If you're looking for inspiration for your next travel destination, there is an unlikely source you've probably not even thought about: fashion designers. It makes sense, designers are always on the lookout for inspiration for their next collection and adventures are full of opportunities that spark inspiration. Many designer brands have been built on their founders’ insatiable wanderlust or the love they have for the place they call home. From the most secluded coves in Turkey to the most untouched beaches in Thailand, fashion designers have been inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
In our four-part series of the 2024 edition of Destination by Design series, these globe-trotting designers spill their best-kept travel secrets to Tatler and tell us how these destinations have formed the basis of their collections. In the first part, we talk to Jasmin Larian Hekmat, the founder and creative mind behind Cult Gaia on how Big Sur is not only a part of the brand’s DNA, but also of her and her husband’s love story.
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Cult Gaia’s Summer Sculpt (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
Cult Gaia’s Eshita One Piece (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
Born to a sculptor mother and father who ran the toy company behind Bratz dolls, Larian Hekmat spent most of her childhood surrounded by art and fashion. After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Larian Hekmat first began making flower crowns and turbans using vintage fabrics before launching the viral Ark bag in 2012. Since then, she has turned Cult Gaia’s cult following into a global brand beloved by the likes of Chrissy Teigan and Hailey Bieber, and the go-to Californian-chic label for the beach and beyond.
Cult Gaia’s Summer Collection (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
What are some of your favourite places to escape to in California that maybe not many people know about, and why? Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is one of my favourite escapes. It’s a sanctuary away from the chaos of everyday life, where I can reconnect with nature and feel inspired.
Can you share a memorable story from one of those trips? This place is extremely special to me as it’s where my husband proposed. That memory is forever etched in my heart and serves as a reminder of the profound connection between love and nature.
When is the best time to go to Big Sur? My ideal time is during the spring. The weather is mild and the landscape starts to come alive with vibrant colours. It’s a truly magical time to experience the beauty of Big Sur.
Cult Gaia’s Darina skirt in light honeydew (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
Cult Gaia’s Lissett dress in malachite (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
What are some unmissable things to do, see and eat when in Big Sur? The cliffs are truly breathtaking. Walking along them with the feeling of the ocean breeze against your skin and the sound of the waves crashing below is a sensory experience like no other. As for dining, there’s nothing quite like a picnic overlooking the ocean.
How have these places inspired the birth of your brand? The nature, the cliffs overlooking the sea, the rugged terrain—these are all elements that inspire the essence of Cult Gaia. Our designs are deeply rooted in the beauty of the natural world, with an emphasis on organic shapes and textures. Big Sur has been a large influence on the ethos of our brand with its untamed landscapes and wild beauty.
How have some of these places inspired recent pieces in Cult Gaia’s collections? Our recent collections draw inspiration from the colours of spring flowers, the fluidity of the ocean waves, and the organic shapes of the coastal rocks. You’ll see this reflected in our designs through airy silhouettes, playful patterns and natural textures.
Cult Gaia’s Misa gown in vintage stripes (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
Cult Gaia’s Nodin knit beach dress (Photo: courtesy of Cult Gaia)
If you could only pack a carry-on to these places, what would you bring? I would definitely pack the Wynn Pant and Wake Top [from Cult Gaia] for some versatility. They are comfortable enough for exploring yet sophisticated enough for a romantic dinner. Of course, I also wouldn’t forget the Pisa Bikini + the Sullivan cover-up and a pair of jeans from Eb Denim.
What’s one place you’ve been to or are going to this year that you’ve never been to before? I am very excited to travel to the Galapagos Islands this year. It’s a place of unparalleled biodiversity and pristine beauty. I’m looking forward to disconnecting from the distractions of modern life and immersing myself in the wonders of the natural world. It‘s the ultimate escape for someone who finds inspiration in the raw, unspoiled beauty of remote destinations. Going off the grid with my family for a few days sounds like a dream.
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