by Mira W.
Inspired by her Italian heritage, Aza Ziegler, the visionary founder and designer of Calle Del Mar, has dedicated herself to infusing each piece of her luxury brand with the essence of family tradition and the meticulous art of handcrafted knitting. Calle Del Mar’s true essence is in the legacy of hand-knitted blankets that Aza inherited from her beloved great-grandmother—a woman whose passion for knitting transcended generations, weaving love and warmth into every stitch.
At Vanity Teen, we really believe that now more than ever, the principles of slow fashion are vital to combat the environmental damage and ethical issues caused by the fast fashion industry. This movement emphasizes producing, purchasing, and wearing garments that are sustainable, high-quality, and long-lasting—making a conscious decision to prioritize style that endures over fleeting trends. Slow fashion drastically reduces landfill waste, supports fair wages for workers, and promotes a mindful approach to our wardrobes. That’s why, on our radar today is Calle Del Mar, because embodies these ideals, offering timeless pieces that honor craftsmanship without compromising the planet or the people who create them.
The Spring/Summer 2026 collection promises to be a stunning tribute to Aza’s lineage while also exploring new creative horizons. This collection is a celebration of intricate details, vibrant textures, and innovative techniques—each crochet piece demanding up to 80 hours of handwork, showcasing the dedication and skill of the artisans behind it. With a color palette inspired by the sun-dappled shores of Italy, the collection features rich pastel tones aptly named Custard, Primrose, and Suede, perfectly embodying the gentle warmth and ethereal beauty of summer. Characterized by its exploration of new knitting techniques, the Spring/Summer 2026 is highlighting playful motifs that evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to Aza’s family heirlooms. From checker patterns to handkerchief-inspired designs, each garment reflects the intimate relationship between memory and fashion. The collection includes a stunning array of separates—shirts, pants, and skirts—that can be styled individually or as matching sets, allowing for versatility and personal expression in daily wardrobes. One standout piece returning this season is the Heirloom set, which is a heartfelt homage to Aza’s own wedding day. This unique ensemble was inspired by a crocheted cotton poplin top and bloomers gifted to her by her mother, which once belonged to Aza’s great-grandmother. In this new collection, this beloved design is rejuvenated with a personalized nameplate reading “CDM,” symbolizing the continuity of family history and the evolution of a cherished legacy.
Among the exciting innovations in the Spring/Summer 2026 lineup is Calle Del Mar‘s first halter silhouette, expertly crafted from a structured viscose-Lycra blend designed to offer a shapewear-like fit. The pop-stripe halter top harmoniously recalls the spirited designs of 1950s beachwear, especially when paired with matching mini shorts that evoke the carefree glamour of summer adventures. Additionally, vintage-inspired car motifs breathe life into crewnecks and cardigans, crafted from lightweight cashmere perfect for warmer months, further illustrating Aza’s knack for infusing her designs with a sense of nostalgia and fun.
Calle Del Mar’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection is a commitment to sustainability, with production remaining local to California. Most garments are handmade within a 30-mile radius of the studio in collaboration with female-run workshops, emphasizing the importance of community and ethical practices. The meticulous artisanal work invested in each piece highlights Aza’s dedication to craftsmanship and her vision of creating thoughtful, high-quality fashion that stands the test of time. With a growing celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Emma Chamberlain, Halle Bailey, Jennifer Aniston, and Zoë Saldaña, Calle Del Mar quietly stands at the intersection of heritage and modernity, captivating hearts with its unique mix of art and sustainability. Read below our exclusive interview with Aza Ziegler for Vanity Teen:
Dear Aza, welcome to Vanity Teen. Calle Del Mar is deeply influenced by your family heritage. Can you elaborate on how the knitted blankets inherited from your great-grandmother and the traditions of craftsmanship passed down through generations shape your brand’s identity and design philosophy?
