Long before thrifting and upcycling became mainstream via TikTok, local fashion design and reality TV contestant Amanda Perna has enjoyed the thrill of the hunt—and now the community can be a part of it while giving back.
Amanda’s Corner was revealed last weekend at the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s Delray Beach ReStore, a collection of clothing and samples from her House of Perna line as well as upcycled and gently used clothing, homewares and accessories. Each month, she will refresh the space with new finds.
“You never know what you’re going to find in there. I always say it’s a treasure hunt,” Perna says. “What is the point of me keeping it all for myself if I can share with others and raise money for a good cause?”
The founder of House of Perna and A Little Wyld in Delray Beach, Perna competed in “Project Runway” twice and also was a winner on HGTV’s “Flea Market Flip” with her husband, Solomon Strul. She’s always loved thrifting, and she shared how she would purchase vintage Levis and add her own trim and other accents to it.
Perna has supported the ReStore for years, donating items that are sold to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. She started collaborating with them later through her show “Delray Morning Live” and hosting DIY and upcycling videos. For the opening of Amanda’s Corner, Perna went through her collection of House of Perna sample clothing, items from her and her grandmother’s home, and treasures she discovered already sitting in the ReStore.
“Amanda’s bold designs and commitment to uplifting the community make this partnership truly inspiring,” said Chief Retail Officer Todd Passehl. “We’re thrilled to bring her unique vision to the Delray Beach ReStore, and we look forward to shoppers discovering creativity and purpose in Amanda’s Corner.”
Habitat for Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are secondhand stores that help raise funds for the nonprofit to build homes for those in need. There are four locations in Palm Beach County, including Delray Beach’s location at 1900 N. Federal Highway. Not only can people shop for deals, but also donate furniture, appliances, décor and building materials.
“I just think it’s so fun to be able to give new life to something and not go in a landfill,” Perna says. “In our business, sustainability is really important, we make everything in small batches so we’re not wasting. So this is another way for us to carry out our mission.”
