The Designer

Niiamar Felder, Fashion and Costume Designer, is inspired by the brilliance of fashion. He has been influenced by industry icons, including Valentino Garavani, Halston and Patrick Kelly. Industry icons whose work set the standards, often redefining fashion. From evening wear to ready-to-wear, and costume design, NIIAMAR’s brand flourishes as the designer is driven by a passion for creative expression, capturing the beauty of nostalgic glamour and modern style.

Media mavens and social influencers Loreen Arbus, Katrina Adams, Princess Camilla Barungi and Nora Gasparian and Jane Marks are some of the women who have worn his designs on network television, to high-profile red carpet events and the Academy Awards. Selected as a 2017 BE Modern Man of Distinction by BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine, Niiamar’s accomplishments in both fashion and costume design are well noted. Including features in EBONY magazine, FASHION BOMB DAILY, Black News Channel and an impressive appearance on Lifetime’s “24 Hour Catwalk” where judges took note of his exceptional design aesthetics. He is also a recipient of the American Express Passio Project Award.

Niiamar embarked on a transformative and new venture in 2014, while chronicling and producing the fashion short documentary, NIIAMAR…It is What It Is (released in May 2015, now streaming on Prime Video), gives an inside look at what it will take to make his mark in the world of fashion. He shares the struggles, drama and triumphs of creating an awe-inspiring collection.

His numerous accolades also include: two AUDELCO Award nominations for Excellence in Costume Design for the Off-Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2012) and “Reparations” (2020), directed by veteran actor and Tony Award nominee, Michele Shay . In addition, principal costume design work for The Billie Holiday Theatre productions of ‘The Old Settler’ starring Pauletta Washington;(Yellow Man and A Walk Into Slavery) ‘Sowa’s Red Gravy’ starring Tony Award nominee Lonette Mckee. Most recently, the live broadcast of 12 Angry Men and Women, starring Wendell C. Pierce and Lisa Arindell directed by India Etwaroo.