I grew up surrounded by women who created with their hands—knitting, sewing, crocheting– those traditions were passed down almost like a language. I inherited crochet blankets, handmade clothes from my great-grandmother, my grandmother, my mother, I’ve always felt connected to the women in my family through those objects. These pieces carry so much intention, care, and personality—and that spirit is really the foundation of the brand. I’m always thinking about how to translate that feeling into something modern: garments that feel personal, lived-in, and meaningful, but also refined and relevant today. It’s less about replicating the past and more about honoring it—carrying that craftsmanship forward in a new way.
In the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, you explore themes of nostalgia and memory. How does this collection reflect your personal experiences and familial influences, and what specific elements—such as colors, motifs, and knitting techniques—do you use to evoke these emotions?
The Spring/Summer 2026 collection is very much about memory—how certain colors, textures, and garments can transport you back to a feeling or a place. A lot of that comes from my upbringing in California and from making things with my mom and grandmother.
There’s a softness and ease in the palette—sun-washed tones, faded brights, and warm neutrals that feel nostalgic. I have had an early habit of collecting vintage sports jerseys, each made of viscose, which also help lay the foundation for Calle Del Mar’s signature materiality. That same fascination with movement informed pieces of this collection inspired by the precision and velocity of 1950s automobile racing. Reimagined in premium cashmere and viscose, the result is an assortment designed for a life in motion. Each style is produced with intention so it can be chosen with the quiet confidence that it will never go out of style, for things of quality have no fear of time.
”It’s really about capturing emotion—pieces that feel like they’ve always been part of your life.” – Aza Ziegler
Sustainability and ethical production seem to be fundamental for Calle Del Mar. What specific steps do you take to ensure responsible practices in your manufacturing process, including the use of small-batch production and collaboration with family-run workshops in California?
Sustainability for us is less about a label and more about a way of working. We focus on thoughtful, small-batch production and maintaining close relationships with the people who make our garments. Much of our production happens within a tight radius of our studio in California, working with family- and women-run workshops. That proximity allows us to be deeply involved in every step—reducing waste, refining details, and ensuring quality. We also work with mills that share our values and prioritize long-lasting materials and responsible processes like recycled water systems and yarn reuse. For us, the most sustainable thing we can make is something people truly love and keep for a long time.
The Heirloom set in your collection has significant personal importance. Can you share the story behind this piece and how it symbolizes the connection between past and present, as well as your commitment to honoring family traditions through modern design?
The Heirloom set is one of the most personal pieces I’ve created. It was inspired by crocheted undergarments my great-grandmother made for her wedding day, which my mom gifted to me on my own wedding day. That moment felt incredibly powerful—this object moving through generations, carrying memory and meaning. When I reinterpreted it, I wasn’t trying to recreate it exactly, but to capture its spirit and translate it into something that felt like me. Many of the pieces my great grandmother made were crocheted designs attached to crisp cotton, made from old bed sheets and such. This idea of reuse, turning no longer needed items into something beautiful and collectable. It really symbolizes what Calle Del Mar is about: honoring where we come from while creating pieces that carry that history forward.
Your background in fashion styling complements your role as a designer. How do you integrate your personal style and artistic vision into Calle Del Mar’s collections and lookbooks to create a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience?
Styling is a natural extension of how I design. My collections always begin with a narrative—memories, vintage references, family archives—and styling allows me to fully realize that world and share the story of a collection with our customer. Because I’m both designing and styling, I can create a complete story—from the garment itself to how it’s worn and experienced. I think about how pieces live in real life, how they move, and how people make them their own.
”It’s about creating a visual language that feels cohesive, emotional, and immersive.” – Aza Ziegler
You source your yarn from family-run mills in Italy, which are known for their exceptional quality. How do these carefully chosen materials enhance the craftsmanship of your garments, and how do they contribute to your brand’s overall aesthetic and sustainability efforts?
Working with family-run mills in Italy (amongst other countries) has been essential to achieving the level of quality and feeling we’re after. Our signature viscose, for example, was developed to replicate the durability and silkiness I found in vintage garments but couldn’t find in modern yarns. These mills bring generations of knowledge to the process, which shows in the drape, texture, and longevity of the garments. It also allows us to develop materials with intention rather than relying on what’s readily available.
