Natalia Fedner

{{short description|American fashion designer and actress|bot=PearBOT 5}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}

{{Infobox fashion designer

|name = Natalia Fedner

|image = Natalia Fedner Attends 2015 LA Film Fest.jpg

|alt =

|caption = Fedner at the 2015 LA Film Festival

|birth_name =

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|02|12}}

|birth_place = Chernivtsi, Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union

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|nationality = American

|other_names =

|education = Parsons School of Design and Parsons Paris

|label_name = Natalia Fedner

|awards = *Silver Thimble Winner Parsons Paris, 2004

  • Bexley Distinguished Alumni Award, 2021[https://www.bexleyeducationfoundation.org/alumni-award-honorees Bexley Distinguished Alumni Awards] BexleyEducationFoundation.org, Retrieved April 24, 2025
  • Rising Star Eveningwear Award FGI, 2025[https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/fashion-group-international-rising-star-awards-to-bonnie-young-natalia-fedner-rex-shoes-1237090769 Fashion Group International Presents Rising Star Awards to Bonnie Young, Natalia Fedner, Rex Shoes and More] WWD.com, Retrieved April 24, 2025

|known_for =

|occupation = Fashion designer, inventor, actress

|spouse =

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|website = [http://www.nataliafedner.com www.nataliafedner.com]

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Natalia Fedner is an American fashion designer, inventor, artist and actress, best known for inventing a six-way stretch metal textile.[https://www.vogue.com/article/natalia-fedner-metalwear-cardi-b-jennifer-lopez-megan-thee-stallion The Designer Creating the Hottest Celebrity Looks Made of Metal] Vogue.com, June 1, 2025

Early life and education

Fedner was born in Chernivtsi, in the Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine), and immigrated to Columbus, Ohio as a refugee at the age of six with her parents. Her mother, Alla Fedner, is a computer programmer, and her father, Gregory Fedner, is a civil engineer. She has twin sisters who were born in the United States.[http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2014/03/20/designer-boosting-her-profile-on-tv-show.html Fashion designer Natalia Fedner boosting her profile on TV show]. The Columbus Dispatch, Retrieved August 20, 2015

Fedner attended art classes at Columbus College of Art and Design on a merit-based scholarship from the third through twelfth grade.

After graduating from Bexley High School in Bexley, Ohio, Fedner completed the Fashion Design BFA program at Parsons School of Design (New York City and Parsons Paris).[http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/under-the-gunn/season-1/designers/natalia-fedner Natalia Fedner] MyLifetime.com, Retrieved August 20, 2015 During her freshman year she was selected to compete in "Fusion Fashion: FIT vs. Parsons" and received the Fusion Award. Fedner studied under Tim Gunn at Parsons and won the Silver Thimble Award for best collection her junior year. During her senior year her designs were featured in the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Display.[http://www.NYDailyNews.com/archives/nydn-features/window-hopping-city-best-holiday-displays-winter-wonders-visual-feast-store-holiday-display-dept-article-1.585846 Window Hopping City's Best Holiday Displays] DailyNews.com, Retrieved August 20, 2015

Career

Following internships for Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs, Fedner worked as a design assistant at Calvin Klein Women's Collection under Francisco Costa.

In 2014 Fedner was cast as a contestant on the first season of Lifetime's Project Runway: Under the Gunn, where she finished sixth.

Fedner was a costume designer on the second season of Epic Rap Battles of History.[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3522035/ Natalia Fedner] IMDb.com The popular YouTube series won a Streamy Award for the best use of fashion and design for that season.The Third Annual Streamy Awards Wikipedia

In 2014 Fedner launched her eponymous couture label in Los Angeles. Jennifer Lopez wore a Natalia Fedner couture knit gown in her First Love music video, becoming the first celebrity to publicly mention the new label during an interview with Entertainment Tonight in May 2014.[http://www.etonline.com/music/146835_behind_the_scenes_of_jennifer_lopez_first_love_music_video/ Inside J.Lo's Steamy Music Video with D&G Model David Gandy] ET.com, Retrieved August 20, 2015

