Fashion designer Kiya Tomlin adds style and support to Etna

The ornamental drains alongside Butler Street in Etna have a locust leaf design and are shown in a winding route. Their function is as a drinking water aspect that collects rain and retains it out of the sewer system.

It’s not astonishing Kiya Tomlin found them when she initially visited the town – she’s a manner designer with a eager eye.

“I like the ornamental rainwater drains embedded in the sidewalks,” she claimed on a modern Monday in her boutique, Kiya Tomlin. “They give the community a charming sense.”

Acquiring Tomlin foundation her company in Etna has been optimistic to the development of the borough, found 10 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Evaluate

Style designer Kiya Tomlint within her shop and workspace in Etna.

Etna covers just one square mile together the banking companies of the Allegheny River. As soon as a mill town, it is “re-emerged as a household local community with a really diversified enterprise foundation,” as the borough’s web-site proudly states.

There are much more than 160 firms.

“I really like this space,” Tomlin said. “It has truly developed because I’ve been here. I am thrilled to be at the forefront of that. It is excellent to see what is taking place in Etna now.”

Tomlin reported the town has embraced her.

When she first visited, she mentioned she knew right away it was the place to be equipped to style and design, manufacture and provide her women’s clothing line all in one particular space.

Tomlin began her enterprise in the basement of her home. She then moved to an location inside of Meadeworth Interiors in East Liberty ahead of opening her individual keep a several blocks absent on Wide Street.

She ordered the existing creating on Butler Avenue in 2018. The house, beforehand an artist’s personal studio, is close to 6,000 sq. ft.

“I observed so a great deal possible,” Tomlin reported.

Soon after she moved in, Tomlin hosted a manner clearly show and had models walking the runway – down the centre of the avenue.

“We are naturally thrilled to have Kiya in this article,” mentioned Mary Ellen Ramage, Etna Borough manager. “She has been a wonderful asset to the neighborhood. She cares about everyone.”

Expanding her reach

Every piece is drawn, patterned, cut, sewn and in shape to people today, not measurements, she explained. The outfits is manufactured of bamboo, cotton and spandex.

“Women have earned possibilities as remarkable as they are,” Tomlin mentioned. “They inspire me to produce easy, flattering, fashionable, practical garments. Dresses intended to shell out much more time on true bodies than on hangers.”

She generates in little batches to slash down on waste. Tomlin has donated outfits to assist all those affected by a hurricane and has taken leftover pieces of cloth and upcycled it into neck rolls, remedy dolls and tactile pieces to ease and comfort hospice patients and unique wants little ones.

Courtesy of Asia Margo Images

This blue is a new hue for the “I Am Girl” spring/summertime collection made by designer Kiya Tomlin. Stylist: Dominika Bronner Styling

A mom of 3 with her husband, Pittsburgh Steelers head mentor Mike Tomlin, she just lately unveiled her hottest selection drawing inspiration from singer Emmy Meli’s ballad “I Am Woman.”

She traded common tender tones and floral motifs for deeply saturated hues.

There are eight items.

Rates selection from $89 to $229 and goods are readily available in measurements XS-XXL.

When Tomlin receives a ask for to donate auction objects, alternatively of offering a T-shirt or sweatshirt, she donates a private procuring function where 10-12 people can choose a tour of the space and do a complimentary wine tasting, and she will donate 10% from their purchases to a charity of alternative.

Various groups have held events in the place.

“It’s an encounter,” Tomlin said. “They can shop and we will be there to support with fittings and aid them uncover the appropriate style that matches best.”

Collaborating

Tomlin collaborated with stylist Darnell McLaurin, co-producer of Pittsburgh’s FashionAFRICANA, and co-founder of Utopia Model Company with Pittsburgh fashionista Demeatria Boccella, of Demeatria Boccella Productions, to layout the showroom.

Tomlin, McLaurin and Boccella have helped create the annual Steelers vogue display.

Tomlin reported the provide chain difficulties from the pandemic haven’t influenced her business enterprise as well harshly. Most of her line is made below. Some of the material has been tricky to get at periods.

In March 2020, Tomlin started out producing encounter masks for police and other crucial personnel. She advised Ramage it was therapeutic for her and her staff to be in a position to do some thing. Tomlin and her crew created designs that appeared on the masks. They have built 30,000 masks, some for Highmark and Allegheny Well being Network’s 1 million mask work.

“That certainly retained us afloat,” Tomlin mentioned. “And it felt very good to assist others.”

Courtesy of Asia Margo Pictures

Kiya Tomlin has intended an NFL assortment of comfy, trendy outfits, fantastic for activity working day. Stylist: Dominika Bronner Styling

Admirer favorites

Tomlin also is expanding her NFL selection for the 2022 season, which began with the Steelers. She is planning 7 unique kinds, which will be produced in the colors of 10 diverse groups. Their debut is planned for August. She explained there were inquiries from non-Steelers admirers.

“They can costume nicely on sport working day, as well,” she explained. “That does not suggest they are likely to acquire.”

Tomlin is in the system of developing a fragrance. She mentioned it is often anything she’s preferred to do, and she is aiming for a drop start.

“Like the dresses I design and style, the fragrance is built to be layered and put together to create some thing unique to the wearer,” Tomlin mentioned.

Operating for Tomlin is amazing, reported associate designer Brittany Meyer of Scott Township, who was Tomlin’s initial employee. Tomlin mentioned Meyer was so persistent.

“I have acquired so much from Kiya,” Meyer said. “She does everything suitable, down to the last element.”

Kiya Tomlin is positioned at 338 Butler St., Etna. Several hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday by way of Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.