The materials are really the foundation of the brand—they define both the aesthetic and integrity of each. The mills we work with are very committed to the earth and reducing footprint wherever possible, or being thoughtful about water usage and dyes. We’re very lucky to have their support in realizing our vision, but also to help them realize theirs.
With a growing celebrity clientele, such as Emma Chamberlain and Halle Bailey, how has this visibility impacted Calle Del Mar’s presence in the fashion industry, and what role do these endorsements play in shaping your brand’s future direction and designs?
It’s been incredibly special to see people like Emma Chamberlain and more connect with the brand. I think what resonates is the emotion behind the pieces—the nostalgia, the playfulness, and how they feel on the body. That visibility has helped introduce Calle Del Mar to a wider audience, but it hasn’t changed how I design. If anything, it reinforces that staying true to our point of view is what draws people in. It’s less about endorsement and more about genuine connection.
Calle Del Mar emphasizes artisan craftsmanship, with some of your pieces requiring up to 80 hours to create. How does this level of craftsmanship affect your pricing strategy, and what has been the customer response to the value of such labor-intensive pieces?
Some of our pieces are incredibly labor-intensive, and that level of craftsmanship is reflected in the price. These aren’t fast-fashion garments—they’re made slowly, with care, by skilled artisans. We’re very transparent about that, and I think our customers understand and appreciate it. They’re investing in something meant to last and be loved over time. A piece of art, an item they plan to keep forever and pass down. There’s a growing appreciation for pieces that carry real value—both in how they’re made and how they feel. It’s important to us to make things, the way they were intended to be made. The beauty shines through.
In the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, you incorporate unique patterns like checker motifs and floral designs. Can you discuss your creative process behind these patterns and how they relate to both contemporary fashion trends and your personal narratives?
Our patterns often begin with something very personal—vintage textiles, family heirlooms, or even a single stitch from my great-grandmother’s work. Our teaparty set for example came from an inherited piece of crochet made by my great grandmother. From there, it’s about reinterpreting those elements in a way that feels fresh. Checker motifs, florals, and pointelle patterns all come from that dialogue between past and present. I’m not really thinking about trends—I’m thinking about emotion and instinct. When something is rooted in authenticity, it naturally resonates with the moment.
What is your vision for the brand’s future? What goals do you have for expanding your collections while remaining true to the values of craftsmanship and sustainability?
My vision is to continue growing Calle Del Mar in a way that feels intentional and aligned with our values. That means expanding globally, exploring new product categories, new family run mills, factories, workshops and even moving into lifestyle and hospitality- places that evoke feeling not just garment but always with the same focus on craftsmanship and thoughtful production. Growth, for me, is about deepening what we already do, widening its audience, building its world intentionally and not rushing it.
How do you approach the challenge of blending modern aesthetics with traditional knitting and sewing techniques in your collections, and what innovations or adaptations have you introduced to keep the designs fresh and appealing?
A lot of our innovation comes through silhouette and materiality—taking something traditional and reimagining it in a way that feels current both through how it feels, the luxury of its material and how it fits.
Calle Del Mar’s story revolves around creating new heirlooms while honoring the past. What do you believe constitutes a contemporary heirloom in fashion, and how do you aspire to redefine this concept for future generations through your work?
To me, a contemporary heirloom is something that carries both emotional and physical longevity. It’s not just about durability, it’s about memory and meaning. What evokes so much emotion that a person must have it? What does it evoke in them? I want Calle Del Mar pieces to be worn, lived in, and eventually passed down—becoming part of someone’s story. Redefining heirloom today is about creating pieces that aren’t disposable, but deeply valued.
A note to your future self.
”Follow your instincts, stay close to what feels right, even when things grow and change. Don’t lose the slowness, the curiosity, or the joy of making. And remember—the most meaningful things you’ve built have always come from a place of feeling, not pressure.” – Aza Ziegler
Follow CALLE DEL MAR HERE
Website: https://www.calledelmar.us/