Cult Gaia Review

About Cult Gaia

Any true fashionista knows that feeling of pure bliss when you find the right piece to add to your wardrobe—even if you weren’t aware that you needed it. Nowadays, more brands are trying to create that feeling with items that are purposefully unlike anything else around. One that’s doing it well is Cult Gaia.

Cult Gaia is a fashion and lifestyle brand that is in a lane of its own. Quirky, original, and trendy, any item from its women’s clothing and accessories collections is guaranteed to attract attention—and compliments.

The company has also attracted the press’s attention since its launch, with features in Cosmopolitan, The Cut, Vogue, and other top publications. On Instagram, more than 1.2 million followers eagerly engage with the brand.

Still, this Cult Gaia review knows that just because a brand is popular, doesn’t mean it’s worth the hype. In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into the company’s mission and collection, customer reviews, promotions, and more, to help you determine if its products are worth adding to your wardrobe.

Overview of Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia was founded in 2012 by Jasmin Larian Hekmat. Although the original business plan was to make and sell flower crowns and turbans made from vintage silk, this quickly changed as time went on. Today, the company sells everything from shoes to accessories, swimwear, and clothing.

The company aims to offer “beautiful heirloom pieces that will live in your closet forever.” A quick peek through Cult Gaia’s collection confirms this goal—you’ll find whimsical details, artfully-designed garments, and unique cuts.

Cult Gaia is based in both art and utility. It strives to create garments that are both stunning and functional. After all, it’s named after Mother Earth—a figure that the brand calls “the daughter of chaos, the most creative force there is.”

Doing more than just selling beautiful clothing and accessories, the brand has partnered with various organizations that give back. In 2020, it joined No Kid Hungry to launch the #CultGaiaLetsDance challenge and Turnaround Arts for the #CultGaiaLetsCreate program.

That all sounds promising, right? But before jumping into reviews of specific products, this Cult Gaia review will cover the highlights: 

Highlights

• Wide range of clothing and accessories
• Truly unique styles that balance art and functionality
• Widely available through partnered retailers
• Big sale section
• Offers international shipping
• Gives back to the community through collaborations with charities

Up next, this Cult Gaia review will cover a selection of the brand’s best-selling bags, shoes, and dresses. To make purchasing one of these investment pieces easier, the company offers afterpay as an alternative payment method. Through this service, you can pay in four interest-free installments.

Cult Gaia Bags Review

Cult Gaia bags are more than a convenient accessory, they’re a statement. The brand’s collection of clutches, totes, crossbodies, and shoulder bags are each a work of art in their own right, whether that’s due to the unique materials, shapes, or larger-than-life details.

In this section, our Cult Gaia review will introduce you to the three best-selling options. Each bag comes with a storage box to keep your new statement piece in tip-top condition.

Cult Gaia Ark Review

You’ve probably already seen the Cult Gaia Ark bag floating across your social media pages. Made from 100% bamboo wooden slats, this half-moon-shaped clutch truly embodies the natural world around us.

The Ark is small, measuring just 11.25” x 3” x 9”. Available in the color “natural,” we envision this piece paired with a flowing, white dress on your next Mykonos vacation, or with your favorite one-piece bathing suit while shoreside in Bora Bora.

Though it costs $118, Gaia’s Ark Small is currently only available for preorder. Orders are expected to ship ASAP, though the product page has not yet been updated after the January 30th estimate.

Cult Gaia Ark Mini Review

Surprise! The Ark also comes in a mini size, measuring an adorable 9” x 2.5” x 8.5”. And unlike the previous size, this version comes in two versatile colors: natural and black.

Made from the same 100% bamboo wooden slats, the Gaia’s Ark Mini is an elongated half-moon shape. It looks more like “wearable art” than “convenient bag,” which is exactly the point. This clutch is definitely not meant to blend in.

