All about the enthralling life of Philippine-born Spanish style icon who captured the hearts — and imagination — of a nation
The name Isabel Preysler is a constant on the tips of Spanish tongues. The socialite, who has roots in the Philippines, is a darling in high society. As someone who's constantly photographed rubbing elbows with the likes of Prince Charles, George Clooney, and the Beckhams, she's become something of a luminary. And even at 69, Preysler has yet to slow down. A constant jetsetter, an advocate, and a style icon, the mother of five is often beheld for her youthful looks, timeless grace, and svelte figure.
As a young woman, Preysler's lifestyle had already been a constant source of intrigue. Her family background could be partly to blame; her father, Carlos Preysler, was an executive at both Philippine Airlines and later on, at the Bank of the Philippine Islands. Her mother, Beatriz Arrastia, was the daughter of the wealthiest landowner in Lubao, Pampanga for a time. Descending from a rich history of Spanish landowners and entrepreneurs, Preysler's life was set to be just as vibrant as her ancestry.
Nicknamed La Reina de Corazones (“The Queen of Hearts”) and La Perla de Manila (“The Pearl of Manila”), Preysler's beauty draws many admirers. As a young woman, she'd made waves as a teenage model and beauty queen, pursuing her studies at Assumption Convent before being sent away to Spain by her parents. The story goes that as a teenager, Preysler had fallen in love with would-be environmentalist, Junie Kalaw, a reputed playboy at the time. Her parents, not too keen to have their daughter with him, had sent her to Madrid to keep them apart.
Read also: Baby Araneta Forés: The Legendary Philippine Style Icon
The romance, eventually fizzling out from the distance, was overshadowed by Preysler's new life in Europe. Having finished university in the United Kingdom, Preysler returned to Madrid and became a constant in high society Madrileño circles. Around this time, at a party organised by Tomás Terry, she met and fell in love with her first husband, Julio Iglesias, who became one of the most iconic singers of his generation. The union brought three children: Julio Iglesias Jr., Enrique Iglesias, and Chabeli Iglesias. The three would eventually forge their own paths as prominent musicians and media personalities, with the two sons following in the footsteps of their father. Chabeli, their only daughter, is now a journalist.
After the Iglesias-Preysler divorce in 1979, Preysler found herself in love with a new man; this time, it was Carlos Falcó who was also the fifth Marquess of Griñón. The Preysler-Falcó union brought one child, fashion designer, Tamara Falcó.
In her time as Marchioness, Preysler attended high society events befitting royalty. At the same time, she was also working for media — as a journalist for ¡Hola! and as a host on "Hoy en Casa" in Spain.
Read also: In Conversation: Eight Empowered Women Speak On The Challenges They Face In The 21st Century