About
photo by Maddie Liner @littlemissbummer
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 LA but 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.
About the maker
Howdy, my name is Amanda Zo! I have been sewing the majority of my life. I am entirely self taught - a 'DIY till I die' type of gal.
photo by Andrew Barber @andrewbarber.images
Over the last 15 years I have owned and operated several small businesses, including a custom tailoring shop and a sewing factory for independent fashion labels. As a result I own an extensive collection of industrial sewing machines and the experience to design, develop, and manufacture for a small sustainable fashion label.
photo by Andrew Barber @andrewbarber.images
Every style in my collection has been designed, patterned, size graded, sampled, and then marketed by my two hands - in my home studio! *yes it's true, I have a factory worth of sewing equipment in my home...lol.
But as the business has grown I have hired a few independent sewers. I prepare small batch production work that they can complete in their home studios. I really enjoy the laid back atmosphere of working with folks I know and trust - feels like a classic mom & pop shop :)
photo by Andrew Barber @andrewbarber.images
In addition to my love of stitching, I am an avid motorcycle enthusiast. I have been wrenching and riding for the last seven-ish years, which has also been a self-taught journey in learning to maintain my machines and navigate the hazards of riding.
photo by Sara Bernson @pockowockosara
Interesting fact about me: in 2019 I was in a severe motorcycle accident while riding in New Orleans. I was t-boned on my way to work and shattered both of my knees, broke a femur and a hip, and my jaw in three places.. but my love for the Motos hasn't faltered! I ride often and with *minimal* fear (obviously with some recovery time post accident). As a matter of fact, it made me a better rider and with an interesting story to boot. **I also have a bunch of steel in my body now which is pretty heavy metal!
photo by Errol Colandro @el3errolcolandro + visuals by Ivan @thirdcirclevisuals
And with all that said - exciting things are on the horizon for me and my business. I will be featured in a new docu-series with some of my favorite female riders exploring different US states...wearing my Chain Driven threads of course ! Launching sooooon, more to come on that :)
Big thanks to anyone who's ever supported me in my small business endeavors and lust for life adventures. I love what I do and have dedicated countless hours to these passions - I don't plan on stopping anytime soon :)
Love y'all!!
photo by Andrew Barber @andrewbarber.images www.abarberimages.com