Right now, the $88 Cult Gaia Ark Mini is only available for preorder. Bags are expected to ship between February 14th and 28th—consider it a Valentine’s Day treat for yourself, because you deserve it.

Cult Gaia EOS Box Clutch Review

With a 1960’s feel, the Cult Gaia EOS Box Clutch perfectly fuses feminine sophistication and whimsy. The box-shaped bag is surrounded by large, pearl-like beads that even hide the snap enclosure for a seamless look.

Though it’s available in seven colors, we’re gravitating towards the mermaid-esque pearl or Betty Draper-vibes palm. It’s made from 100% solid acrylic and is very fragile, so make sure it stays safe.

Measuring 9” x 5” x 2”, the EOS Box Clutch can fit up to an iPhone 11. It’s unlined to allow for maximum storage, so throw in your lipgloss and keys. Grab one for $328.

Cult Gaia Dresses Review

You won’t find basic dresses in this brand’s collection. Instead, hop onto Cult Gaia’s site to discover artfully designed pieces that somehow transform what dresses truly look like. From cheeky cut-outs to unique fabric blends and whimsical detailing, each garment is designed to flatter your body and upgrade your confidence.

In this section of our Cult Gaia review, we’ll introduce you to three of the brand’s best-selling dresses. Each design is available in sizes XS-L.

Cult Gaia Serita Dress Review

The Cult Gaia Serita Dress is THE dress. You know, the one you envision yourself wearing when daydreaming about your next tropical vacation. It’s bold and sexy, with an open-back and large side cutouts to show off the curves of your waist and hips.

Made from 77% cotton and 23% polyester, this woven knit maxi dress comes in eight colors. Opt for sand when heading to a beachside dinner or throw on begonia, a stunning red, for the resort party.

Did you fall in love with the Serita Dress like we did? Well, you’re in luck—some colors are currently on sale for $328, from $458-$498. The brand recommends that women with larger cup sizes size up.

Want a similar style but with longer sleeves? Try the goddess-esque Cult Gaia Kamira Dress.

Cult Gaia Leslie Knit Dress Review

Knit fabrics are in, and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Offering an equally vacation-ready but more casual design than the Serita Dress, the Cult Gaia Leslie Knit Dress features a mini-length cut and halter straps.

The real stand-out detail is this garment’s back, which features two horizontal, beaded straps that run across the otherwise open back. Despite being knit, this dress is lightweight and breathable enough to wear on the hottest of days.

Seductive, sophisticated, and unapologetically feminine, the Leslie Knit Dress comes in three colors: spice, granite, and black. Grab one for $191-$286, on sale from $318. Note that this piece is dry-clean-only.

Cult Gaia Cameron Knit Dress Review

The final resort-ready piece in this Cult Gaia review is the Cameron Knit Dress. Featuring a tight center knot, this design is sexy with its jersey cotton halter neckline and open side cutouts. The back of this dress is also open, letting you show off your new tan.

Intended to fall above the wearer’s ankle, this dress can be worn alone in the summer or with a stylish jacket during colder weather. It’s crafted from a knit fabric, composed of 77% cotton and 23% polyester. It comes in seven colors that range from creamy off-white and deep black.

Add the Cult Gaia Cameron Knit Dress to your wardrobe for $458. Make sure to fold this dress instead of hanging it—the knit fabric might warp and stretch on a hanger.

Cult Gaia Shoes Review

Shoes don’t have to be something you toss on your feet with no care as you step out the door. Cult Gaia’s designs challenge you to build an outfit around them. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw as you browse through these three best-sellers, all available in sizes 35-42 (US 5-12).

Cult Gaia Jila Sandal Review

Make a statement with the Cult Gaia Jila Sandals. Ideal for warm spring or summer days, this pair is made with a round, clear acrylic 2” circle heel—and they’re like nothing we’ve seen before.

Two clear, vinyl straps run across the top of your foot, while the 100% reconstructed leather sole provides comfort. Though they’re totally unique, the clear and brown composition won’t take away from your outfit—we think an all-white, beachy ensemble would pair particularly well.

