Bal Harbour

CU LT GA I A Cult Gaia tends to thrive in spring and summertime, architecting the It-piece of the season in 2019 (the Ark bag) and 2020 (the Serita dress). This season will be no exception, with all eyes on the sand-hued Kingsley dress. "This collection might call to mind some of Miami's quintessential architectural features—from the intricate facades, curved lines and stylized sculpture," says the brand's LA-based founder and designer Jasmine Larian. "South Florida's warm weather and relaxed ethos creates the perfect atmosphere to wear Cult Gaia." As laid out in the celeb-loved label's manifesto, its raison d'être is simple: help women "create a lifestyle that's a visual feast, effortlessly." With a mélange of bamboo bobags, heels that look like they're oating on a bubble and sumtuous knit dresses with surprising cutouts, Larian has kept that promise. "I always design everything with versatility in mind," she says. "I want someone to be able to wear our clothes from home to the beach, then with heels for a night out." Fresh Fix THESE FIVE INDIE DESIGNERS ARE CHANGING THE WAY WE DRESS—AND YOU CAN FIND THEM ALL AT BAL HARBOUR SHOPS. By Danielle Naer ACLER Acler dresses are anything but basic," says Divya Mathur, chief merchant at Intermix, of the women-led Australian fashion label. Behind its balloon sleeves and swags of polka- dotted fabric, there's a scrupulous 12-month testing period for each garment that's integral to the brand. When designers Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritoto established their label in 2014, they wanted to rebel against formulaic, cookie-cutter design processes that mostly unfold on the computer, instead of IRL. They scrapped that in favor of a hands-on approach to everything they create, thoroughly testing and re-testing, draping and re-draping each piece. While they consider their design point of view to be minimalist, Forth and Ritoto have also expanded upon that category. Passing on staid neutrals that many brands with minimalist, quietly luxe appeal default to, the duo opts for unique fabrics in anything- but-boring prints. Behind every dress, there's a worldwide search for the fabric that it's rendered in—with a luxurious hand-feel at to of mind. he finished product is a trove of playful, exceptionally made garments, all with an uncomromising fit. "e love the label's sculptural sleeves and interesting hemlines," adds Mathur. Cult Gaia's Eos Box clutch and a look from the Spring collection. Acler's Kingsway striped tie-waist dress 106 BAL HARBOUR

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