The story behind the Ako Family

For as long as we can remember we have always loved the ocean. The waves, the sand and the food. It has always been a part of us, and we have spent endless hours by the shore. It’s where we go to reset, to feel both grounded and free.

Whenever Cala Jade's founder and designer Tina and Elise are travelling, they gravitate towards seafood – especially fresh oysters and a classic bowl of spaghetti alle vongole. In 2021, as a new collection began to take shape, their research led them to Japan. They looked to the small coastal town of Ako, known for its deep connection to the sea and tradition of oyster cultivation.

Nature has always been one of our greatest inspirations – the way time and tides shape the world around us, turning rough edges into something smooth and beautiful. The Ako Family was born from this philosophy, drawing from the soft, eroded curves of an oyster shell, sculpted by the sea. Shaped by tides and time. 

And, of course, where it all started – we never say no to fresh oysters. Briny, delicate, and best enjoyed with good company by the sea.

Nami - wave: named after mighty waves that gently shape objects by tides and time.

Masago - sand: reflects the soft grains that shift with the tides.

Kai loafers - ocean: smooth as a sea breeze, fresh as an oyster shot.

Ako belts: carries the spirit of the sea in its name.

The coastal town of Ako in Japan is famous for its creamy, flavorful oysters—grown in Sakoshi Bay where nutrient-rich waters from nearby forests and rivers create the perfect conditions. It's a hidden gem for seafood lovers and a place where the sea truly shapes the local way of life.