Exploring Cult Gaia’s Charming Resort Collection

Every season, Cult Gaia designer Jasmin Larian Hekmat takes her customers on a journey through her clothing, transporting them to exotic vacation destinations. Known for her feminine and easy-breezy pieces designed with beach getaways in mind, Hekmat wanted to evoke a different mood with her latest upbeat assortment. “I kept coming back to the word charming,” she explained. “For me, the word charming meant that everything has a touch of sweetness.”

While Cult Gaia has always had a slightly sugary aesthetic, Hekmat aimed to infuse her signature dresses with a fun, quirky sense of whimsy this time around. “They’re all a little distorted—they’re not so perfect,” she pointed out. One standout piece is her take on the timeless polka-dot trend: a high-neckline dress with a stomach cutout, knotting details, and an all-over pleated effect. This design offers a more elevated and design-forward interpretation of a classic pattern.

Hekmat also elevated summery essentials in her collection. Linen lace dresses were one-shouldered and loosely crocheted in certain areas, giving them a ripped or distressed look. “I was thinking about how you make prim more feminine and cool,” she shared. Another standout piece is a yellow mini tank dress adorned with three-dimensional floral appliqués and a slightly sheer construction, tapping into the popular naked dress trend.

Continuing her focus on expanding casual daywear pieces, Hekmat introduced leather zip-up coats and cargo pants with unique details. “We’re easing our way into casual wear, but with our beautiful details,” she explained. While the necessity of adding more utilitarian staples may be debatable, the brand’s charm and whimsy shone through in its statement accessories. Calla lily heels and rock-covered purses exemplified Cult Gaia’s playful aesthetic.