Scroll through Instagram, and you’ve likely come across the “Ark” bag, the crescent-shaped bamboo carryall from Los Angeles–based fashion brand Cult Gaia. Timeless yet modern—with a budget-friendly price tag to boot (it currently retails for $118)—the bag has been spotted in the hands of sartorial darlings such as Jessica Alba and blogger Chriselle Lim since last summer.

Yet despite its seemingly runaway success, the accessory struggled to find customers when it first debuted back in 2013. “No one actually bought it for two years,” says Jasmin Larian, the brainchild behind Cult Gaia. “So much of fashion is based on trend. It took time, but we had to train the customers to think that they could pull it off.” The 28-year-old's perseverance paid off last February when she sold a few of the bags to Clare Distenfeld of Fivestory, the buzzy lifestyle boutique in New York City. The label soon garnered the attention of the city’s stylish social circle, cementing Larian’s status as an emerging accessories designer.

Known for her Cali–meets–Grace Kelly aesthetic, Larian, whose assortment of offbeat yet elegant offerings includes everything from oversized rattan bangles to '50s-inspired turbans, says her goal is to make statement pieces that stand the test of time. This now includes a debut ready-to-wear collection, which launched online today. Priced between $118 to $198, the lineup includes an array of punchy pieces that recall tranquil, beachy vibes.

We recently spoke with Larian about the inspiration behind her brand, sustainable fashion, and her connection to the Bratz dolls.

Why did you decide to launch your own brand?

My mom was a fashion designer when I was growing up, and my dad had a toy company that started the Bratz dolls (Yasmin, one of the four original Bratz dolls, was named after Jasmin). I grew up around fashion designers who made miniature clothes for dolls. Fashion has been a part of my life forever. I started Cult Gaia in 2012, straight out of FIT [the Fashion Institute of Technology]. I was making headpieces and flower crowns for friends as a hobby, and people started to take notice. I think the cornerstone of our brand is making things that are conversation starters. Even with the crown, it was something that brought a lot of attention—a recognizable and wearable art piece.

Who is the “girl” you design for?