Born in New York, Lia Mcnairy acquired her taste for elegance in fashion and life while growing up in Brussels at the American Embassy in the late 70's and later in St. Remy de Provence in the South of France. As a child Lia would sit at the top of the staircase at the embassy watching the parade of beautiful evening gowns at all the black tie balls, dreaming of one day becoming a designer of all that is beautiful and luxurious

Upon her return to New York Lia refined her innate love for fashion while attending FIT. Following her education, she immediately landed a job with Calvin Klein collection, further enhancing her talent and simple graceful sense of style by working closely with the design team.

After several years at Calvin Klein, Lia worked as Cynthia Rowley's head designer, essentially serving as Cynthia's right hand for six years.

Additionally, Lia has worked as freelance stylist working with celebrities and magazines thus rounding out her education and perspective on the fashion industry.

Mcnairy met Melissa Sweet while shopping for her own custom designed gown in 2003. Lia is now pleased to bring her talent & passion for all things simple and elegant to Melissa Sweet as co-designer for both the Melissa Sweet collection and Reverie by Melissa Sweet.