[4] Following a stint in Paris as a student, Kiam returned to the United States and opened his studio in New York City, where he produced work for Broadway theatre.

[5] In 1933 he moved to Hollywood, where he headed the film costume design departments for Sam Goldwyn Productions and United Artists.

[3][5] Before leaving Hollywood in 1939, Kiam also worked for independent producers David O. Selznick and Hal Roach.

[8] After leaving Hollywood, in 1941 Kiam became head designer for the Ben Reig fashion label, a company founded in 1929.

[10] Kiam died 28 March 1954 at the Ritz Tower Hotel in New York City, after struggling with a sickness that lasted seven months.