Antoinette Messam

Antoinette Messam is an award-winning Costume Designer, fashion entrepreneur, and creative visionary with over 30 years of experience spanning film, television, and fashion. A recipient of the 2026 CAFTCAD Distinguished Service Award, she is recognized for her creative achievements and longstanding contributions to the costume design profession.

 

Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, Messam is a third-generation artist from a family of tailors and dressmakers. Her early career in fashion laid the foundation for her work in costume design. Recognizing a gap in the market for classic, versatile separates for women of all shapes and sizes, she created her clothing line, I Style, launching the collection in her native Jamaica before expanding into the Canadian and U.S. markets.

 

Her extensive filmography includes The Book of Clarence, The Harder They Fall, LIFT, The Bluff, and the Netflix limited series I Will Find You. Her work on The Book of Clarence earned her a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination, a CAFTCAD Award, and a Black Reel Award nomination. She also received a Black Reel Award for The Harder They Fall and a CAFTCAD Award for Hold the Dark.

 

Her latest project, Jabari's People, holds particular personal significance. Set in Jamaica, the film tells a story she had wanted to help bring to the screen for many years. Designing a film in her homeland offered an opportunity to connect her creative work with her cultural roots, mentor emerging Jamaican costume talent, and give back to a country that continues to inspire her.

 

As Co-Founder and President of the International Society of Black Costume Designers (ISBCD), Messam helped establish a global community dedicated to supporting, connecting, and mentoring Black costume designers worldwide. She is also a Co-Founder of CAFTCAD, reflecting her longstanding commitment to strengthening the profession and creating opportunities for others.

 

Beyond her work on screen, Messam consults in costume design and welcomes speaking engagements, panels, and industry conversations that allow her to share her experience, exchange ideas, and encourage the next generation of creative professionals.

 

She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the Costume Designers Guild, United Scenic Artists, and IATSE Local 873.