“I want to eat shelves,” says Cult Gaia designer Jasmin Larian Hakmat while previewing her resort collection. Of course, that doesn’t mean it literally, but she’s referring to the luscious palette of her new playful creations, all designed in vibrant shades of pink, orange and green. “[This season] I let all my guard down and went for colour, fun and magic.”
A vacation-friendly, light-hearted aesthetic is nothing new for Cult Gaia. But Larian Hakmat did try to breathe freshness into the resort collection with some fresh references. For example, one of her main inspirations this season has been the 60s of the space age – think Barbarella – which she Translates to cut into pieces with large circular cuts on them. They made an orange crochet top made of several round tubes covered in summer textiles to reveal the body underneath. “We focused on negative space and how it works on the female form and form,” says Larian Hakmat. They didn’t do much with the round pink cotton bra, which felt like just a dash of clothing.
The architecture of Luis Barragán is another major reference for the series; especially the way he combines strong colors with textures. “I like to use a lot of texture in my fabrics,” says Larian Hakmat. “I don’t like it feeling too slick or artificial; colors look best with a little bit of texture.” Her resort materials include vibrant feathers—added to skirt trims, or all over tops for outings— and rhinestone crystals. A pink long-sleeve mini dress with a gathered neckline and sparkling studs. “I wanted a Spice Club dress,” says Larian Hakmat, “but still make it look expensive and regal.”
Not all pieces are so bold, though . Larian Hakmat also experimented with quieter designs, like a delicate brown viscose halter dress, or a white off-the-shoulder linen rayon dress with puffed sleeves. However, she couldn’t resist adding a touch of flair to the orange viscose sundress: The long tail was attached to a wearable gold bracelet, like a pet on a leash. “I love this drama,” said the designer.
