We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Antoinette Messam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Antoinette , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Yes, I took a risk.
As Co-Founder of ISBCD, I knew how vital it was to create a space for Black costume designers across the diaspora. Our community needed the visibility, support, and shared resources that this organization could offer. But the timing was far from ideal. We were emerging from the devastation of COVID-19, facing an industry-wide strike, and navigating a new political climate that sought to dismantle DEI initiatives, the very foundation necessary for us to thrive as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Despite all the obstacles, we chose to move forward. There were many late night meetings and in-the-car conferences to pull this together. We each used our individual strengths to build ISBCD including, structure from Diedra Govan, strategic insights from Gersha Phillips, creative from Kara Saun, administrative from Kristina Taylor, accounting from Michelle Green, global consulting from PC Williams, and communications from Rebecca Farmer Force. We believed that if we could build a strong, connected community, we could withstand the challenges and flourish together. And that’s exactly what we’ve done, by showing up for one another, creating opportunities, and proving that our collective strength is our greatest asset.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As President of the International Society of Black Costume Designers (ISBCD), I’m honored to lead an organization devoted to celebrating and uplifting Black creativity around the world. ISBCD was founded to support and connect Black Costume Designers working across film, television, theater, and short-form projects, including music videos, commercials, and streaming content. Our goal is to create a space where designers can learn, grow, and be recognized for their artistry and contributions to storytelling.
With over 30 years in the industry, I bring a deep understanding of the craft and the challenges our members face. I started as a buyer and worked my way through nearly every area of the costume department, an experience that has given me the insight to guide and nurture our members and help shape the direction of ISBCD as we continue to grow.
What truly sets ISBCD apart is our commitment to community. We’re building bridges, opening doors, and making sure the voices of Black Costume Designers are seen, heard, and celebrated. For me, it’s a privilege to serve this organization and to watch our members thrive as they redefine what representation and excellence look like in our industry.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Yes, I think some people might still struggle to understand why an organization like ISBCD is needed in 2025.
The truth is, even with all the incredible talent that exists among Black Costume Designers, we still find ourselves celebrating “the first”, the first Black Costume Designer to win an Oscar, or to lead a major project. While those milestones are meaningful, they also remind us how much further we have to go.
ISBCD exists to move us past the “firsts” and toward a place of lasting inclusion and visibility. Black designers often get pigeonholed or only asked to design what’s considered Black content, but we can do much more than that. We want the industry and the public to recognize that Black Costume Designers are artists with range, skill, and vision. We can design across genres, cultures, and styles. Our identity does not limit our work; it’s enriched by it.
That’s why this organization matters. We’re not just creating space, we’re expanding it, making sure that excellence and opportunity are not the exception, but the norm.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really captures our resilience is how ISBCD made its debut at San Diego Comic-Con.
When we first decided to submit a panel, people told us that most organizations don’t get accepted right away, that it usually takes a few tries. However, we believed in our mission and what we had to say, so we gave it our all. And to our surprise and joy, ISBCD was accepted on the very first try.
Our panel, “More Than Capes: Costume Creates Character,” was such a special moment. It celebrated storytelling, identity, and the artistry of costume design, and it made history as the first Comic-Con panel of Black Costume Designers. We worked hard on that pitch, showed up ready, and represented members from Canada, the U.S., and South Africa.
It was one of those moments that reminded us why we do this work, that when you lead with passion, purpose, and community, doors open that people said might take years to unlock.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @isbcd2024

Image Credits

Costume Designers, Kristina Taylor, Dana Woods, Trayce Gigi Fields, Kara Saun, Shiona Turini, President Antoinette Messam, Jennifer Bryan, Mekel Bailey, Ebony Brown, QueenSilvia, Gersha Phillips, Michelle Collins. Deirdra Govan, Neishea Lemle, Lynn Ollie, Barbara Chennault, Kenni Wallace, Quinton Jackson, Fernando Rodriguez, Anitra Mitchell, Michelle Cole, Missy Mickens, Pamela Watson, Yolanda Holmes, Pamela Sheppard, Mika Eubanks, Alia Ssemakula, Allison Essannason, REBECCA FARMER FORCE