"Natalia Fedner" designs have been worn by a number of notable celebrities including actress Charlize Theron,[http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/g2115/charlize-theron-photos/?slide=4 Meet Charlize Theron: Esquire's May 2015 Cover Star] Esquire.com, Retrieved August 20, 2015 actor/singer Lenny Kravitz,[http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a26522/lenny-kravitz-super-bowl-tank-top/ Lenny Kravitz's Super Bowl Tank Top Was Made of 14-Karet Gold] Elle.com, Retrieved August 20, 2015[https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/article/lenny-kravitz-menswear-icon-mtv-vmas-2019 Why Lenny Kravitz Is Still a Menswear Icon] Vogue.com, Retrieved September 14, 2020[https://www.vogue.com/article/lenny-kravitz-grammys-heels Lenny Kravitz's Grammys Look Achieves Great New Heights Thanks To His Heels] Vogue.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 actress/singer Jennifer Lopez, television and social media personality Kim Kardashian,[http://www.cincychic.com/featured/natalia-fedner-design Natalia Fedner Design] CincyChic.com, Retrieved August 20, 2015 media personality Kylie Jenner,[https://i-d.co/article/crochet-trend-summer-2021/ How crochet became summer 2021's sexiest trend] ID.Vice.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 singer Shakira,[https://WWD.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/shakira-red-dress-jimmy-fallon-performance-1237687463/ Shakira Revives Her ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ Era in Red Knit Dress by Natalia Fedner for ‘Jimmy Fallon’ Performance With Wyclef Jean] WWD.com, Retrieved May 31, 2025 singer/songwriter Alicia Keys,[https://www.vogue.com/article/natalia-fedner-metalwear-cardi-b-jennifer-lopez-megan-thee-stallion The Designer Creating the Hottest Celebrity Looks Made of Metal] Vogue.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 actress Sharon Stone,[https://elle.ua/ludi/svetskiy-dnevnik/vpershe-v-ukran-dizaynerka-kardashyan-tadzhennfer-lopes-vlashtuvala-modniy-pokaz-v-intergal-city For the first time in Ukraine: Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez designer held a fashion show at Intergal City] Elle.com, Retrieved September 21, 2020 singer and actress Cher,[https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/fashion-week-columbus-hollywood-designer-central-ohio/530-3c9b23ad-9bfa-45c2-b855-8738e99b5bfe Bexley native to be headline designer for Fashion Week Columbus] 10tv.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 rapper Cardi B,[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cardi-b-morticia-addams-halloween-costume-photos-9653624/ Cardi B Joins ‘The Addams Family’ as Morticia Addams on Halloween: See Her Spooky Costume] Billboard.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 singer Doja Cat,[https://vogue.sg/doja-cat-interview/ Doja Cat on happiness, humour and the dichotomies of stardom] Vogue.sg, Retrieved January 8, 2022 singer Rosalía,[https://www.harpersbazaar.com/es/moda/noticias-moda/a38261269/rosalia-la-fama-vestido-natalia-fedner-firma-jennifer-lopez/ Rosalía's dress on 'The Fame': inspired by Marilyn Monroe and by Natalia Fedner, Jennifer Lopez's favorite brand.] HarpersBazaar.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 actress Pamela Anderson,[http://www.people.com/article/pamela-anderson-new-book-raw-photo Pamela Anderson Stars in a Decade of Sexy Photos in Her New Book, Raw] People.com, Retrieved June 24, 2016 rapper Megan Thee Stallion,[https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a37119537/megan-thee-stallion-stuns-in-crystal-covered-high-slit-gown/ Megan Thee Stallion Stuns In A Crystal-Covered, High-Slit Gown] HarpersBazaar.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023

singer Camila Cabello,[https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/news/camila-cabello-sparkles-in-silver-outfit-on-the-tonight-show/ Camila Cabello Sparkles in a Silver Outfit Reminiscent of Her 2024 Met Gala Look] UsMagazine.com, retrieved May 31, 2025 singer Kim Petras,[https://swimsuit.si.com/swimsuit/model/kim-petras-2023-si-swimsuit-photos/ Kim Petras 2023: Los Angeles] Swimsuit.SI.com, retrieved May 31, 2025 actress Hailee Steinfeld,[https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a38093330/hailee-steinfeld-hawkeye-dickinson-new-music Everybody Wants Hailee Steinfeld] Cosmopolitan.com, retrieved January 8, 2023 actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens,[https://www.eonline.com/news/1327576/vanessa-hudgens-showcases-daring-style-at-coachella-2022 Vanessa Hudgens Showcases Daring Style at Coachella 2022] eOnline.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023[https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/vanessa-hudgens-coachella-queen-fashion-b2059752.html Fans hail the return of ‘Queen of Coachella’ Vanessa Hudgens] Independent.co.uk, Retrieved January 8, 2023 singer Anitta,[https://swimsuit.si.com/swimsuit/model/swimsuit-model-anitta-2021-photos Anitta 2021: Hollywood] Swimsuit.SI.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023 actress and singer Keke Palmer,[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/monica-rose-talks-dressing-her-supermodel-clients-designers-youve-never-heard-953488/item/sexy-designers-kristian-aadnevik-9534972016 Was the Year of Red-Carpet Designers You've Never Heard Of] Hollywoodreporter.com, Retrieved September 15, 2021 singer Karol G,[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/karol-g-bichota-season-unreleased-music-feid-interview-1234802586 Karol G Bet on Herself and Won] RollingStone.com, Retrieved May 31, 2025 singer Becky G,[https://galoremag.com/becky-g-is-an-angel-with-a-devil-on-her-shoulder Becky G Is An Angel With a Devil On Her Shoulder] GaloreMag.com, Retrieved May 31, 2025 and singer Bebe Rexha.

