With its distinctive half-moon silhouette and bamboo slats, the Cult Gaia Ark bag had many wondering about its origins.

 

Around 2016-17, Instagram feeds of fashion fixtures Chriselle Lim and Danielle Bernstein featured a distinct wooden bag unlike the trending accessories of the time.

With its distinctive half-moon silhouette and bamboo slats, the Cult Gaia Ark bag had many wondering about its origins. So much did it explode on social media that it was soon embraced by Jessica Alba, Michelle Williams, and Chrissy Teigen. Thus began designer and founder Jasmin Larian‘s journey into public consciousness.

And it’s one that has only found a stronger foothold with each passing year. Larian’s oeuvre thrives on minimal yet thoughtful design, impeccable detailing, and heirloom-like craftsmanship. Uncompromising on design, her other creations include the pyramid-shaped Trina, which opens from side to reveal pockets, and Luna, a circular cross-body bag made with bamboo.

Larian however is more than just ‘It’ bags. Launched in 2012, her label Cult Gaia today is akin to a lifestyle brand, and includes footwear and ready-to-wear launched in 2018, followed by swimwear (which launched last year).

Born to an artist mother and an Iranian-American father Isaac Larian, the creator of famous Bratz dolls, Larian was exposed to creativity at an early age. She worked on understanding materials, shapes, colours, and the willingness to explore. This helped her gravitate towards working with unconventional materials like bamboo. Today, her brand is stocked at luxury retailers such as Browns, Bloomingdale’s, and Harvey Nichols to name a few.

Jasmin Larian spoke to Lifestyle Asia India on Cult Gaia, her favourite pieces, and what affordable luxury means to her.

On making luxury affordable

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, so there is a lot in the name.

In the market, it was always hard for me to find artful pieces that felt special and wearable, with an affordable price point. I love the idea of keeping special pieces forever. There’s so much stuff out there that I wasn’t finding anything different that made me feel sexy and beautiful without being overt.

On her creative process 

I get inspired by everything around me. Especially being – architecture and artists – is really inspiring to me. I am obsessed with unique furniture, especially chairs. I think Gaia’s Ark looks like an abstract version of Noah’s ark, and it rocks from side to side like a boat. It’s the nuance that gets me. I sketch and work with my team to bring ideas to life.

On experimenting with materials like bamboo and acrylic 

Bamboo is where we began – the Ark and the Luna bags. It is sturdy and versatile. It grows like a weed, so it is a renewable source and we can create different shapes with it. I also love using acrylic because I wish I could use stone and this is the closest way to use it without making something heavy. Some of the straps on our Luna bags are real stone as I couldn’t get the perfect look in acrylic and didn’t want to compromise the aesthetic. I’m open to all the materials.

On Cult Gaia classics 

I debuted the Cult Gaia Ark bag in 2014. It didn’t take off immediately but eventually, it became a crazy sensation. It really started off by showing people how to wear it and then a few different influencers started buying the bag. I think because it’s so uniquely different and everyone on social media wants to stand out. Our Willow dress is also something one can’t get enough of due to its versatility. The Jila sandal and Alia mule are unique and universal at the same time.

On the ultimate Cult Gaia muse

The women in my family, friends, and coworkers are my muses.

On her latest Resort 2020 collection

Our resort collection is a mish-mash. I was inspired by 60s parties and poolside life. Everything is made to move and looks better under the sun. I also think and hope that every piece makes women smile and feel good. My favorite piece in the collection is the feather Shannon dress, the Mala top and pant, and the Althea dress. In bags, I’m in line with the Banu – it looks like a dumpling mixed with a croissant.

Originally published on – Lifestyle Asia India