Andrea Lamadora, Designer

From Africa to the Orient and all lands near and far, the much sought after Bay Area stylist/designer Andrea Lamadora of House of Mamasan artfully makes creations like nouveau riche, bohemian-goddess and street chic coexist in perfect harmony in what she coins urban ethnic couture…

(Andrea—Can’t you see she’s going places?)

Where she’s From: Well let one of her biggest fans tell you. “Andrea Lamadora of House of Mamasan was the first stylist and designer that I worked with in the Bay Area when I began my musical career,� recalls Columbia artist Goapele.
 
“Her major in ethnic studies brings an influence from cultures around the world that she incorporates into her new school fashion ideas. When I’m wearing her innovative and chic Asian-inspired designs or when she’s styling me for music videos, album covers or photo shoots there’s an edge, substance, and sex appeal that I enjoy.â€?

House of Mamasan was founded in 2001 by Lamadora and her older sister Kila. Both women had always been great at style forecasting and assembling eclectic yet sophisticated looks, with closets full of custom, vintage and high-end designer finds. But it was the younger Lamadora that channeled her days as a fashion specialist at prominent cult labels like BCBG and make-up artist at Bare Essential, as well as serving as a personal shopping specialist that cemented her position as creative visionary while the older Lamadora focused on the business behind the seams.

Everything about a House of Mamasan design is unique. Each piece is a potent mix of cultures, ethnicities and textiles hence the term urban ethnic couture. Andrea, the company’s 25 year-old designer is a deliciously gorgeous cocktail of Filipino, Spanish, French and Chinese descent, which embodies the essence of the House of Mamasan brand.

Where she’s at: Born and raised in San Francisco, California, but currently residing in Oakland, Lamadora is a highly visible ambassador of fashion in the culturally diverse Bay area. Known for crafting dramatic, statement-making pieces using a rich palette of bold, bright colors, every look from her collection has a streak of global influence. “The community I live in rich with multi culture. I try to visually expose people to various backgrounds through my designs,” explains the style chameleon. “By using different types of storytelling ethnic fabrics. I wanted to incorporate the influence of history and heritage in my line.  It was important for me to communicate that while we all come from different places, every place has its own unique beauty.â€?

Constantly inspired by her exotic roots and world travels—Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cuba, the Yucatan and Hawaii—Lamadora creates a trend setting, fashion-forward aesthetic that expresses a sexy urban attitude with ethnic flavor. The results of which can be found in her collection of discreetly sexy, quintessential Kimono tops with exaggerated sleeves and dresses made of sumptuous, fluid fabrics trimmed in silk embellishments or leather obi details. Her visually unconventional prints are not only influencing fashion amongst Northern California night lifers and event goers, but her celebrity clientele also feed off of her avant-garde glamour.

Where she’s heading: Having styled Goapele and other artists for music videos, fashion spreads, concerts and album cover shoots, she’s also been the styling force behind celebrities seen in a myriad of magazines from Essence to Vibe. In addition, Lamadora styled Goapele as she graced the cover of San Francisco Magazine as well as styling her sophomore album cover, “Change it All.â€? More recently, she designed the batik outfit for Goapele’s music video “First
Love,� currently in rotation on VH-1 Soul. Lamadora says, “When Goapele’s record made it to radio and she started attending red carpet events, everyone wanted to know who her stylist was.� It was the critically acclaimed singer that encouraged Lamadora to launch her own line after receiving high praises from fans about her tailor-made clothes.

The innovative pieces from Andrea’s soon to be launched Winter 2006 collection are in high demand—complete with long sleeve kimonos, ethnic batiks and Mandarin high collar neck pieces in an amalgam of Burnt Mustards, Forest Greens, Mocha Chocolates, Deep Royal Purples and Honey Cognacs.

Andrea’s Secret Of success: “It lies in my ability to connect art, nature and fashion without losing my customer. I have an ability to predict and set trends without being trendy—my love of visual communication and passion for learning.�

She adds: “I am influenced by Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli and Christian LaCroix. Gwen Stefani, Outkast, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Kahn, Ludacris, The Roots, Bjork, Common, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu are great fun to watch as well, because like me, they are fearless when it comes to experimenting with different styles and really go against the grain. But they also manage for their personalities to stand out.”

To order custom designs/pieces please visit: www.houseofmamasan.com

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