Meet CALA By Rocio Zobel, The Resortwear Line Bringing Craft To The Coast

CALA, Rocio Zobel’s much-anticipated resortwear line, channels the textures, traditions, and coastal ease of Calatagan into its first collection.

CALA by Rocio takes its name from Calatagan, the Batangas coastal town where farmland and shoreline exist side by side. That balance informs the identity of the highly-anticipated resortwear label, founded by Lifestyle Asia‘s very own April 2025 cover star Rocio Zobel, whose personal style and interest in Filipino craftsmanship shape the brand’s direction from the outset.

This May, Rocio hosted media and friends at her home for the launch of Likha, CALA’s debut collection. Named after her family farm in Calatagan, the line draws from Filipino craft traditions while translating them into contemporary resortwear. The collection is centered around materiality and construction, featuring shells, bamboo wood, beadwork, and locally sourced elements throughout.

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How CALA Uses Craft As Foundation

Made in the Philippines, Likha favors tactile detailing without feeling overly decorative. Crocheted bikini sets and one-pieces form the core of the collection, designed for relaxed days by the beach. Several pieces incorporate cowrie shell embellishments, while others feature hand-finished beading that references Filipino weaving and artisanal techniques.

Among the standout pieces is the Gumamela in red, finished with floral detailing across the brassiere. The Diwa, a blush pink set, features delicate cowrie shell accents, while the Narra arrives in butter yellow with intricate beaded details.

Where CALA Resortwear Is Available

For now, CALA exists primarily through its page on Instagram, where its campaign imagery was released ahead of the launch. Shot on location in Calatagan, the visuals reinforce the brand’s point of reference. Sunlit coastlines, natural textures, and a sense of ease that seems to align with Rocio’s own approach to dressing. The pieces will soon be available on CALA’s website, which will officially launch at the end of May 2026.

With Likha, CALA enters the local resortwear space with a clear point of view. Rather than treating Filipino craft as ornament, the collection integrates it directly into the design process through materials, technique, and production.