Thomas IV was created by Lia Cinquegrano in the Spring of 2011 while designing clothing full time for a women's wear label. She was renting a classroom in a closed elementary school in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with several fellow RISD grads and began working nights on a project she could call her own. Uninspired by precious and dressy designer handbags covered in hardware and lacking in personality, Lia was determined to create bags with personality that convey casual and colorful utilitarianism.

All Thomas IV bags are developed and produced in New York City using unique leather and fabric combinations. Lia’s debut collection was sold at Barneys, Steven Alan and Tomorrowland Tokyo among many others.

Lia's brother is Thomas Cinquegrano III so she stole Thomas IV and passed it down to her collection.