ELC Fashion Show 2025 Featured Guests

Kiya Tomlin

Kiya Tomlin

Kiya Tomlin is a designer, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of three who understands the demands of modern womanhood. In 2014, she launched her namesake brand with one mission: to create stylish, versatile clothing that feels as effortless as your favorite sweatshirt. What began as a single dress evolved into a full collection of elegant, mix-and-match pieces designed for real women and real life.

Rooted in comfort, confidence, and storytelling, each Kiya Tomlin garment is hand-drawn, cut, and sewn with intention—celebrating the strength and beauty of the women who wear them. Her designs empower women to live fully, move freely, and own every moment with grace and style.

Eva Dixon has been bringing her creative vision to life with needle and thread since age 9. Originally from Germany, she launched her brand Once Upon A Bride in Boston in 2003, later founding I Do Designs by Eva in Pennsylvania in 2007, specializing in custom pieces for hard-to-fit women. With over 25 years of experience, her work spans bridal gowns, everyday wear, dance costumes, and more—each piece treated as a unique, priceless creation.

Now based in Wexford, PA, Dixon’s designs have graced runways nationwide, including New York Fashion Week and Project Runway showcases. She’s earned awards like Fashion Runway Designer of the Year and the Pittsburgh Business Choice Award for Fabrication. Known for her architectural, feminine style, Dixon also uplifts emerging talent and has played a key role in developing Pittsburgh Fashion Week. Though she admits she’ll never realize all her ideas, she finds deep fulfillment in helping clients express themselves through fashion.

Eva Dixon

I Do Designs

Mia D’Amato

Boho Basement

Mia D’Amato is a 23-year-old environmental activist and entrepreneur from Buffalo, NY, and the founder of Boho Basement. Frustrated by the lack of true sustainability in fashion, Mia launched the brand to reflect her values of transparency, responsibility, and environmental consciousness.

Boho Basement transforms pre-loved pro-sports merch into one-of-a-kind, sustainable streetwear—blending bold style with eco-minded practices. Mia’s mission is to create a space where people can shop, learn, and recycle confidently, knowing exactly how and where their clothing is made.

John Valentine

Downtown Neighborhood Alliance

John Valentine is the executive director of Downtown Neighborhood Alliance, as well as the founder of Pittsburgh Fashion Alliance. John was instrumental in establishing Pittsburgh Fashion Week. Valentine is a Philadelphia native and would

later move to Pittsburgh from New York City with intentions in the restaurant industry. In his over 20 years living in Downtown Pittsburgh, he has worked towards cultivating Pittsburgh’s Downtown community and Pittsburgh’s fashion community.

Melinda Colaizzi

Melinda Colaizzi is the founder of Women Who Rock® and a seasoned entertainment industry professional with experience at Live Nation, Ticketmaster, and ShowClix. A Berklee College of Music graduate, she’s also a national recording artist and lead singer of Melinda and the Night Sky, sharing stages with legends like B.B. King’s Blues Band and Sue Foley.

Through Women Who Rock®, Melinda unites top female artists—including Melissa Etheridge, Ann Wilson, and Jordin Sparks—for concerts and campaigns that support life-saving women’s health research at Magee-Womens Research Institute.

A GRAMMY Member and Pittsburgh Steelers Woman of Steel, Melinda also teaches music business at Point Park University and runs Rocker Chic, LLC, the company behind Women Who Rock merchandise and its Pittsburgh pop-up.

Women Who Rock® is a female-founded movement that empowers women in music and advocates for women’s health through events, campaigns, and apparel. 100% of proceeds from benefit concerts go to research dedicated to closing the women’s health gap.

Women Who Rock/ Rocker Chic, LLC

Dr. Li Shen

Li Shen Fashion

Founder and Designer, Dr. Li Shen (@dr.superchic) is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Juniata College. Dr. Li Shen studied fashion at the Parsons School of Design after getting her Ph.D in International Business/Marketing with a passion for sustainable fashion and an eye for business with and innovation. Dr. Li Shen lives and works in the US , China, and France to connect the ancient silk road with modern aesthetics and a romantic touch in all the design of Li Shen Fashion.

Emily Malik

Buyer - Dick’s Sporting Goods/ Public Lands 

Emily “Milly” Malik is a Buyer for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Public Lands, where she combines a keen eye for emerging trends with a passion for outdoor and athletic lifestyle products. A graduate of University of Pittsburgh, Milly began her career in retail as a Buying and Merchandising Intern at Ragged Row, where she honed her skills in product selection, vendor relations, and inventory planning. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative spirit, she continues to champion consumer-driven assortments that reflect both performance and style.