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The modish mother-daughter duo gush about their love of pearls and their endearment for each other
The inseparable, kindred bond of Joanna Preysler Francisco and her daughter Monica Dizon is one deeply tied by their many shared passions, with family, fitness, and fashion among the top on the list. “Monica and I are very close and have a running commentary with each other all day, every day! Whether it be about our real-time location, what we are eating or wearing, or what workout we are doing, we are so deeply connected,” Joanna shares. “I have learned from Monica to embrace my body, to recognise all the work I have put into training and working out, to celebrate everything about my physicality and age—and this has translated into my being more confident.”
See also: International Women’s Day 2022: We Asked 4 Strong Women, “Why Do You Train?”
As a seasoned designer-entrepreneur, this art of self-expression is practically second nature for Joanna. She says she’s always had fun with styling herself and never takes it too seriously. “I do the ‘high-low’ a lot… mixing and matching, always taking proportions into consideration, and I'm always mindful of where I am going or who I am seeing. After all, part of being well put together is also being appropriately dressed,” she muses. “What I wear is as important to me as the energy I project. Both speak volumes about who I am as a first impression when I enter a room.”
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It goes without saying that this love for fashion is one of the many things she has imparted to Monica. “My mum is my ultimate style icon! She can make any outfit look chic and elevated without even trying,” enthuses the young spin instructor and marketing manager of Saddle Row. “Our styles can be completely different but we do catch ourselves unintentionally matching so many times. Even if we have completely different body types and aesthetics, it’s funny how in sync we can be, too.”
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Usually opting for comfort and ease, Monica admits that her personal style is more laid-back. “That being said, I do believe it’s incredibly important to dress appropriately for an occasion. I’ve always been taught that it’s respect for the people you’re showing up for,” she relays. “I naturally gravitate toward more timeless and staple pieces that I can style in multiple ways. I prefer changing it up with subtle accessories and jewellery to elevate a look.” On the other hand, Joanna attests that her own approach to accessorising isn’t so different: “I do insist on certain key pieces to bring my look together. Touchstones of my look, so to speak. A bag perhaps, or a piece of jewellery, that will up the ante of my ensemble.”
See also: Camille Co-Koro Shows How You Can Style Your Pearls with Every Outfit
Both donning Jewelmer’s golden south sea pearls as they recently posed for Tatler, the stylish mother and daughter bear testament to this shared credo. “I love pieces with a story or a history. I love backstories and respecting the process behind the product,” Joanna remarks of the stunning gems, likening them to the works of art she continues to hold a torch for through ventures she has established with her husband, art collector and entrepreneur Raul Francisco, such as Provenance Art Gallery and 8Rooms Creative Space.
In their unique yet harmonious outfits, the renowned jewellery atelier’s creations simply shine with their merit—and it is definitely one as exquisitely rare and remarkable as Monica and Joanna’s beautiful relationship. “Just like art, jewellery is a form of self-expression. Something so highly personal and subjective. A lot of what I own takes me back to a specific time or place, just like the emotion art would stir up in me,” Monica shares. “Pearls are a sentimental heirloom because of their timelessness and the memories they evoke. I’m brought back to thoughts of my mom, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother. Each of these women had a way of wearing their pearls that was uniquely theirs.”
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Almost unsurprisingly, Joanna’s own string of memories tethered to these lasting gems is so akin to Monica’s, and it is even more telling of their innate connection. “When one wears pearls, they are close to the skin. Many times [just like in my late grandmother’s case], I feel she is close to me when I catch a whiff of the pearls she would wear daily,” she reveals. “I think they are so personal and special. They should go from mother to daughter or sister. Pearls are as classic and timeless as the bond between mother and daughter.”
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There is no doubt that Joanna and Monica’s profound affection for each other is rooted in strong familial values as well as an ambient admiration and respect for one another. Their infectious smiles, interests, and love simply beam as radiant as the intricate homegrown treasures they wear—there is just nothing quite like it. With their carefree style and inspiring zest for life, Joanna and Monica live out an important lesson we might all care to learn: how to cultivate one’s own beauty and let it shine onto others as well.
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Credits
Photography: Jan Mayo
Make-Up: Johnson Estrella
Hair: Moriel Flores
Production: Isabel Martel Francisco, Nick Valera, Bianca Simeon
Jewellery: Jewelmer
Location: 8Rooms Creative Space
Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
