Cult Gaia has made a bold statement in Miami’s Design District with its stunning new boutique, designed by the innovative New York studio Sugarhouse Design and Architecture. This flagship store is a testament to the brand’s commitment to blending fashion with art and culture, offering a unique shopping experience that transcends traditional retail spaces.
Sugarhouse Design and Architecture, led by designers Jess and Jonathan Nahon, drew inspiration from a mix of temple architecture, the Persian heritage of Cult Gaia founder Jasmin Larian Hekmat, and iconic historical archetypes. The result is a 1,502-square-foot space that is both visually captivating and culturally rich.
One of the boutique’s most striking features is the hand-painted tile mural covering the front facade. Commissioned artist Michael Chandler created this masterpiece, which consists of 1,800 ceramic tiles. The mural, inspired by Henri Rousseau’s painting “The Dream,” depicts a silhouetted tree with branches extending across the storefront, adorned with stylized vegetation, birds, and flower-crowned nymphs. Painted in lapis lazuli blue, the mural evokes the intricate beauty of Persian mosques and references Indian textiles and botanical illustrations.
The boutique’s facade features three arched openings containing windows and a recessed entryway with wood-framed glass doors. This design aligns perfectly with the store’s central axis, drawing visitors into a space decorated in creamy Bianco Avorio limestone and Bianco Santa Caterina travertine.
Inside, the store’s design continues to impress with unlacquered brass rods that mimic Cult Gaia’s jewelry, dropping from ceiling coves to display garments. Custom amorphous mirrors by New Vernacular Studio add a touch of modernity to the walls. Vertical checkerboard grids made of stacked sandstone blocks create unique display areas for accessories, while also enclosing fitting rooms that glow with an ethereal light.
These fitting rooms, designed to resemble rock-cut cave temples, provide both privacy and a unique way to showcase merchandise. The partitions allow light to filter through translucent membranes and grid holes, creating a mystical ambiance that enhances the shopping experience.
The store features two main rooms, each with a domed ceiling and a seven-foot-wide oculus inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. Dominating the first room is a 12-foot-tall concrete sculpture of the Greek goddess Gaia, crafted by artist Angela Larian. This striking piece stands as a symbol of confidence and control, reflecting the essence of the Cult Gaia brand.
In the second room, a large banyan tree is planted within a serpentine sofa designed by Brandi Howe, echoing the facade’s decorative theme. This sacred tree invites visitors to relax and find their own moment of peace and inspiration within this temple of fashion.
The Cult Gaia boutique in Miami Design District is not just a store; it’s an immersive experience that combines art, culture, and fashion in a harmonious blend. Whether you’re a fan of the brand or simply an admirer of beautiful design, this boutique is a must-visit.
For more information and to explore the latest collections, visit Cult Gaia’s official website. Experience the fusion of art and fashion at Cult Gaia’s Miami boutique and find your own inspiration within this extraordinary space.
