Believe it or not, our May cover girl has fear of heights. Like most of us who tend to always stick at a steady platform, Rocio avoids going to high places. But then again for a 24-year-old model turned bag designer who’s slowly making waves in the global fashion scene, she’s taking the big challenge of her lifetime and that is reaching new heights and she isn’t feeling shaky after all.

Being a fashion lover foremost, Rocio naturally followed her flair for style. That led her to pursue bag designing four years ago. She, along with business partners Hamish Menzies and Tessa Nepomuceno, set up Rocio Ltd., a fashion-forward label that produces chic clutch bags made of native materials like the Acacia adorned with luxe items like Swarovski crystals, pearls and engravings.

Actually Rocio Ltd. first started with a small idea, the label rapidly grew and is now gaining popularity among fashion denizens from the world beyond. So far, it was featured in top international fashion magazines such as Vogue UK, British Elle, Grazia, Elle Japan, German Vogue and top publications in the Middle East and Russia. And the evening bags are also being sold to stores such as Liberty (in London), Fortnum and Masons, Isetan in Japan, Penelope in Milan, Charles Jourdan in Amsterdam, Etoile in Dubai, KixBox in Moscow, Atmosphere in Monte Carlo, La Basilica in Barcelona, Flair in Berlin, Fabienna Felvigne in Belgium, Pam Jenkins in Edinburgh, Carouzos in Greece and L’eclaireur in Paris.

Rocio admitted that she had no formal studies in terms of bag designing but what inspired her to create her iconic masterpieces are her travels and the people around her. Perhaps, it had also something to do with being exposed in the fashion industry at such a young age which also set her foundation to this endeavor.

“I would say the greatest fulfillments of being a bag designer is just knowing that people do love and appreciate your work. Definitely, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Rocio professed.

Aside from bag designing, she also enjoys being a model. But more than the glitz and glamour plus the perks that being a model can acquire. She also appreciates all the learnings she have gathered over the years in front of the camera.

She shared her thoughts on modeling, “I love all the artistic elements involved—the styling, the mood that is being captured on film, the visions of the director and photographer. But most of all, I love the fashion.” Looking up to the likes of supermodels like Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista, Rocio’s intensity shows in her eyes.

On a lighter note, Rocio still has some free time in between her rigorous routines like traveling back and forth to Paris, Madrid and Rome attending fashion fairs. She also values her time when she’s in her headquarters spending some bonding moments with her family and friends.

“My favorite past time is relaxing at home with my family. I used to go out much more but now I really enjoy a quiet night in with my friends or when I’m in the mood to groove, I usually go to Martinis or The Fort,” she excitedly said. Of course, she’s still entitled to de-stress once in a while, dance her favorite tune like Madonna’s Get Into The Groove like no one’s watching and enjoy her fave vodka tonic.

But when it comes back to work mode again, Rocio can be super focused with her chosen career. Right now, she’s has no plans for the summer but to work. She has just launched a new label together with fellow designer Rosanna Ocampo called Orro. Also, Rocio will be spending most of her time finishing the new 2011 spring/summer collection of Rocio, which will premiere in London and Paris Fashion Week this September. Hectic much? This girl doesn’t mind the load that she has to fulfill.

Probably after that, she’ll be very much available to go to her next dream destination- Nairobi, Kenya. Surely, Rocio’s gonna get more ideas for her next bag collection. Well, we will just all look forward when that time comes. And it’ll be sooner than you can imagine.

Check out Rocio’s bag collection at www.rociobags.com.

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