May 16–17 at Gaia
We’re opening the doors for something special this weekend—a trunk show that celebrates bold design, artistic vision, and American craftsmanship. Join us Friday, May 16 through Saturday, May 17th, for an American Designer Showcase featuring Cynthia Ashby and Paper Temples, with exclusive fall preorders and a rare in-person visit from one of our favorite sales reps, Mark Garland.
This is your Last Chance to preorder Cynthia Ashby’s Fall Collection—and we’re making it extra sweet with 20% off all Cynthia Ashby and Paper Temples preorders paid in full. Want to reserve a piece without the full commitment? Or 50% deposit holds your favorites until they arrive later this year (without the discount).
Mark will be on hand Friday and Saturday to offer insight into Cynthia’s best sellers, help with sizing and styling, and share sneak peeks and insider knowledge from behind the scenes. If you’re a collector of Cynthia Ashby or just starting your love affair with this expressive, imaginative brand, this weekend is the perfect time to dive in.
Cynthia Ashby: For the Confident, Curious, and Creative
It’s hard not to be inspired by Cynthia Ashby’s story—her mix of artistry, curiosity, and confident experimentation defines every piece she creates. A California native turned Chicago creative force, Cynthia began designing her own clothing at age 11. That early sense of freedom and self-direction still resonates in her work today.
Ashby garments are made for women who see clothing as expression. Each piece is created with natural fibers like high-quality linen and cotton, occasionally blended with synthetics for texture and weight. The results are rich, layered pieces—dyed, cut, and constructed in a way that feels both modern and timeless.
From oversized tunics to architectural jackets and easy, shapely pants, Cynthia Ashby’s clothing feels both intentional and intuitive. It’s not about following trends—it’s about wearing your mood, your strength, and your perspective. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the line for the first time, these are pieces that anchor a wardrobe and set the tone for the season.
Cynthia calls herself a “Playful Innovator” and “Bold Artisan,” and we couldn’t agree more. This fall collection includes stunning textures, inky hues, and silhouettes you’ll want to live in.
Paper Temples: Artwear with Soul
If Cynthia Ashby is the seasoned visionary, Paper Temples is the bold newcomer capturing hearts with a completely different kind of magic. Founded in 2020, Paper Temples is known for their hand-knit sweaters, sustainable materials, and whimsical prints—all designed and produced with care in St. Louis, MO.
Each sweater is hand-knit by a team of artisans, while the brand’s signature printed pieces are screen-printed at Central Print Studio, a local non-profit dedicated to printmaking and community access to the arts. This mix of artistry and ethics is at the heart of Paper Temples—and you can feel it in every stitch.
We love the brand’s funky color palettes, architectural knits, and vibrant graphics. Think: painterly layering pieces, mixable patterns, and sweaters that feel like wearable artwork. This weekend, we’ll have summer samples on hand for you to see, try, and fall in love with.
And yes—20% off all Paper Temples preorders. These are truly limited-run pieces, and now’s your chance to lock in your favorites before they disappear.
Why We Love Trunk Shows (and Why You Should Too)
There’s something special about a trunk show—it’s not just about shopping, it’s about connection. You get to see what’s coming next, preview collections that aren’t yet in stores, and spend time with the people who know the lines inside and out.
With Mark Garland joining us this weekend, you’ll get access to insider info, help choosing the right fits and fabrics, and a more personalized shopping experience. Mark has represented brands for years, and his thoughtful, no-pressure style makes him a favorite with our Gaia team and clients alike.
Plus, a trunk show is a celebration of the designers we believe in—the ones pushing boundaries, creating responsibly, and bringing joy through form and fabric. Cynthia Ashby and Paper Temples both exemplify what we look for at Gaia: comfort with character, and design that moves with meaning.
Details at a Glance:
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Event: American Designer Showcase
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Dates: Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18
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Featuring: Cynthia Ashby Summer with Fall Preorder + Paper Temples Summer Samples
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In-Person Guest: Mark Garland, sales rep extraordinaire
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Discounts:
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20% off all in-store and online Cynthia Ashby and Paper Temples
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20% off preorders (paid in full)
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Come ready to explore, try on, and preorder the pieces that speak to you. This is the only time you’ll have access to the full fall Cynthia Ashby collection—and Paper Temples summer pieces are just as rare.
We can’t wait to see you.
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Shop with us this weekend and celebrate the best of American design.