A Galaxy of Talent Lights Up the Venue (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
New York City – Celebrities flocked to the Cult Gaia Fall 2026 runway show on February 15, marking the brand’s highly anticipated entry into New York Fashion Week.[1][2]
A Galaxy of Talent Lights Up the Venue
Pete Davidson commanded attention in the front row alongside Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova and Meg Donnelly. The comedian and actors joined a wave of Hollywood names for the event, which drew widespread buzz.[1]
Becky G, Lukas Gage, and Sonia Mena from Tell Me Lies added to the excitement. Spencer House, Branden Cook, and Katherine Hughes mingled with the crowd, while Avantika, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Amber Mark brought fresh energy. Nicholas Duvernay, Lizzy Greene, Tyler Blackburn, Tove Lo, Marta Pozzan, Andrew Matarazzo, Carter Gregory, and Mary Leest rounded out the impressive lineup.[1]
- Pete Davidson: Front row standout.
- Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova: Fresh from her runway debut at Christian Cowan.
- Meg Donnelly: Broadway star wrapping up Moulin Rouge soon.
- Becky G and Lukas Gage: Music and acting power duo.
- Tove Lo: Singer bringing international flair.
- Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Avantika: Rising Gen Z icons.
Shirzan: A Tribute to Fearless Femininity
The collection, titled Shirzan—meaning “lioness” in Farsi—celebrated the strong women in designer Jasmin Larian Hekmat’s Persian heritage. Sharp architectural silhouettes met flowing, spirited elements, capturing a fearless essence.[3]
Designers layered boxy leather jackets over beaded mini skirts in golden and burgundy hues. Chain-mailed maxis shimmered with teal patina tiles, while avocado green wool topcoats offered earthy depth. Dramatic brocade gowns swept the runway, their trains catching the light dramatically.[3][4]
Hekmat reflected on her inspiration: “I really learned about beauty through the women around me, and that beauty is power. That embodies the Cult Gaia woman: She is fearless and powerful.”[3]
Menswear Enters the Spotlight
Cult Gaia expanded boldly with its first menswear offerings. Double-breasted wool-twill suits boasted three-dimensional floral appliques, accented by signature calla lily brooches for a playful edge. An olive plisse pajama set nodded to relaxed tailoring.[3]
Hand-painted skirts and sculpted pleated gowns extended the motif across categories. Hekmat stressed the collection’s cohesion: “Our direction and who our customer is is so absolutely clear, and we’ve been able to refine every single category.”[4]
This debut underscored the brand’s evolution, beloved by figures like Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber.
A Milestone Moment for Cult Gaia
Founded in 2012, Cult Gaia chose NYFW to affirm its refined identity. The show blended power with grace, drawing from Hekmat’s grandmothers and mother as muses. Standouts like tile-finished dresses reinforced the label’s sculptural roots.[4]
Attendees like Kharlamova, riding high from Heated Rivalry, and Donnelly, amid her Broadway farewell, amplified the glamour. The event solidified Cult Gaia’s place among fashion’s elite.
Key Takeaways
- Cult Gaia’s NYFW debut introduced menswear and the Shirzan theme honoring Persian lionesses.
- Front row featured Pete Davidson, Meg Donnelly, and over a dozen stars.
- Collection highlights: teal tile skirts, calla lily suits, and dramatic brocade gowns.
Cult Gaia’s roar at NYFW signals a powerful new chapter, blending heritage with high fashion. What stood out most to you from the show? Tell us in the comments.
