Meet the Trending Label Cult Gaia
COURTESY OF CULT GAIA
Founded in 2012 by Jasmin Larian, Cult Gaia is the epitome of a trendy and fashionable instagram girl. Cult Gaia has taken over the fashion world by storm over the short span of a few years. As seen on Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, and Chrissy Teigan, the brand didn’t fully break through until two years after its premier. In an interview with Allure, founder and creative director Jasmin Larian explains how “So much of fashion is based on trends. It took time, but we had to train the customers to think that they could pull it off.” The perseverance and determination paid off when she started selling her bags to Clare Distenfeld, a lifestyle boutique in NYC. The label soon garnered the attention of the city’s stylish social circle, cementing Larian’s status as an emerging accessories designer. Known for the relaxed, la girl meets aesthetic instagram influencer, Cult Gaia produces sustainable and ready-to-wear pieces that are perfect for any occasion. Their main purpose? To create a lifestyle that's visually effortless with essential and soulful pieces.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jasmin Larian was always surrounded by creativity and entrepreneurship. Her father was a toy executive whose company created Bratz dolls while her mother was an artist working as a sculptor. Fashion has always been a part of Larian’s life, so it was no surprise that she attended FIT. Studying Fashion Design and International Marketing, Larian started to become accustomed to the fashion industry by interning for Narcisco Rodriguez and Jason Wu. Coming straight out of graduate school, Larian started making wearable art (flower crowns and hair turbans) for her friends as a hobby, which led her to start Cult Gaia. The brand started making accessories, then moved on to making bags, which is when the brand started to become more recognizable. Cult Gaia was producing pieces that were unique, classy, and curious to the eye. Since the start of just making accessories, the brand has evolved to clothing, bags, accessories, swim, and shoes. The brand focuses on producing wearable art. “It’s important to me that everything we make reads as wearable art. Hence the geometry and poetry in everything we make. Even with the turbans, it was something that brought a lot of attention—a recognisable and wearable art piece.” (Harper’s Bazaar). Cult Gaia is inspired by nature and women and the pieces all have meaning and inspiration derived from different sources. The Ark Bag, produced in 2013, is what kick-started the brand and comes from the inspiration from Noah’s Ark. Fast forward to 2022, Cult Gaia just produced the ‘Cult Gaia Mini’ collection for kids, with cut out swimwear, patterned tops, and linen jumpsuits.
COURTESY OF CULT GAIA MINI
COURTESY OF CULT GAIA MINI
COURTESY OF CULT GAIA
Larian says in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, “The name Gaia comes from the goddess of Mother Earth and the daughter of chaos, the most creative force there is in my opinion. And every great brand is cult-like uniting like-minded people in their aesthetic ideals. Women and nature are endlessly inspiring me, so there is a lot in the name. Cult Gaia has always been making things that are conversation starters, as much as objects d’art as they are an accessory. Wearable art is the epitome of Cult Gaia and as head designer, Jasmine draws inspiration from architecture to her pieces. From the Anna Platform shoes, to the Anoki bikini top, to the Nia Clutch, this collection was inspired by the pearls, seashells, and the grains of sand where the land meets the sea. One of the most notable pieces, the Salee gown, is truly a work of art. A tubular beaded trim runs along the waistline and crosses under the bust and connects at the halter tie. The powerful goddess vibes are truly shown throughout this gown and the satin fabric makes it perfect for a luxurious trip to any Greek island.
COURTESY OF CULT GAIA
COURTESY OF CULT GAIA