Cult Classic

The coolest bag this summer isn’t made out of leather or even fabric – and it definitely won’t cost you a month’s salary.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
My Reading Room

The coolest bag this summer isn’t made out of leather or even fabric – and it definitely won’t cost you a month’s salary. We speak to Jasmin Larian, founder of Cult Gaia, on what makes her bags so desirable (they’re sold out everywhere!).

Cult Gaia started off with Coachella-inspired flower crowns and headbands. What made you shift to introducing the Ark bag?

Our brand DNA has been built around creating pieces that are exceptionally unique. The bag is an extension of that – wearable art that is subtle and not overt.

The original Ark bag is made of bamboo. Why did you choose this material?

Bamboo is a renewable resource so it’s exceptionally eco-friendly. I also think the natural, imperfect elements of bamboo make each piece unique and special.

Can we expect to see other items or accessories in your collection made of the same material?

We will always gravitate towards natural materials or try to mimic nature. The design of our Acrylic Ark bags, for example, were inspired by semi-precious stones and marble.

Since summer is here, share with us a few styles we can pull off with the bag...

The bags go with just about everything. I love it with a pair of jeans and a white tee, or with a black-tie gown.

More: bamboo