Designer Amanda Kain on Her Hollywood Crushes and Favorite Patsy Cline Lyric

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T-shirt guru and LA native, Amanda Kain, always knew she wanted to work in fashion. Although she sought a normal college experience and studied sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder, she returned to her Angeleno roots to major in Fashion Design at FIDM. After holding an internship and assistant position, Kain opened her own vintage store and began making tees to sell on the side. When her sister, Melanie, wore one of her designs into the celeb-frequented Madison boutique in 2008, Kain's moonlighting dream became a full-time gig.

Kain Label almost instantly hit the pages of all the weeklies with the staple pocket tee becoming a fast favorite in Hollywood. As the brand took off, Amanda fulfilled a dream by moving to New York while Melanie left her current position and took over the business side of the brand. Kain Label has since evolved to add dresses and extra flare such as tie-dye and distressed elements to the collections but remains a go-to for their perfect basics. "I’ve always been into vintage T-shirts and how they feel," Kain explained. "I wanted to recreate that but elevate it at the same time."

We chatted with Kain, who is back in LA and launching the children’s line Roux in the spring, over juices at her favorite spot in Los Feliz, The Punchbowl. While we were there she gave us the download on her crushes and that FDA allowance she’s just not that into.

What are you drinking today?

The Mango Saffron Lassi.

What’s your favorite song lyric?

This one by Patsy Cline: "You tell me to find someone else to love / Someone who love me too / The way you used to do / But each time I go out with someone new / You walk by and I fall to pieces."

Who was your childhood crush?

Probably Christian Slater.

What’s your Sunday brunch style?

I am all about jeans and a stripe T-shirt, maybe with Vans.

Black or White?

Black.

What is something you know that you wish you had never found out?

I have a cousin that loves to share interesting facts and I didn't know that rodent hairs are allowed in your food. Apparently the FDA allows 4 rodent hairs per 100 grams.

If you had a super power what would it be?

To read people’s minds.

What’s your favorite dinner spot?

Ajisai. It’s a Japanese restaurant and it’s my absolute favorite. I love the live scallop, you watch them cut it out of the shell and slice it really thin, it’s so good. And I can bring my little girl there because they have a noodle bowl that they bring as an appetizer and it keeps her occupied the whole time.

Little Black Dress or Separates?

Separates.

What’s the best scar you’ve ever earned?

The only scar I’ve got is from when a little boy who kicked a bucket at me. It actually ended up being a great scar because my mom got me a Cabbage Patch doll.

Early Morning or Late Night?

Early morning these days.

Who is your girl crush?

Cate Blanchett.

What book is on your nightstand?

The Secret History by Donna Tartt.