Get the Jila Sandals in time for your next summer vacation for $320, on sale from $388. The brand recommends sizing up by half a size.

Cult Gaia Alia Mule Review

A unique take on a classic silhouette, the Cult Gaia Alia Mules are for the woman that wants more from her shoes. The hand-carved, circular, acrylic heels catch attention wherever you wear them.

The Alia Mules come in three neutral hues: clear, off-white, and natural raffia. Though summery in style, these shoes have a classic sophistication to them. We think they’d upgrade a simple blue jean and white tee-look into something more intentional.

With a 100% rubber sole, get vacation-ready with these Cult Gaia shoes for $251, on sale from $358.

Cult Gaia Jila Flower Sandal Review

The Cult Gaia Jila Flower Sandal is similar to the Jila Sandal. But, the twist is all in the heel. Still hand-carved, round, and clear, this heel now features a stunning single flower.

This feminine detail is subtle yet truly breathtaking. Though they usually cost $398, they’re currently on sale for $279. The brand suggests sizing up by a half size.

Who is Cult Gaia for?

Cult Gaia is a women’s brand. Still, there is no specific type of woman that the company does design for—regardless of age, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or ability, anyone is welcome to wear its clothing and accesories.

It is worth noting that Cult Gaia is not size-inclusive, and most of its clothing comes in the traditional size range of XS-L. However, the company is most well-known for its stunning accessories.

At the end of the day, Cult Gaia is for the woman who wants more from her wardrobe. If you’re looking to add a piece or two that will add some excitement to what you already own, or if you need an all-eyes-on-me piece for a special occasion, we definitely recommend giving this brand a shot.

Comparison: Cult Gaia vs. Diane Von Furstenberg

The women’s clothing and fashion industry is already overcrowded. Though Cult Gaia is trying to stand out with its unique product offerings, there are other brands also taking this approach. If you’re wondering if its line is truly unique, that’s exactly what we’ll uncover in this section.

To do so, we’ll pit our featured brand against Diane Von Furstenberg in a friendly competition. Founded in 1972, DVF is all about empowering women and breaking boundaries through fashion.

Right off the bat, there are a few key differences that we’ll outline:

• Product offerings 
• Price 
• Return policy 

Both companies offer women’s clothing, but Cult Gaia offers a much larger product range than DVF. Our featured brand’s line includes additional categories like Cult Gaia earrings, swimwear, loungewear, and other accessories.

The price point of these two companies, though certainly both luxurious, is also different. DVF is slightly more expensive. For example, a Cult Gaia dress will cost about $470-$520, whereas one from DVF costs about $510-$780. Both brands have good sale sections, though.

Finally, the most noticeable difference between these two companies is their return policies. Cult Gaia only offers returns on domestic US orders within 7-14 days, but DVF accepts returns on all orders placed within the last 30 days.

So who will you shop with? We don’t see this as an either-or type of question. While Cult Gaia is certainly breaking boundaries with its innovative designs, DVF has a ton of fun and wild prints. We think you can find pieces to add to your wardrobe from both brands.

Cult Gaia Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

We can all agree that the company’s collection contains artfully designed statement pieces that are meant to take your look to the next level. But how do they actually look IRL? That’s what we’ll find out in this section of our Cult Gaia review.

Cult Gaia doesn’t offer customer feedback on its website, so we first looked at reviews on Revolve.com. Here’s how some best-sellers stack up:

• Serita Dress: average of 4.5/5 stars from 43 customers
• Leslie Knit Dress: average of 3.4/5 stars from 9 customers
• Cameron Knit Dress: average of 4.4/5 stars from 29 customers
• Kennedy Earring: average of 4.6/5 stars from 5 customers
• Turband in Ruby: average of 4.8/5 stars from 4 customers
• Vale Dress: average of 5/5 stars from 3 customers

Digging into comments for the popular Cameron Knit Dress, shoppers report that it is true-to-size, “very well made,” and “fits like a glove.” Take this glowing testimonial:

“This dress fits so good on the body, showing all your curves. Even though it is sweater material I wore it to an outside party by the water this summer and I was perfect.. it was not hot feeling at all.. got so many compliments.. like so many compliments..”

