María Isabel Preysler Arrastía began her career as a journalist for the Spanish magazine ¡Hola! in 1970, where her inaugural interview featured the singer Julio Iglesias. Since that initial assignment, she has established a career as a television presenter, model, and brand ambassador, becoming a fixture in Spanish media and high-profile social circles.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1951 in Manila, Philippines, Preysler was the third of six children. Her father, Carlos Preysler y Pérez de Tagle, served as the executive director of Philippine Airlines and held a position on the board of the Bank of the Philippine Islands. Her mother, María Beatriz Arrastía y Reinares, owned a real estate firm. Preysler attended the Assumption Convent, a private Catholic school. In her youth, she engaged in beauty pageants and charity events for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. She moved to Madrid to reside with relatives and enrolled at the Irish institution Mary Ward College, where she studied accounting.
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Preysler transitioned from journalism to hosting television programs, including the 1984 show Hoy en Casa. Beyond broadcasting, she has served as a primary spokesmodel for various international brands, including Ferrero Rocher, Suárez jewelry, Manolo Blahnik, Chrysler, and Porcelanosa. Her work with Porcelanosa included a 2006 campaign alongside George Clooney. Her influence in media and style led readers of ¡Hola! to vote her the most elegant woman in Spain during 1991, 2002, 2006, and 2007.
Philanthropy and Public Recognition
In 2006, Preysler received the Women Together Award, recognizing her philanthropic contributions to the United Nations. She holds the distinction of being the first woman of Filipino descent to receive this honor. Her public activities have often intersected with royal and international events, such as her appearances as a guest of honor at Clarence House and the Chelsea Flower Show, where she participated in the opening of Prince Charles' Spanish Garden in 2001.
Family and Personal History
Preysler married Julio Iglesias in 1971, with whom she had three children: María Isabel, Julio José, and Enrique Miguel. Her second marriage was to Carlos Falcó, 5th Marquess of Griñón, from 1980 to 1985, during which time she held the title of Marchioness of Griñón; the couple had one daughter, Tamara Isabel. Her third marriage was to the former Spanish finance minister Miguel Boyer, with whom she had one daughter, Ana Boyer Preysler. She later entered a relationship with Mario Vargas Llosa that lasted from 2015 to 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Manila
- Citizenship: Philippines
- Religion: Catholicism
- Marquess of Griñón: 1980-1985
- Children: María Isabel, Julio José, Enrique Miguel, Tamara Isabel, Ana Boyer
- Languages: Spanish, English, Tagalog
Questions readers ask
What professional positions has Isabel Preysler held?
She has worked as a journalist, television presenter, model, and brand ambassador, as well as holding the title of Marquess of Griñón between 1980 and 1985.
Did she receive any awards for her work?
Yes, in 2006 she was a recipient of the Women Together Award for her philanthropic contributions to the United Nations.
