Sleeveless is based in Nashville, but designer Kyah Hillis’ influences reach far beyond her home base in Middle Tennessee.

As a premium accessories company, Sleeveless thrives thanks to Kyah’s embrace of the concept of multiples. Her thoughtful collection of jewelry, bags and scarves incorporate multiple mediums (favored materials are canvas, leather, suede, metal, stone), have multiple uses, and are usually inspired by multiple cultures.

“When you see a Sleeveless design, you can’t immediately tell what inspired it,” says Kyah, whose line is sold internationally in 80 stores. “Sleeveless designs are cultural mash ups: they’re the fashion equivalent of a very diverse fusion restaurant. The base might be an Egyptian design, but the details will be Victorian or from the 80’s, with maybe a touch of Americana thrown in for good measure.”

Starting in an old automobile manufacturing warehouse, Kyah conceived her first collection with fellow designer Jessica Maros, in fall of 2009. From there, she has developed a line where many Sleeveless pieces can be used several different ways. For instance, the “Money Bag” is a supple leather pouch with a simple top zip and a long chain strap that can be worn across the body or tucked in to be carried as a clutch. “The Hook,” a signature piece from the company’s inaugural 2009 collection, consists of a long loop of leather and a stylized metal clasp that can be worn connected and worn as a bracelet, necklace, belt, and even a headband. And the “Three-Piece Wedding Ceremony Necklace” is exactly what its name implies: a unit that breaks down into three sections that can be worn solo, paired up, or layered to create a singular piece of jewelry.

While her accessories may have split personalities, Kyah is decidedly one-minded about Sleeveless’ style. “I like things that aren’t fussy, and that have integrity,” she says. “I want to make pieces that people can wear everyday – whether they’re dressing up or just running around in jeans – and that they’ll keep forever.”