Our digital cover star Jeanne Grey — top content creator and founder of GREYLAYERS — reflects on heritage, horses, and the art of intention.
For Jeanne Grey, digital cover girl of the latest issue of WanderLuxe Magazine, storytelling has always been an act of belonging — a way of finding her place between cultures, careers, and communities.
Moving from Iloilo City in the Philippines to the fast-paced city of New York left her suspended between worlds. “I wasn’t enough to belong in America, and I wasn’t home anymore where everything was familiar,” she recalls.
Out of that displacement came her first blog on Tumblr — an outlet that grew into GREYLAYERS, and eventually a career bridging luxury fashion, travel, and digital influence. “Looking back, I don’t believe in mistakes. Every detour shaped me into the creator I am today.”
At the center of Grey’s evolution, both personal and professional, is her heritage. “Writing ‘NYC-based Filipina’ in my Instagram bio is a way of honouring where I came from,” she shares. “Filipinos are raised with humility, pride in heritage, and a natural sense of care.”
In 2025, Jeanne returned to Niseko and we chose to shoot her next to horses — an animal she’s had a lifelong connection with. “When you’re on a horse, you can’t be anywhere else but there, fully in the moment,” she reflects. Set against a calming canvas of snow, Grey’s portrait feels almost prophetic ahead of the Lunar Year of the Horse.
Finding the same sense of steadiness on the slopes, she returns for her second winter in Niseko. “The first time was discovery. This time was about depth, slowing down, embracing the rhythm of the mountains, and noticing the details I may have overlooked before.”
Her stays at Niseko Kyo and Corniche chalet reflected that rhythm. “Some of my favourite moments were the simplest ones — having the onsen and sauna to ourselves, watching the sunrise and sunset over Mount Yotei without interruption. It was calm, private, and elevated. The kind of stay where the luxury is found in the quiet and the details.”
Read more: Postcard From Here: Step Inside Jeanne Grey’s Stylish Ski Trip to …
With every return to Hokkaido, Grey’s story weaves deeper into Niseko’s own: one of immersion, intention, and presence. “Niseko reveals itself differently with each visit. That timeless quality is what makes it so compelling.”
Read on for a snow-deep conversation with our digital cover star.
You’ve built a successful career as a tastemaker curating looks and spaces for luxury brands. How do your experiences in the fashion world shape your travel choices?
The way I notice textures, light, and details in fashion is the same way I approach new places. I’m drawn to destinations that feel intentional where design, culture, and atmosphere tell a story. My eye for aesthetics shapes the choices, but the goal is always to create moments that are both beautiful and personal.
As someone who’s always on the go, what are your must-haves for a stylish yet practical trip?
For me it always comes down to balance. I think about layering pieces that work hard but still look elevated. A tailored puffer, a sleek ski suit from Fusalp or Perfect Moment, and good base layers are my foundation.
I like pieces that transition seamlessly from the slopes to après, so I’ll add a cashmere knit, fur coat from my grandmother or a structured coat that feels chic off the mountain. Accessories do the rest, my favourite leather gloves from Hermès, and boots that keep you warm (Moon Boots) without sacrificing style.
My tip is to build your ski look like you’d build any outfit: start with the practical base, then add those finishing touches that feel like you. That’s where function meets style and fun.
Read also: Sandy Ip on Building The Holiday Project and Making Skiwear …
You’ve shared some truly iconic moments from your travels, like skiing down the slopes while sipping a cup of tea during your last trip to Niseko. What tips would you give aspiring influencers on getting great content?
View this post on Instagram
The most memorable moments I’ve shared happened because I wasn’t chasing the camera, I was enjoying the experience. When I’m mindful, the content becomes more authentic. It feels lived, not staged. Show what you feel, not only what you see.
My advice is to find those quiet, unscripted pauses — a sunrise view of Mount Yotei, a tea mid-run, or the way the light hits a mountain peak — and capture them in the moment. These unplanned moments were the ones that did best on social media. These unplanned moments were the ones that did best on social media, too!
Finally, with so many destinations under your belt, what are your dream trips?
South Africa holds a special place for me, and I’d love to return. Sumba in Indonesia is also high on my list. I’ve always wanted to visit the horse sanctuary there. I’m drawn back to Hokkaido as well, my experience with Luxe Nomad has enriched our stay each time. And then the Philippines, my home. I’ve been around the world, yet I’ve seen so little of my own country. Tapping into that culture and reconnecting with my roots is a dream I want to make a reality soon.
Read next: Meet Georgina Wilson-Burnand — Model, Mother and Multihyphenate on the Cover of WanderLuxe