To nobody's surprise, the day before New York Fashion Week officially kicked off happened to be one of the busiest on the calendar. It seems every brand wanted a head start on the week, and Cult Gaia was right at the top of that list.

Cult Gaia held their Spring 2027 show inside the breathtaking Gilder Center at the Museum of Natural History. Jasmin Hekmat never fails to amaze us with her intricate, sculptural designs—continuing to prove that fashion truly is art and one of the highest forms of self-expression.
After losing her grandmother earlier this year, Jasmin built this season's collection around BEHESHT—inspired by pairidaeza, the ancient Persian concept of a walled garden cultivated within boundaries where something beautiful can grow. It served as a poetic reminder that life goes on, and that even the hardest experiences teach us new ways to live. “Through chintz plissé, silk jacquards, frayed organza, hammered metal, hand-assembled rings, and sculptural accessories, the collection explored the tension between protection and fragility—a visual proof that no matter how hard the place, light will always find the smallest crack.”
OOTD had the absolute pleasure of seeing the show up close and personal, which was another pinch-me moment for a girl who dreamed of attending NYFW from an early age. Before the show even began, the streets outside were packed with head-to-toe Cult Gaia looks, and we caught them all on camera.
Ahead, check out the four trends that filled the seats inside the Gilder Center as petals fell and fashion week officially began.
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Monochromatic white looks are a signature Cult Gaia move, but guests took it up a notch for the show with dramatic textures and sculptural dresses. From delicate long-sleeve lace mini dresses to fringed halter tops paired with white trousers, head-to-toe white dominated the crowd. Pop-of-color accessories—like satin emerald green peep-toe platform heels—kept the all-white outfits from feeling muted.
Intricate beadwork and heavy embellishments added a striking, liquid-like shine when paired with slinky silk skirts. Attendees leaned into sculpted silhouette play, styling the infamous Taraji Top that every Cult Gaia follower is obsessed with. Paired with metallic heels and textured clutches, show attendees knew exactly how to dress for the occasion.
Animal print is proving yet again to be a major trend for the upcoming season, popping up in sheer fabrications and bright green coats. Guests embraced statement wild patterns—from head-to-toe leopard sheer hooded dresses styled with matching knee-high leopard boots to zebra-print pencil skirts contrast-styled with structured lime green jackets. It’s bold, expressive, and adds a fun, textural bite to the fashion week crowds.
Earthy, rich forest green tones brought an elevated botanical feel into the museum. Outfits featured heavily textured plissé accordion pleats with dramatic cutout details, alongside floor-length dresses covered in cascading fringe that moved with every step. Paired with metallic caged heels and neutral hard-shell clutches, these rich olive and forest shades felt like a direct nod to the collection’s Persian garden inspiration.
Cult Gaia’s Spring 2027 show was a striking reminder that growth often comes from dark times—and that a new version of yourself can transform out of grief. While Hekmat’s February show, SHIRZAN, served as an act of mourning, BEHESHT was built to show what grows in the aftermath. Hekmat put it best: "Paradise, not as a place untouched by darkness, but what emerges after." The best versions of ourselves often come after hardship, and seeing a collection evoke that exact emotion across the room was unforgettable.