Meet Amanda Zanetti, NYC Fashion Designer living gluten free.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey into fashion.

I’m originally from Toronto and come from an Italian background. I moved to New York City when I was 18 and have been here ever since. Looking back, fashion has really been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was about 10 years old, I started taking sewing and art classes after school, and over time, I kept adding more classes and exploring different creative outlets. What started as an interest gradually became a genuine passion.

When it came time to apply to university, I knew the Fashion Institute of Technology was the only place I wanted to go. I actually told myself that if I didn’t get into F.I.T., I would pursue the sciences and stay closer to home. Luckily, I was accepted, and that became the beginning of my journey in New York and in fashion.

How would you describe your design aesthetic in three words?

Sophisticated, feminine, and delicate.

I’m very drawn to beautiful, refined pieces, but I also love focusing on the little details. I really believe those small, thoughtful elements are what elevate a look and make it feel special. Whether it’s an intricate piece of embroidery, an unexpected fabric treatment, or a subtle construction detail, I love when there is something to discover within a garment.

What has been one of your biggest career milestones so far?

I have so many goals I’m still working toward, but one milestone that will always be special to me was winning the Critic Award during my senior year at F.I.T. It was incredibly validating to have my work recognized by people whose opinions I respected so much.

Another major milestone was landing my current position at Theia. The brand is extremely detail-oriented, and so much of the artwork is done by hand. Working there has pushed me creatively and taught me so much about craftsmanship, artistry, and the importance of the smallest details. I feel like I’ve grown tremendously as a designer through that experience.

Who would be your dream celebrity to dress?

Olivia Dean. I love her aesthetic because it feels so aligned with my own—feminine, sophisticated, effortless, and a little unexpected. I feel like we have a very similar sense of taste, so it would be really exciting to translate that into a look that feels authentic to her while still bringing my own perspective as a designer.

What advice would you give young women who are just starting out in the fashion industry?

My biggest piece of advice is to stay true to yourself. Develop a point of view and train your eye. Pay attention to what you naturally gravitate toward and what makes your work feel like you, and then continue building on that.

At the same time, absorb as much feedback as you can. Learn from every mentor, colleague, and experience you have throughout your career. Be curious about the entire process and never be afraid to ask questions. There is so much to learn in fashion, and you don’t have to know everything right away.

I would also remind young designers that it’s okay if you don’t feel creative all the time. Creativity needs to be nurtured. For me, that means doing things outside of fashion that reignite that part of my brain—taking a class, traveling, going somewhere new, or simply experiencing something I haven’t experienced before. Sometimes stepping away from design is exactly what allows you to come back to it with a fresh perspective.

What do you love most about living in New York City?

Living in New York City has truly been a dream. I can genuinely say I’m never bored, and I’m constantly learning something new. I love that I can wake up and decide to take a random knitting class, sign up for a certificate program, try a new cooking class, take a completely different fitness class, or simply go on a long walk and stumble upon somewhere I’ve never been before.

There is always something happening, and I think that constant exposure to new people, places, and experiences has had a huge influence on me creatively. It keeps me curious.

One of my favorite “hidden gems” in New York is actually just walking through the quieter streets and finding a quaint little wine bar or restaurant you weren’t looking for. I also love walking along the West Side Highway and discovering some of the little piers and hidden spots along the way. I think tourists sometimes focus so much on seeing all of the major landmarks that they miss the magic of simply wandering around and letting the city surprise you.

What has your experience been like navigating a gluten-free lifestyle in New York City?

Honestly, navigating a gluten-free lifestyle in New York City has been much easier than I expected. There are so many great options, and I’ve noticed that the number of gluten-free choices has grown tremendously over the six years I’ve lived here. People are also generally very accommodating when it comes to food allergies and intolerances. Restaurants will often ask at the beginning of the meal and are very helpful about explaining ingredients or potential cross-contamination.

Some of my favorite gluten-free restaurants are Risotteria Melotti, Palma, and Wild. Palma in particular surprised me because it’s such a popular restaurant and can be difficult to get a reservation, but they are incredibly accommodating and have so many options that actually taste great.

For bagels, I love Leon’s Bagels and Bagel Pub. My favorite pasta is probably the gluten-free option at Cipriani, especially their Bolognese. I’m still on the hunt for my favorite gluten-free pizza, but Eataly has one that I really enjoy.

What was the biggest challenge when you first had to change your diet?

I found out that I was gluten intolerant when I was 15, so it’s actually been about ten years now. I think the hardest part in the beginning was simply finding gluten-free versions of the foods I loved. It can be frustrating when you know exactly what something is supposed to taste like and the gluten-free version doesn’t quite live up to it.

Over time, though, I became much more adventurous with food. I started trying things I probably wouldn’t have otherwise, and I eventually got to a place where I genuinely enjoy such a wide variety of foods. Now I eat pretty much everything—vegetables, meat, fish, and everything in between—just without gluten. I also love baking my own treats and meal-prepping during the work week, which has made things much easier.

Has having a gluten sensitivity ever made you feel like you were missing out socially?

Thankfully, not really. My friends and family have always been incredibly supportive and often go out of their way to make sure I’m comfortable, even when I don’t ask them to.

If I’m ever worried that an event won’t have many options, I’ll simply eat beforehand. That has always helped me walk into an event feeling positive rather than worrying about what I’ll be able to eat. Usually, there is at least one option available anyway.

I think a big part of it is surrounding yourself with the right people. When the people around you are supportive and understanding, something that could feel limiting becomes much easier to navigate.

What have you learned from traveling with a gluten-free lifestyle?

Traveling can definitely be more challenging because you don’t always know what your options will be, especially in a place you’ve never visited before. But I’ve actually come to appreciate the experience.

There’s something really exciting about finding that hidden gem in a new city—a restaurant that understands your dietary needs and serves food you genuinely love. It makes you appreciate that restaurant, that meal, and even that particular day so much more.

I think that’s probably the biggest lesson I’ve taken from it: sometimes having a limitation makes you appreciate the things you can experience even more. And in a city like New York, there are always more things to discover.

Quick Fire Round

• Favourite city: Paris, Milan, or NYC? Can’t choose, they’re all amazing!!
• Sneakers or heels? Heels always
• Pasta or pizza? Pasta (with sausage and broccoli)
• Sweet or savoury? Sweet (dark chocolate always)
• Summer or winter fashion? Fall fashion :)
• Instagram or TikTok? Instagram 
• Favourite gluten-free dessert? Banana Bread! 
• One word to describe New York: Electric
• One word to describe living with celiac: Resilient 
• Your dream vacation destination? Dolomites, Italy 
• Morning person for sure!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who has just been diagnosed with celiac disease, what would it be?  Give yourself permission to treat the beginning as a learning curve, not a test you have to pass perfectly. I’m definitely a perfectionist but when it comes to health, it’s not always linear so it’s important to stay positive. 

You can follow me on Instagram @zanetti.moda @azanetti8 message me any time you need a custom look or style advice! I’m always here to make women feel confident and feminine.