Evelyn Nelson Bio
Known as a “sculptor of clothing”, Evelyn has shared her creative talents as a Fashion Designer, Theatrical Costume Designer, and Educator. She began her career after graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology where she received a degree in Fashion Design.
As a fashion design entrepreneur, she developed a couturier business creating “one of a kind” garments for a variety of clientele including: Diahann Carroll, Susan Taylor Taylor, Cicely Tyson, and Harry Belafonte. Her versatility afforded her the opportunity to use her craftsmanship in varied areas of movies, television, print publication and the entertainment industry.
Her theatre costuming career began over forty years ago when she designed costumes for the National Black Theatre’s production of “Soul Journey Into Truth”. She has also designed costumes for New Federal Theatre including: “Remembering We Selves” (Amari Baraka), “The Dance on Widow’s Row”, “Urban Transitions: Loose Blossoms”, “In Dahomey” and “Conjure Man Dies”.
Evelyn taught her skills to students at the High School of Fashion Industries, from 2001- 20017, and still teaches as a part time adjunct professor at Parson’s School of Design ( New School) where she has been since 1999.