Life in the high desert is filled with the unexpected. “You never know when you’re going to need to, like, hop a fence in your cute little jumpsuit,” says Amanda Zo, owner of Chain Driven Apparel and the subject of a recent Alta Journal newsletter by contributor Jennifer Lewis. Inspired by heavy metal and motorcycle culture, Zo’s handmade creations are gaining a cult-like following. The designer Zooms into Alta Live from her studio to share her journey from a log cabin in Washington State to a live-work space in the heart of the desert, detail the inspiration and effort that goes into each piece of clothing she produces, and show us the latest from her collection.
About the guest:
Amanda Zo is owner and operator of Chain Driven Apparel, a fashion label based in the Mojave Desert. Over the last 15 years, she has owned several small businesses including a custom tailoring shop, and a sewing factory for independent fashion labels. As a result, she owns an extensive collection of industrial sewing machines and possesses the experience to design, develop, and manufacture for a small sustainable fashion label. Every style in her collection has been designed, patterned, size graded, sampled, and marketed by Zo.
About Chain Driven Apparel:
Chain Driven Apparel is for the wild at heart. The name refers to chain driven motorcycles, but the words alone mean more. Chain: strong, uniform, unbreakable. Driven: motivated, self made, unstoppable. Apparel comes from the meaning 'to wear' your personal attire.
The wearer is capable and strong, against all odds. These threads are made specially to keep ya rockn' & rolln' & ridin' through this life! Founded in the nitty gritty of New Orleans, Chain Driven Apparel has since relocated to the high deserts of Yucca Valley, CA. The creative community and natural environment is what motivates this small business most. Every piece offered is handmade with care. •
