis was always one of my favorite icons and singers since I was young! I was granted the Elvis Presley license from the Enterprises in Graceland in late 2011. He is a huge influence on my collection as I take aspects from the 1950s and 60s and brand them into today’s modern image and style. There are also currently 4 featured tees of “The King” himself that you could buy now from the runway collection.
PM: We noticed you are only designing tops, any plans to do bottoms?
I have designed bottoms and jeans as well, and I am only selling the shirt collection on my website.
PM: What would you say is your favorite piece of your current collection?
For sure the Presley Blazer! I love the combo fabric mixing, the hardware detailing and the overall fit on the man. It is a stunning piece.
PM: What made you have your fashion show on a boat this year?
A very good friend of mine, also the director of Hornblower Cruises in NYC, was anxious to host a designer event and show for NYFW this season. A group meeting was called to review my product and designs, they loved what they saw, had me put together this spectacular event, and a fashion show was born! It was remarkable doing this show on September 10th on the Hudson River with the Freedom Towers behind each model as they walked the runway. It set the mood, stood for everything that a NYC week in fashion was all about, and the guests immensely enjoyed themselves. That to me is a huge success.
PM: Are you planning for February already?
Of course, I started sketching ideas out about a month ago!
PM: What do you think your inspiration will be next time?
If I told you, wouldn’t that be giving away my next show?
PM: Yes that would but our readers can keep a secret.
Think salsa, tango and a bit of Argentinean flair!
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
