Cult Gaia’s new flagship store in Miami’s Design District is making waves with its audacious design. Created by the Los Angeles-based Sugarhouse duo, Jess and Jonathan Nahon, in collaboration with Cult Gaia founder Jasmin Larian Hekmat, the store stands as a striking testament to the fusion of traditional Persian heritage and contemporary architectural prowess.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Miami Design District, USA
Architecture & Interior Design: Sugarhouse
Build and Joinery: M&C Contractors
Stone: ABC Stone
Tiles: Clay Imports
Artwork: Michael Chandler, Angela Larian
Photography: Kris Tamburello
The store’s exterior is a visual feast, featuring a chapel-like volume that starkly contrasts with the area’s linear architectural style. The facade is adorned with a mural of nearly 2,000 hand-painted tiles by South African artist Michael Chandler. The mural draws inspiration from Henri Rousseau’s iconic works, “The Dream” and “Eve in the Garden of Eden.” Its intricate designs of stylized vegetation, mythical creatures, and pomegranates—referencing Hekmat’s grandfather’s garden—are rendered in shades of blue reminiscent of Persian mosque interiors.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a phrase inspired by Hekmat’s grandmother: “May all the doors of the world always be open to you.” This welcoming sentiment embodies the brand’s ethos of empowerment and creativity. The interior unfolds across three distinct volumes, bathed in creamy hues and featuring a mix of textures.
Limestone and travertine dominate the interior design, starting with a geometric floor inlay that subtly defines different areas of the store. Monolithic travertine blocks form the backdrop of the changing rooms, while unlacquered brass rods and organic-shaped wall mirrors by New Vernacular Studio add a touch of sophistication. The overall effect is one of refined elegance and balance.
The store’s focal point is an impressive nearly four-meter-high concrete sculpture by Hekmat’s mother, artist Angela Larian. Positioned beneath a grand circular skylight, this striking female nude sculpture serves as a powerful symbol of matriarchy and artistic inspiration. “This piece not only celebrates my mother’s unwavering support and inspiration but also stands as a beacon of matriarchy and womanhood, which continually fuels the creative essence of Cult Gaia,” Hekmat explains.
This central sculpture grounds the store’s arrival sequence and underscores the store’s commitment to celebrating feminine strength and creativity.
As visitors move deeper into the store, they encounter a second oculus that floods the rear area with natural light. Here, a banyan tree, integrated into a sofa designed by Brandi Howe, extends its green tendrils through the space. This lush feature echoes the mural’s themes and enhances the store’s interior ambiance, inviting patrons to relax under its canopy and experience a touch of nature within the urban setting.
The Cult Gaia Miami flagship is a collaborative masterpiece, with architecture and interior design by Sugarhouse, build and joinery by M&C Contractors, and stonework by ABC Stone. The project also highlights contributions from Clay Imports for the tiles and artistic inputs from Michael Chandler and Angela Larian.
This new store is more than a retail space; it is a narrative of cultural heritage and modern design, brought to life through a harmonious blend of artistry and architecture. Cult Gaia’s Miami flagship promises to be a compelling destination for those who appreciate the intersection of tradition and innovation in design.
The Cult Gaia Miami Flagship is a remarkable addition to the Design District, embodying the brand’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Its blend of traditional Persian elements with modern architectural sophistication sets a new benchmark for design excellence.
