A fashion house emerges in the Miami Design District, referencing Greek mythology, Buddhist teachings, and the Persian heritage of its founder.
The interiors of Cult Gaia, swathed in limestone and travertine, feature 100 individually chiseled sandstone blocks and a concrete sculpture by the owner’s mother, Angela Larian. PHOTO BY KRIS TAMBURELLO
Cult Gaia ( cultgaia.com), the lifestyle label founded by Jasmin Larian Hekmat, reimagines clothing and accessories as wearable objets d’art. Sculptural, soulful and timeless, each piece becomes an heirloom meant to be passed down for generations. For Cult Gaia’s new home in the Miami Design District, Hekmat tapped Jess and Jonathan Nahon of Sugarhouse to tell a visual narrative as storied as the fashion itself. Michael Chandler’s handpainted mural on the exterior gives way to temple-like interiors that celebrate the goddess of the earth. Here, the design couple shares the origin story behind the austere aesthetic of the boutique.
On the intersection of fashion and interiors:“This excites us! Retail interiors of the past were rarely playful and experiential. People are questioning their decisions so much more than they used to and care about the story of brands. It’s important when thinking about the future of humanity.” —Jonathan Nahon
On the exterior mural:“The Cult Gaia brand’s philosophy is to create timeless art. So much of what is produced now is purely aesthetic-driven without any foundational roots in a deeper meaning. It feels that and tired very quickly. Our studio spends time in the conceptual phase to ensure we have explored all potentials for our clients. The mural depicts characters and endless stories and endings within it. We wanted the space to feel like a journey. There are key features woven within the interiors, including the sun and the Tree of Life. It leaves a lasting impression on you.” —Jess Nahon
On the design approach for Cult Gaia:“We drew inspiration from Jasmin’s Persian heritage and Miami’s rich architectural typologies, as well as vernacular, spatial and materiality references closely related to home building. We wanted the experience to be welcoming, impactful and inspiring.” —Jonathan Nahon
