Brooklyn-based bridal designer Andrea Pitter stormed the second season of Amazon Studio’s original series Making the Cut with her eye-popping designs that showed audiences why she was the rightful winner of the fashion competition series.   

Last month, Pitter, who won a $1 million prize and the opportunity to sell her pieces on Amazon Fashion, recently opened her first brick-and-mortar store at the retail hub Row DTLA, according to The Hollywood Reporter.   

Pitter chats with BNC about what it was like winning the competition, the advice she’d give Black designers and if there are plans for a men’s collection.   

1) What was your experience like on Making the Cut season 2?   

Andrea Pitter: I had an amazing experience on Making the Cut. I gained what I hope are long-time friends. There was quite a bit of self-discovery during the process. I told myself that while I was away making clothes, I might as well make memories. 

2) As a Black designer, what does winning the show mean to you?    

It meant that showing up as myself has always been enough. After winning, while waiting for everyone to catch up on the good news, I thought the win was very much about me and my talent. I now know that this is bigger than me. A lot of talent goes unseen, unacknowledged and underappreciated. So many people said they felt like they won when I did, so I don’t feel alone in this.  

3) Inclusivity in fashion is very important. In what ways are you making your clothes readily available to all?     

My bridal line has a size chart that goes up to 40 and because our gowns are made to order, if anyone exceeds our size chart, we’re happy to make amendments. I created Forgotten Skin Tones, a collection of linings and illusion mesh that is intended to match a wider range of complexions more closely. 

 
4) When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer? Has it always been part of your plan?   

I don’t think I remember not wanting to be a designer. I wanted to be a lot of things, but designer is the thing that stuck. My design light bulb went off at 12 years old; that’s when I made the definitive decision to be a fashion designer. 
 
5) Any plans for a Pantora Men’s collection?   

That feels intense. Like, a whole collection? I’m not sure, but I definitely have plans to release menswear pieces. Saying that I do “menswear” sounds ambitious, especially since I just gave myself permission to design in color a few months ago. 

6) What would you say to an aspiring Black designer who may be doubting themselves about getting into the industry or have fears that they won’t find success?    

Do your thing! Do it whether you’re being applauded or you are your own cheerleader. The thing about self-doubt is if you don’t believe in yourself, they can’t believe in you. I also think we should start redefining success. The definition has to feel more personal; otherwise, you’ll never be dazzled by your own accomplishment. You have every right to be proud of yourself, even for what feels like a baby step. 

7) What has been one of the biggest hurdles you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?   

The combination of being young, Black and broke. I knew what I wanted so early on that I had taken myself so seriously and others hadn’t taken me as seriously as I took myself. I remember being told I should send sales associates to trade shows so that my identity would be private (read: My Blackness would be private) and starting a business with very little would be hard for anyone. Through that struggle, I learned to be resourceful. 

8) Lastly, what do you want people who wear your designs, whether it’s a piece from the show or Pantora Bridal, to feel when they put on one of your pieces?  

Joy! I want you all to do a little happy dance (or a big one). Joy has felt so underrated as we’ve spent so much of our time chasing other things.  

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The interview was edited for clarity.