Fashion

"Moana" Star Catherine Laga'aia Wears Filipino Designer Vania Romoff

For the film's Tokyo press stop, the live-action Moana actress stepped out in Vania's signature pieces!

Em Enriquez

by Em Enriquez

Published on Jul 23, 2026

"Moana" actress Catherine Laga'aia in Vania Romoff in Tokyo"Moana" actress Catherine Laga'aia in Vania Romoff in Tokyo

The Disney princess Moana finds her live-action counterpart in Australian-Samoan actress Catherine Laga'aia. Now showing in cinemas worldwide, the story of the courageous wayfinder is retold with Catherine playing the titular character and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprising his role as the demi-god Maui.

Mirroring their characters' journey to reclaim the heart of Te Fiti, the duo has been traveling the world to meet with fans and members of the press. On their most recent stop in Tokyo, Japan, the real-life Moana was spotted wearing an ensemble by Filipino designer Vania Romoff.

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"Moana" Actress Catherine Laga'aia in Vania Romoff

Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn, Catherine wore a pairing of Vania Romoff's signature designs. She donned the hand-smocked Camisa top, crafted from delicate piña fabric, paired with the tiered sheer Penny skirt. The monochromatic ensemble subtly echoed Moana's coastal setting through its use of natural fibers and fluid silhouettes. To let the look take center stage, Catherine kept her styling minimal, pairing the ensemble with simple strappy heels and wearing her curls in a sleek bun.

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Photos from Instagram/vaniaromoff
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The Exact Vania Romoff Pieces Catherine Laga'aia Wore

Suffice it to say, Catherine was an absolute vision as she appeared before the Asian press. (Fun fact: Moana marks her feature film debut.) Her head-to-toe Vania Romoff look was quintessentially the designer, with the reimagined Camisa top serving as one of the label's most recognizable signatures. It's likely that Catherine wore a custom version, as the style is consistently sold out thanks to its feminine appeal and everyday versatility.


The good news is that you can shop the exact Penny skirt she wore through the label's official website. Frilly, airy, and undeniably romantic, the silk organza piece can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It retails for P17,500.

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Penny Skirt in Nude, P17,500, VANIA ROMOFF, vaniaromoff.ph.
Em Enriquez

Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.

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