Women also rave about the Serita Dress, arguing that it is 100% worth the cost. This customer’s comment sums up what many had to say:

“Quality and feel are great, the knit fabric has the perfect weight and the construction is what you’re paying for. I tried a dupe of this dress from Lulu’s and it’s really not even close. I will say the sand color does not look good on a fair skinned brunette! Returning for a different color but other than that, it’s beautiful.”

We headed to Shopbop next. Reviews here were pretty sparse, but one customer who gave the Acrylic Ark Bag a 5/5-star rating had some exceptionally positive things to say about it that really emulate the brand’s goals:

“THIS belongs in an art museum. Every day I use it, I receive overwhelming compliments on it. Is it practical? Eh, that’s debatable. It fits the essentials…The bamboo version is cute (& less expensive), but there was something about this pop of orange that spoke to me… so I listened, and purchased it with reckless abandon. Zero regrets.”

Finally, to see how well the company handles customer issues, we looked at its Better Business Bureau page. With an (unaccredited) A- rating and just two complaints in the past three years, it’s safe to say that Cult Gaia promptly handles problems before they escalate.

All in all, this Cult Gaia review learned that the company’s products are undeniably popular and deemed worth it by many customers. Plus, it has a solid customer service team to handle any issues that might arise.

Is Cult Gaia Worth It?

According to this Cult Gaia review, the company’s products are worth it. Anything you buy from this brand is bound to be luxurious in style, well-made, and designed to last season after season. Plus, because its garments are so unique, whatever you purchase will be a fun addition to your wardrobe.

Though reviews were limited in quantity, the testimonials that we did find revealed that Cult Gaia’s products are absolutely worth the cost. Some shoppers even reported trying cheap dupes and quickly learned that you get what you pay for.

Shoppers outside of the US should be more cautious because there are no return options for international customers. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that you can shop from a partnered seller, such as Revolve or Shopbop.

Cult Gaia Promotions & Discounts

Good news—there’s a Cult Gaia sale section. There, you’ll find up to 40% off select merchandise. The brand also offers free US shipping on orders over $150.

Where to Buy Cult Gaia

To shop for the brand’s full collection and take advantage of its sales, head to CultGaia.com. Some other options include Revolve, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, but a full list of online and in-store stockists is available on the Store Locator page.

FAQ

Where is Cult Gaia made?

Cult Gaia is a Los Angeles, CA-based brand. According to an interview with Allure, its products are all manufactured in LA.

Does Cult Gaia fit true to size?

Some of Cult Gaia’s garments fit true-to-size, but not all. Check out the Fit Notes on each product page to see if that design runs small—the company might recommend that you size up.

What is Cult Gaia’s Shipping Policy?

Cult Gaia ships within the US and internationally. US orders over $150 ship for free and will require a signature on delivery. Your other options include:

• Ground (5-7 business days): $10
• Two Day (2 business days): $18
• Next Day (next business days): $28

International orders are typically processed within 1-3 days. Duties and taxes will be calculated at checkout, as will shipping costs and dates.

What is Cult Gaia’s Return Policy?

Cult Gaia currently only accepts returns on domestic orders. Items must be in new condition, and shipping costs will not be refunded. Here are your deadlines:

• Bags: Initiate return within 7 days of delivery
• Clothing, jewelry, and shoes: Initiate return within 14 days of delivery

Send an email to [email protected] to initiate the process. Sale items are not eligible for return.

How to Contact Cult Gaia

If you have any questions after reading this Cult Gaia review, you can reach the brand’s team via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website contact form
• Website chat function (Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm PST)

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