Redefining Grace

L’Officiel: Pia, you’ve evolved from Miss Universe into a true global force as a model, actress, entrepreneur, and advocate. What does it mean to you to represent the modern Filipina on the world stage, and how has your sense of identity evolved along the way?

Pia Jauncey: It really means a lot. I think the modern Filipina today is confident, strong, and knows what she wants…but she’s also kind and grounded. I love being able to show that side of us to the world. I’ve grown so much since my Miss Universe days. Back then, I thought being “representative” meant being fitting into a certain mold, almost being perfect all the time. Now, I realize it’s about being real. It’s about showing your growth, your struggles, especially your values…and the things that make you who you are. That’s what makes it authentic.

You’ve been in the public eye for years, yet you continue to embrace your individuality with grace. How do you stay authentic while constantly being watched, celebrated, and sometimes even defined by others?

It’s definitely a learning process. When you’ve been in the spotlight for a while, it’s easy to get caught up in what people expect from you. But I’ve learned to just focus on my “why.” Why I do what I do, who I do it for, and what makes me genuinely happy. I’ve also learned to tune out the noise. At the end of the day, I’m just Pia! I love my work, I love my family. I love the people who really know me…who keep me grounded, and that helps me stay true to myself no matter what’s happening around me.

You’re a regular at international fashion weeks and a muse to many houses. Which fashion moments feel most defining for you and how has your personal style evolved from your early pageant days to the confident woman you are now?

Oh, there are so many moments that stand out! My first L’Oréal runway in Paris will always be special. It was such a big moment for me because it felt like stepping into a new chapter. I remember being so nervous but also really proud. Since then, I’ve learned to enjoy fashion in a different way. My style has also grown with me. During pageants, everything had to be super polished. Big hair, full glam, everything perfect. Now, I love looks that are a bit more relaxed but still feel strong and feminine. I like structure, clean lines, a little drama when it’s needed. But always something that feels me. I also love the fittings, meeting the designers behind the scenes and getting to know their process…but I also love seeing the full finished product at shows, like a culminating thing for all the genius and hard work. The rush between shows and events is also like creative fuel and adrenaline for me. It pushes me and I love that feeling where I’m challenged to express myself with the way I dress, to think fast, and be on the go.

Fashion seems to tell different stories depending on where you are. Do you find that your style changes when you’re in Dubai, Manila, or Paris? And how do you use fashion to express what you’re feeling or the story you want to tell at that moment?

Definitely! I feel like I dress based on where I am and what the energy is. II love that sense of elegance and opulence — strong, confident, statement looks. In Manila, I’m usually more relaxed. Comfy, or sometimes a bit playful. And in Paris, I always go for that chic, effortless vibe. I’m sure many would agree that there’s just something about that city that makes you want to dress up for yourself. They say I’m always in neutrals, black usually, but isn’t black such a powerful color? You can dress it up and down and it’s always a statement. For me, fashion is really about mood. It’s how I express how I’m feeling that day. Sometimes I want to be powerful and make a statement, other times I just want to feel easy and comfortable. And color sometimes makes me feel that way. It’s my way of storytelling. Without having to say anything.

You and Jeremy share such a strong partnership, both personally and creatively. How do you support each other’s dreams while balancing the demands of work, travel, and life together and what has marriage taught you about love and self-growth?

We really try to support each other in everything. We both have busy schedules and big goals, so it’s about finding balance and making sure we’re still connected. Sometimes that means traveling together, sometimes it’s just staying home, working out together, ordering out… Marriage has taught me that love isn’t always the big, cinematic moments. It’s the little things, the everyday stuff. Communication, patience, showing up for each other. It’s also taught me that you keep growing. Individually and together. We push each other to be better, and that’s something I really treasure. We’re a team. In work, in love, in life.