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Tim McElwee and Cyia Batten, Los Angeles based design team and couple, use the chaotic whirlpool of life’s surprises as inspiration for their jewelry line, T.Cyia. The jewelry features mixed metals and layered chains that create an edgy look perfect for the daring personality that exists within every woman. Designing pieces that speak their own language and have a personality of their own came from Tim and Cyia’s years as performers in the entertainment industry. “As much as we can appreciate a wallflower, we don’t design for one.”
Cyia, originally a ballerina, spent years performing all over the world as a dancer and later as one of the original Pussycat Dolls with whom she performed for 10 years. Also an actor in film and television, Cyia’s eye was endlessly drawn to the art of ornamentation. “What intrigues me is how accessorizing is really just a manner of speaking without words. Through your choices you present, announce or quietly declare who you are, whether just for the day or in your life on the whole. We love that jewelry exposes a small piece of the puzzle right on sight.” Having worked closely with the likes of Gwen Stefani, Charlize Theron, Christina Applegate, Dita Von Teese, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Pink and many more, Cyia got her start creating jewelry on her down-time on sets while working . It repeatedly drew the eye of her co-stars, costume designers and friends in the entertainment world and it became clear that a business seed had been planted. It wasn’t until she met her match in Tim that the business actually came to fruition.
Tim had spent years honing his eye for aesthetic discernment during his time as a model with Wilhelmina working for the likes of Abercrombie + Fitch, Perry Ellis, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, among others and shooting with Bruce Weber, Mario Testino, Herb Ritts, Greg Gorman and more. Tim starred in his own show on television before turning his eye to design where his creative vision found a satisfying outlet. “In life, I’m a pretty balanced guy, maybe because I get to work out my need for an edge through my designs. I’m drawn to left-of-center, I like things that make a statement and are slightly rebellious in nature without crossing that fine line into trying-too-hard-land. Our pieces can be worn with a tee shirt and jeans or with a gown. We’ve seen both and they both work perfectly.” Pairing their visions has created a collection of jewelry that’s garnered the attention of many celebrity fans due to the editorial nature of their pieces. T.Cyia has also grabbed the eye of many an editor and is clearly making its presence known as a fashion maker in the world of accessories.
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