Photo by John-Paul Pietrus
Vogue Philippines will host another Vogue Talks featuring Francis de Lara creative director and fashion photographer John-Paul Pietrus and JMA Jewelry’s Suzette Ayson.
On February 8 at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, Vogue Philippines will return with Vogue Talks, its ongoing series of artist talks that connects emerging Filipino creatives with industry experts. For its sixth iteration, fashion photographer and Francis de Lara creative director John-Paul Pietrus is joined by JMA Jewelry owner Jesusa “Suzette” M. Ayson for a conversation on craft and creativity. In their fields of photography and jewelry design, one thing they might share is their years of honing a tasteful eye.
For one, Pietrus had always been drawn to the vibrancy of the creative industry, and most especially toward fashion. He began the foray into his creative pursuits as a news photographer in Hong Kong, finding a penchant for dynamic compositions in editorial and commercial fashion photography. It eventually led him to London, where he presently resides, using fashion as a lens through which to view compelling narratives and themes. Since then, Pietrus has added creative director and jewelry designer to his growing list of multi-hyphenate titles, founding the world’s first high jewelry-eyewear house Francis de Lara in 2016.
Ayson’s own love of craft, on the other hand, was passed down onto her through a family tradition of diamonds. She grew up with this intrinsic fascination for precious stones and fine jewelry, but always saw them in a different light; her brand JMA Jewelry was founded on the idea that diamonds encapsulate cherished moments in time. Ayson extends this sense of intimacy with her ever-growing network of clientele, whom she herself calls “family.”
In a two-hour-long session spanning both of their talks and a question and answer segment, Pietrus and Ayson will talk about photography, their shared love of jewelry design, and how to build your brand as a creative and entrepreneur. To hear their insight in person, secure your spot for the upcoming Vogue Talks by getting a 3-month subscription, exclusively available on shop.vogue.ph.
