like mother, like daughter
On this month’s cover, mother-daughter tandem, Andi and Olivia Reyes, debut their exclusive collection for ZALORA just in time
for Mother’s Day.

With everything that’s going on, waking up healthy and safe while being with our loved ones mean so much more, now than ever. As for our favorite mother-daughter duo, Andi and Olivia, this new life in quarantine has taught them to cherish and make every moment count while doing their part to help out the community in their own ways. Be it through Olivia’s sweet messages and prayers for all our frontliners or putting together #ProjectProverbs to help out orphaned and abandoned Filipino children, the family is doing what they can to bring positivity and support the best way they can.

This month’s cover is a sweet tribute to all our mothers who do their best each day as we face these uncertain and challenging times. As we put the spotlight on our supermoms to kick off Mother’s Day, read on to get to know our mother-daughter duo on another level as Andi talks about how they are keeping up with the situation, the many lessons that she learned in quarantine, while also walking us through their exclusive mommy-and-me collection now available on ZALORA.

New Normal
How has quarantine been for you and the family?

Although the situation is a pretty tough one in general, we’ve managed to make it a very meaningful time for us. We were truly able to enjoy and appreciate each other’s company. We have been cooking, baking, homeschooling, swimming, gardening, doing arts and crafts, and just simply spending time with each other. In spite of it all, I will cherish these moments and I am very grateful.

What has been the most challenging part for you ever since the ECQ started?

I think it would be selfish to say that simple things such as finding a routine, homeschooling, grocery shopping are challenging, when there are frontliners risking their lives out there, and putting their lives on the line for us.

In our own ways, we try to help as much as we can. My husband’s businesses have been preparing and sending food to the frontliners, and my sisters and I started a project called @ProjectProverbs where we donate to different orphanages.

How have you been keeping yourself and the kids busy/productive?

The kids keep me busy. There’s so much to do. I involve them in all of the activities and the chores at home. This is the best time to really bond with them and get to know them without any distractions. We have a routine at home that has been working for us.

How do you guys plan to celebrate Mothers’ Day while staying home?

It’s Mother’s Day already? Haha! Nothing grand. Olivia will probably make me a note, GP will write me a sweet letter, and Amelia will be her cute self and that already is the perfect way to spend it.

With everything that has been happening, what has ECQ taught you?

Where do I begin, It has taught me to love more. To love NOW with no hesitation.
It has taught me to be brave—to face the future and have faith.
It has taught me to be grateful—for every waking day and the small things. That life is short.
It has taught me to go back to basics—family. How everything really begins at home, and how we need to nourish it.
It taught me to trust—to let go of what I think I can control.
It taught me that this can be an end or a new beginning—to learn and understand our mistakes and come out better.
It taught me to hope—to open my heart and slow down
It taught me courage—that we are stonier than we think and that we are not alone.
It taught me to connect—to be present.
It taught me the important lessons we seem to forget in our every day.

Anything interesting that you learned from being with your kids 24/7 at home?

Patience. Patience. Patience.

Aside from that I learned that Olivia actually loves to study about the outdoors. She started collecting bugs and different insects (we googled how to preserve them), we also started a small garden of vegetables and have been 80% successful with it and that all in all, homeschooling is actually much more fun than I expected! GP might not agree so much. Haha.

All About Andi
How would you describe your style?

“My style is laidback casual. I go for comfortable pieces that allow me to move and do things without having to worry about what I'm wearing. ”

How has your style changed over the years?

“When I was young, I would go with the trends—elephant pants, chunky shoes… I used to take so much time every morning trying to figure out what to wear that day, trying to find the perfect outfit. As I grew up, my style evolved. I simply go for nice-fitting jeans or pants that I can easily wear to any occasion, and classic tops that will outlast all trends. ”

“Don’t feel guilty… You are worth it.” -Andi
Would you say that your style changed when you became a mom?

“When I became a mom, the pieces I wore had to be easy—easy to wear, easy to match, easy to move around with. Always prioritizing comfort. Half of the day, I’m running after my toddler or catching my baby who just learned how to walk. Although I dress up a bit more when I feel like it—but with a baby in tow or when you’re breastfeeding, it’s not always easy. You need to quickly and comfortably access your chest on demand—even in public. "

Any fashion tips for moms out there?

“As a mom, you end up having a basic standard uniform aka your go-to outfit. You can easily lose your sense of personal style, even for fashionista moms. It goes down your list of priorities. Keep in mind that there’s no point in waiting for the moment when your body finally stars to change back to your pre-baby body. Love your body now and learn to embrace everything you dislike about it. Be kind to yourself. Remember, you bore a child!! Dress to suit your new shape and…. DON’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT BUYING YOURSELF CLOTHES. You are worth it."

“But mom, that’s not my color!” -Olivia
Meet Oli
What are pieces you can never make her wear?

“Anything black. Hahaha! She is not a fan of the color. She always gives this look whenever I ask her to wear something black, and she really tells me, “But mom, that’s not my color!”."

We’ve always seen Olivia in the cutest outfits. Does she still allow you to dress her up, or does she choose her own outfits now?

“When she was younger, she would allow me to dress her up; but now that she’s turning five, that little lady has her own sense of style."

How do you shop clothes for Olivia?

“For Olivia, I have to bring her with me so she can help me pick the outfits. She had this phase where it was all about glitters, sequins, and anything pink! She’s a very girly girl—she loves dresses, skirts, and shiny shoes! "

What’s your favorite thing about being a mom to?

“EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! "

Andi+Olivia
What was your inspiration for the collection?

“We based it on making it EASY to wear. Friendly to all body shapes and sizes; and of course, it had to be comfortable. Pieces that you would want to keep forever!"

Can you talk more about the pieces?

“We wanted the pieces to be versatile, and for everyone—catering to moms, soon-to-be-moms, and single women. The fabric had to be breathable and light. Colors had to be flattering for mamas, and fun for kids to mix-and-match with!"

How was Olivia involved in the entire process?

"She helped pick the fabric and colors. She demanded there be pink—lots of them! "

What’s your favorite piece from the entire collection?

"I love the tube top! I feel like it’s so easy to wear—it can be on its own as a dress, with shorts, and even dress it up with pants. It also has a non-slip rubber, so you won’t have to worry about it slipping down! "

What’s Olivia’s favorite piece from the collection?

"She says, “This one, this one… I LOVE EVERYTHING!."


The Andi + Olivia Exclusive Collection is now available on ZALORA.
*This feature was shot before the announcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Creative Direction: Eugene David
Photography: Patrick Diokno
Styling: Rain Dagala and Em Millan
Makeup: Justine Navato
Hair: Brix Batalla
Words: Maan Fernandez
Videography: Alivve
Balloons from The Glass House Balloonery