Cult Gaia, the brand synonymous with summery dresses and vacation-ready styles, is embracing the cooler months with a fresh, bold collection for fall. Designer Jasmin Larian Hekmat, known for her adventurous spirit, decided to challenge herself by venturing beyond her signature lightweight pieces and experimenting with heavier staples. “I love a good challenge, so I was like, what would I wear in New York in the fall-winter,” said Hekmat, who sought to infuse seasonal essentials with a modern, powerful touch. “I wanted her to feel like this powerful goddess.”
Hekmat’s inspiration this season stemmed from Johannes Vermeer’s iconic masterpiece, ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. She captured the painting’s gilded, golden essence and translated it into her signature handbags. One standout design was a sculptural acrylic bag encased in shimmering golden foil, echoing the painting’s rich tones. Another statement bag featured colorful rock molds scattered across its surface, referencing the artwork’s baroque aesthetic. The Goddess clutch, shaped like a golden bust, further solidified the collection’s connection to the Vermeer inspiration.
While Cult Gaia’s bold bags are to be expected, the introduction of outerwear represents an intriguing new territory for the brand. The collection showcases a plush faux fur teddy coat, a luxurious looped-wool cashmere coat, and a reversible chocolate trench with patent leather on one side and shearling on the other—a coat so luxurious, it seems almost edible. Hekmat also delved into denim, crafting a pair of seamed jeans with modern updates. However, the cropped bolero jacket, in contrast, might prove a bit more challenging to style.
Hekmat also infused her dresses with cold-weather elements. A high-neckline, long-sleeved dress featured a twisted waistline and side cutouts, while a refined knit dress was paired with an attached fringed scarf. A fully-beaded patchwork LBD offered a luxurious and weighty option for evening wear. For formal occasions, a strapless deep-green mini dress adorned with turkey feathers and a black sweetheart gown with an ab-bearing cutout and bowed hemline added a touch of glamour. “Bows are like pearls—they’re timeless,” stated Hekmat.
With celebrities sporting Cult Gaia throughout the summer, Hekmat shared her vision for who she envisions wearing her fall collection. “Hailey Bieber—I love her pregnancy style,” she enthused. It’s easy to see how Bieber’s chic, effortless style would complement the collection’s modern, yet luxurious pieces. Cult Gaia’s foray into fall fashion promises to bring a fresh perspective to the season, combining the brand’s signature bold designs with unexpected textures and luxurious details.
