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" After graduating from FIT, Dana-Maxx Pomerantz worked for Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson before launching her own line in 2007 to glittering reviews. Her eponymous label has grown by leaps and bounds in very short order. When the cameras rolled, Pomerantz was struggling with learning how to keep her line fresh while trying to avoid becoming a flash in the pan.  How did Joe challenge you to think differently about your designs?   Joe gave me the insight and ability to see my designs in a more architectural way. He also gave me more structure and boundaries. This helped me to figure out ways to bring down my production costs while still being able to maintain my voice.          Can you give some examples of how your designs became more architectural?  Here you can see how the New York architecture Joe helped me to think about, like the Standard Hotel (right) and the Chrysler Building (below), inspired some of the pieces in my collection for All on the Line.  While you were studying at FIT, you were admitted into the selective Art Specialization Program. Can you give an example of a lesson you learned there that you try apply to your designs now?  I always knew that being a great designer was not just about being able to design clothing. I knew that I had to be well versed in business, too. When I was in the Art Specialization Program at FIT, as well as when I was receiving my BFA degree in fashion design, I made sure to equally divide my focus between deepening my creative voice and learning the business of fashion. After FIT, you went on to work with Betsey Johnson and then Marc Jacobs. What lessons did you learn from those two iconic American designers that are still relevant to your design process today?   When I had the opportunity to work for Betsey Johnson, I was able to refine my technical and design skills, both of which serve me very well today. I also had the unique experience of learning from Betsey herself. Betsey was like a mentor to me. I got to see firsthand how wonderfully she treated her staff and how she always remained humble and free-loving amidst all the stresses of running a successful business. When I worked for Marc Jacobs, I saw was able to being to understand how a larger company conducts business, which has helped my own business sense today. I was also able to continue to refine my design and technical skills in a more precise way. Attention to detail was so important there! In addition to Marc and Betsey, are there any other designers whose work inspires you?   I love Diane von Furstenberg because she believes in the importance of empowering women. My goal is to develop my line into a go-to brand for strong women similar to hers one day. I also love Matthew Williamson for his inventive use of color and Christian Lacroix for his attention to detail. What do you think was the best part about being on All on the Line?   Everything I learned! I feel so blessed and lucky to have been given this opportunity to learn from Joe Zee and to present my collection to Linda Fargo. I&amp;#039;ll continue to take everything I have learned and utilize it to successfully grow my business.          In addition to designing and running Dana-Maxx, can you tell me a bit about some of the causes you are involved with?  When I&amp;#039;m not designing, I believe in the importance of community involvement, inspiring others and giving back. I am on the committee for DRIF (Diabetes Research Institute Foundation), and I am on the Young Leadership Committee for Juvenile Diabetes Research. I am also a certified New York mentor for the Adopt-a-Student Program at the High School of Fashion Industries, a critic at the Fashion Institute of Technology for the AAS Fashion Design Program, and I am on the faculty for Fashion Camp NYC, where I am able to provide guidance to help other young, aspiring fashion designers realize their dreams. Photos (from top): Zee and Pomerantz reviewing some of Pomerantz&amp;#039;s sketches; the exterior of the Standard Hote (middle) and the Chrysler building (bottom right) inspired Pomerantz&amp;#039;s collection. Courtesy of Sundance (top) and Dana-Maxx Pomerantz (middle, bottom).          Where do find the time? Are there any valuable lessons that you learned from being on the show that you would pass on to the young designers you mentor at Fashion Camp NYC?  Yes, I am a firm believer in making things happen. Never stop learning. And don&amp;#039;t compare yourself to others\u2014be confident in your abilities and good things will happen! All your clothes are made in the United States. Is it important to you that you continue to do that?  I was born in New York, so it&amp;#039;s important for me to be able to give American people work. Since I produce in New York, I have the ability to turn around goods quickly, and I have more hands-on control with my business. I know exactly what is being shipped to my stores and customers, which is a great feeling. So, yes, I will continue making my clothes in America. If you could film All on the Line all over again, is there anything that would change?  You know, when I look back at the filming process, I remember it being a very emotional journey for me. At times I felt like such a cry baby! I was very honest and real throughout, though, and because of this, I felt vulnerable and naked. However, I wouldn&amp;#039;t change a thing because it&amp;#039;s who I am. Having gone through the experience of being on the show, are you able to identify what your greatest strength as a designer is?  My greatest strength is my humility. I&amp;#039;m also comfortable with who I am, so I am not afraid of putting myself out there. And were you able to identify a weakness?  My greatest weakness is definitely that I am a huge perfectionist. I pay very close attention to detail, so I expect things to be done correctly. Linda Fargo, whom you met on the show, is another perfectionist. What impressed you most about her? Did you learn any design lessons from her?  I couldn&amp;#039;t believe how nice she was. She is a major powerhouse in this industry, so for her to take time out of her busy schedule to look at my collection was a tremendous honor. I learned that I am on her &amp;quot;watch list,&amp;quot; which is an incredible feat, and that she can &amp;quot;see&amp;quot; the Dana-Maxx line in Bergdorf Goodman at some point. Her approval provided the validation that I have been yearning for. I cannot wait for the day when my clothing is hanging in Bergdorf Goodman. I know it will happen, and when it does, I&amp;#039;ll be able to thank Joe\u2014again! Click here for more from Sundance&amp;#039;s hot new show. Click here to shop for Dana-Maxx. Photo: Pomerantz and Zee working on the colors of her collection. Courtesy of Sundance. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.elle.com/culture/art-design/interviews/a9083/all-on-the-line-dana-maxx-pomerantz-561677/>