Hollywood Star Embraces New Career Path, Fans Are Shocked
Amanda Bynes, known for her iconic roles in early 2000s films, is officially stepping into the fashion industry with a collaboration alongside designer Austin Babbitt. Amanda, who gained fame as a beloved child star, shared a preview of her new fashion line co-created with Austin, also known as A**pizza, on Instagram last Wednesday (October 2).
Bynes, who has been largely private in recent years, proudly highlighted her academic background in her post, stating, "My associate's of art degree majoring in product development at FIDM paid off."
Amanda graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 2019, and this collaboration marks an exciting return to the public spotlight as she follows her passion for fashion design.
The retired actress revealed that she and Austin are "working on doing a pop-up art show in December" and that it "will have art and clothing." Austin's designs have previously appeared in Kanye West's pop-up shops for the Pablo collection, which was launched ahead of the rapper's 2016 album, The Life of Pablo.
Just one day before making her announcement, Amanda shared a photo of a sketch depicting a woman featured on the clothing, accompanied by the phrase, "You broke my heart." Amanda has envisioned launching a clothing line for several years now.
Back in February 2020, she posted a video on Instagram, mentioning that she was "looking forward" to selling her own designs.
Amanda Bynes revealed a fashion partnership with Queens designer Austin Babbitt
The designer's website features a graphic T-shirt for $60 and a pair of shorts priced at $100
Both items come in black and white
“Sup, Instagram. Just wanted to say hi to all of my followers," said Amanda
"I really wanted to say I appreciate you so much for supporting me," she added
Amanda previously co-hosted a podcast with her friend, biochemist Paul Sieminski, titled Amanda Bynes & Paul Sieminski: The Podcast. The show launched in November 2023, but Amanda, known for her role in She’s the Man, decided to put the project on hold after just one episode, which featured tattoo artist Dahlia Moth.
Amanda shared on social media that the first episode had exceeded her expectations, and she initially planned to continue after receiving encouragement from friends. However, after some thought, she decided to pursue a different path; getting her manicurist license to have a stable career.
She thanked her followers for their support and explained that she wanted to take this new direction. Amanda also mentioned that they were unable to secure high-profile guests, such as Jack Harlow, Drake, or Post Malone, which led to her decision to pause the podcast.
She left open the possibility of resuming it someday if they could attract those types of guests.
She announced plans for a pop-up show in December, which will showcase both art and clothing
In April, Amanda shared that she had not yet passed the board exam required to obtain her manicurist license
“Since I haven’t passed the board exam yet to get my manicurist license, I started back at school to study manicurist theory and to practice doing acrylics before I take the test again, so I’ll be good to go when I get a job at a nail salon.”
Amanda started her acting career at the age of 7, gaining popularity through her roles on Nickelodeon's sketch comedy show All That and its spin-off, The Amanda Show. Amanda retired from acting in June 2010, following her appearance in the movie Easy A, citing struggles with body image.
She later shared that she "couldn't stand" how she looked in the film and was unhappy with her performance. In the years that followed, Amanda faced challenges with substance abuse and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
In 2022, her nearly nine-year conservatorship ended when a judge determined that she had the capacity to make informed decisions regarding her medical treatment.
Here's how Amanda's followers reacted to her fashion project:
Follow your dreams
Good luck
What happened?
Hollywood ruined her
Only the best
This is sad
Poor girl
Aa Amanda Bynes shared that she is embracing a new career path, fashion, many followers supported her and wished her all the best. However, some of them were shocked by this news and wondered where it came from.
