Cult Gaia’s Jasmin Larian Hekmat has conjured a magical new resort collection, a whimsical escape into a fairytale realm. The inspiration? A vision of a distant castle, a woman embarking on a journey of discovery, collecting nature’s treasures along the way. “It started with this vision of a castle in the distance,” Hekmat explains. This narrative forms the heart of the collection, where elegance and spontaneity intertwine. The woman in Hekmat’s vision gathers strawberries, flowers, and butterflies, transforming these elements into the very essence of her attire. The result? A truly dreamy collection.
For a brand renowned for its vibrant summer dresses and vacation-ready pieces, this foray into fantasy is a natural progression, yet elevated with a distinctly sweeter, more playful touch than previous offerings. Long maxi dresses cascade with flowers that seem to spill from the shoulders, while others are adorned with intricate crocheted floral work. A standout piece – a pink plissé dress – features a sculpted flower at the bust, resembling a living arrangement. “It’s going to be everyone’s summer wedding dress,” Hekmat confidently predicts, drawing on her experience in creating frocks for special occasions.
The collection’s color palette is a delightful mix of grounded earth tones punctuated with vibrant pops of color. “I had fun with keeping colors grounded, and then adding a few different pops,” Hekmat shares, emphasizing the intention to maintain a sense of effortless elegance. A mint green dress, with its draped back and flattering ruching, perfectly exemplifies this approach. Complementing this refreshing piece is a uniquely shaped grape-inspired handbag, a charming accessory that speaks to the collection’s playful nature.
Other notable accessories include a vase-shaped clutch with delicate flowers peeking out, and strappy sandals adorned with sculpted lilies. The inspiration for these designs? Pure spontaneity. “I literally took a flower that was in my office, and I just wrapped it around my foot,” Hekmat recounts, highlighting the unplanned creativity behind these charming additions.
While the collection heavily features Cult Gaia’s signature dresses, this season marks a significant expansion into new territories. The brand introduces denim, a new category for the label that reflects a growing desire for versatile pieces. “Denim is becoming a much bigger part of our collection,” Hekmat reveals, referencing her recent collaboration with Gap. “It’s so important to be able to dress her beyond just an event.” These new denim pieces are elevated with heavy gold hardware, showcasing the brand’s signature attention to detail. The collection also includes chic khaki two-piece sets with cropped, corseted jackets and cargo-style pants, offering a range of styles for the modern woman. The overall effect is a cohesive collection that seamlessly blends fairytale fantasy with everyday wearability, solidifying Cult Gaia’s position as a leader in vibrant, playful fashion.