Cult Gaia founder and creative director Jasmin Larian Hekmat presented a deeply personal Spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection during New York Fashion Week, drawing inspiration from grief, remembrance, and the possibility of finding beauty after loss.

Titled Behesht, the Persian word for heaven, the collection reflected Hekmat’s experience of losing her grandmother, Mommy Aghdas, earlier in 2026. The designer explored the emotional contrast between mourning and celebration, translating those feelings into a runway presentation that gradually shifted from darker, more restrained looks to lighter and more optimistic designs.

Hekmat described grief as a transformative experience capable of holding seemingly opposing emotions at once. This duality became the foundation of the collection, shaping its progression, color palette, and silhouettes. Rather than treating sorrow as an exclusively somber subject, she approached it as part of a broader journey toward renewal.

The opening looks established the collection’s more austere mood. A deep olive-green suit introduced structured tailoring and muted tones, setting a contemplative atmosphere before the designs evolved into more expressive and uplifting pieces.

As the show progressed, the collection moved toward a brighter visual language, creating a cinematic transition from melancholy to joy. The changing mood reflected the designer’s intention to capture the complexity of grief while acknowledging the moments of beauty and celebration that can emerge alongside it.

The collection also marked Hekmat’s second presentation during New York Fashion Week, highlighting a more introspective direction for the label. Known for its sculptural accessories, distinctive silhouettes, and occasionwear, Cult Gaia used the Spring 2027 lineup to explore a more emotional narrative while maintaining its recognizable design identity.

Through Behesht, Hekmat transformed a personal experience into a broader reflection on loss and resilience. The collection suggested that beauty does not necessarily erase grief; instead, the two can exist together, with clothing serving as a visual expression of that emotional complexity.