In 2016, Entertainment Tonight reported that Beyoncé wore a Natalia Fedner metal dress in Lemonade and predicted Fedner would soon be a household name.[http://www.etonline.com/fashion/187458_the_8_most_stunning_outfits_from_beyonce_lemonade_including_yeezy_leggings/ The 8 Most Stunning Outfits From Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' (Including Yeezy Leggings!)] ETOnline.com, Retrieved June 24, 2016 Fedner custom made the piece for Beyoncé under the direction of stylist B Akerlund for the underwater scene[http://www.complex.com/style/2016/05/beyonce-lemonade-designers Six 'Lemonade' Designers Talk About the Impact of Beyoncé's Project] Complex.com, Retrieved June 24, 2016 and was listed as one of the top looks in the HBO film by Harper's Bazaar,[http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g7185/beyonce-lemonade-fashion/ Every Amazing Look Beyoncé Wore in 'Lemonade'] HarpersBazaar.com, Retrieved June 24, 2016 Elle,[http://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/g28178/beyonce-lemonade-fashion/ "Every Amazing Look Beyoncé Wore in 'Lemonade'"] Elle, Retrieved June 24, 2016 and New York Magazine's The Cut.[https://nymag.com/thecut/2016/04/best-fashion-looks-from-beyoncs-lemonade/slideshow/2016/04/24/the_best_fashionlooksfrombeyonceslemonade/24-bey-underwater/ Best Fashion Looks from Beyoncé's Lemonade] NYMag.com/thecut, Retrieved June 24, 2016

In 2018 Natalia Fedner's eponymous collection was accepted into Bergdorf Goodman under the direction of senior vice president, Linda Fargo. Her designs were featured in the store's display windows in September 2018 and March 2019.[https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/templates/SaleDesignerIndexAZ.jsp Bergdorf Goodman] retrieved September 15, 2020

In August 2020, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Fedner had collaborated once more with Beyoncé. Partnering with her stylist, Zerina Akers, she designed a gold chain headpiece worn by Beyoncé in the "Already" section of the visual album Black is King.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/beyonce-black-is-king-costume-designer-interview-1305461 Beyoncé's 'Black Is King' Costume Designer Unpacks Cultural References, Favorite Style Moments] The Hollywood Reporter, retrieved, September 15, 2020 The look was featured in Vogue,[https://www.vogue.com.au/fashion/news/tracking-the-treasure-trove-of-fashion-moments-presented-in-beyoncs-black-is-king/image-gallery/4dfb0d67552adc0037140e299c90c4a3 Tracking the treasure trove of fashion moments presented in Beyoncé’s Black Is King] Vogue.com.au, retrieved September 16, 2020 Harper's Bazaar,[https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/g33470801/beyonce-black-is-king-fashion The Best Designer Looks from Beyoncé's Black Is King Visual Album] Harpersbazaar.com, retrieved September 16, 2020 Dezeen,[https://www.dezeen.com/2020/08/12/beyonce-black-is-king-stylist-zerina-akers Beyoncé's Black Is King film aims to start "a global conversation" says stylist Zerina Akers] Deezeen.com, retrieved September 16, 2020 and Billboard.[https://www.billboard.com/photos/9427665/beyonce-already-music-video-looks All of Beyoncé's Stunning Looks in the 'Already' Video: Pics] Billboard.com, retrieved September 16, 2020

In July 2021, Fedner held her first solo fashion show presenting her Spring/Summer 2022 Ready-To-Wear collection at Miami Swim Week. And in August 2021, Fedner received the patent for her six-way stretch metal textile capturing Vogue's attention and leading to a feature article calling Fedner "The Designer Creating the Hottest Celebrity Looks Made of Metal".

