Kiya Tomlin creates fashion collection for Macy’s Ross Park Mall
Kiya Tomlin shopped at Macy’s growing up in Morristown, N.J.
“I am a mall shopper, a department store shopper,” Tomlin, a Pittsburgh-based fashion designer, said Wednesday. “When you wanted something nice you went to Macy’s. Being able to design for the Macy’s customer … I am honored.”
Tomlin collaborated with Macy’s Ross Park Mall for a Spring Capsule Collection for Macy’s. It features eight interchangeable pieces — four tops, a skirt, pants, dress and an outer layer she calls a mini-duster — inspired by her busy lifestyle as wife of Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and mother of three children.
The apparel details include draped fabric and color blocking in neutral hues.
It is only available at the Ross Park Mall store. The line launches April 10. Tomlin will be in the store for the debut.
Her passion for fashion began in the family’s basement, garage and attic. She moved on to a shared studio and then opened her own — both in East Liberty. She moved her company, where she designs, manufactures and sells her collections, to Etna in 2018.
She has nearly two decades of experience designing custom apparel, from ready-to-wear to couture design. Everything is made locally in her Etna business.
Tomlin teased the upcoming announcement on social media.
We’ve been keeping a secret from you. We’ve been working on this for well over a year and had to put it on hold in 2020. But now is the time! We’re collaborating with Macy’s Ross Park! #kiyatomlinbrand #confidence #styleinfluencer #femaledesigner pic.twitter.com/UxtYJS51qf
— Kiya Tomlin (@KiyaTomlin) March 24, 2021
The collaboration idea came when Tom Wallace, district vice president for Macy’s, and his wife, Nikki Wallace, attended a Steelers fashion show. Tomlin creates a collection for the players’ wives and girlfriends; Macy’s supplies suits for the guys.
Nikki Wallace asked her husband why Tomlin’s fashions weren’t sold in Macy’s.
“Macy’s is thrilled to offer this exclusive collection by Kiya Tomlin,” Tom Wallace said. “We are honored to partner with such a prominent local designer and bring to life this capsule collection designed specifically for our Pittsburgh customers.”
The partnership is first of its kind for the Pittsburgh area, according to Macy’s.
“Ross Park Mall is a great location,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin said Macy’s is making an effort to bring people into the store by hosting cool events as well as opportunities like this one.
Prices range from $90-$155.
“I design for women on the go,” Tomlin said. “They want flexibility and they definitely want comfort and style.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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