In October 2021, Fedner received the Emerging Leader Alumni Award from Bexley High School.[http://bexleyeducationfoundation.org/bhs-distinguished-alumni-named/ BHS Distinguished Alumni Named] BexleyEducationFoundation.org, Retrieved January 8, 2023

In August 2022, it was confirmed that Fedner was working on designs for Beyoncé's Renaissance album.[https://www.vogue.com/article/beyonce-renaissance-fashion The Fashion World According to Beyoncé] Vogue.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023[https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/beyonce-renaissance-fashion Renaissance Has Dropped And Beyoncé Looks Better Than Ever] Vogue.co.uk, Retrieved January 8, 2023

Shakira brought international attention to Fedner's designs when she posted a video to her socials on March 14, 2025 discussing the designer's work on Shakira's Las Mujeres No LLoran World Tour.[https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/03/14/shakira-mostro-en-detalle-uno-de-los-vestidos-que-utiliza-en-las-mujeres-ya-no-lloran-world-tour/ Shakira showed off one of the dresses she wore on 'Women Don't Cry Anymore World Tour' in detail.] Infobae.com/america, Retrieved May 31, 2025 Fedner had previously worked with Shakira on her 2024 Coachella look[https://grazia.sg/fashion/celebrity-coachella-fashion-2024-lana-del-rey-lesserafim-sabrina-carpenter/The Best-Dressed Stars At The 2024 Coachella Grazia.sg], Retrieved May 31, 2025 and her "Copa Vacia" and "Don't Wait Up" music videos.[https://tsn.ua/lady/news/show-biznes/u-rozkishniy-chervoniy-sukni-pavutyni-shakira-vystupyla-u-vbranni-vid-nataliyi-fedner-2824667.html In a luxurious red spider web dress: Shakira performed in an outfit by Natalia Federer] TSN.ua, Retrieved May 31, 2025

In April 2025, Fedner received the FGI Rising Star Eveningwear Award at the Annual FGI Rising Star Gala, presented to her by Ken Downing, creative director of Halston. Of the achievement Fedner said “I am a refugee and the daughter of refugees. I was born in Ukraine. I came to this country with nothing like many other people in this room. My story is not unique. I have worked so hard for so long and this is truly the first time that I am being recognized at this level."[https://WWD.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/fashion-group-international-rising-star-awards-to-bonnie-young-natalia-fedner-rex-shoes-1237090769/ Fashion Group International Presents Rising Star Awards to Bonnie Young, Natalia Fedner, Rex Shoes and More] WWD.com, Retrieved May 31, 2025

Awards

  • Parsons Paris Silver Thimble Winner, 2004
  • Bexley Distinguished Alumni Award, 2021[https://www.bexleyeducationfoundation.org/alumni-award-honorees Bexley Distinguished Alumni Awards] BexleyEducationFoundation.org, Retrieved April 24, 2025
  • FGI Rising Star Eveningwear, 2025 [https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/fashion-group-international-rising-star-awards-to-bonnie-young-natalia-fedner-rex-shoes-1237090769 Fashion Group International Presents Rising Star Awards to Bonnie Young, Natalia Fedner, Rex Shoes and More] WWD.com, Retrieved April 24, 2025

Causes and advocacy

In February 2020, Fedner was invited to visit Ukraine by the Ukrainian Fashion Club.

This was her first visit since leaving as a refugee. After Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022,[https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/02/24/russia-invades-ukraine Russia invades Ukraine] Economist.com, Retrieved January 10, 2023

Fedner began fundraising and coordinating with NGOs and established charities to help Ukrainian refugees, including people she met during her 2020 visit.[https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/ukrainian-designer-natalia-fedner Ukrainian-Born Designer Natalia Fedner On Why We Must Continue Rallying Behind Her Birth Country] Vogue.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023

In October 2022, Fedner held a fashion show to raise money for medical supplies for Ukrainians.[https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/headliner-of-columbus-fashion-week-runway-show-gives-back-to-her-native-ukraine Headliner of Columbus Fashion Week runway show gives back to her native Ukraine] ABC6onyourside.com, Retrieved January 8, 2023

References

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