Meet Georgia Pratt, a New Zealand native whose family-filled childhood has fostered nostalgic sentiments. As a clothing maker and model, Georgia often travels for work, carrying with her pieces handed down from her mother and grandmother, serving as lucky charms that offer comfort and a sense of home while away from loved ones. These pieces hold special significance to Georgia, as she plans to pass them on to her daughter.
We recently shot Georgia Pratt, her husband Nicolas & their daughter Hazel for BON and caught up with her afterwards to chat about the importance of spending time with family, traditions & heirloom jewellery & why Georgia choose the BON Pearl charm for her daughter.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family…
I am a mother, clothing maker, and model originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Currently, I reside in New York City with my husband, Nicolas, and our 1 year old daughter, Hazel. Together, Nicolas and I operate our two businesses from our shared art studio. We frequently discuss planning our next trip back to New Zealand, which holds a special place in our hearts.
BON is a brand centred around tradition, are there any traditions you grew up with as a child and have they continued through the generations? If not, are there any traditions that you’ve created within your own family unit?
During Christmas and birthdays, my family had a strong focus on togetherness and tradition. Though their weren't specific rituals or routines that come to mind, it was more about the overall experience that was the tradition we eagerly anticipated. There was always an element of magic and careful planning gone on behind the scenes by my parents that resulted in something utterly enjoyable and memorable. I really cherished family trips away after Christmas, usually at a rented bach (beach house) with family friends.
What is one of your favourite memories spent with family members?
When I was 4 years old we flew to visit my grandparents in Zimbabwe, my sister and I were meeting a lot of family for the first time, a lot of magic and fun was created while we were there and I remember the whole trip. Even though I was so young, memories from that time have informed a huge part of my identity, getting to know family members that you have things in common with even if you live countries apart.
What has been your favourite thing about becoming a parent?
Being able to share our life with Hazel and it's incredible to witness her developing into her own unique person, it is so exciting. I think motherhood has gifted me to lean into parts of my personality that have not yet had a chance to thrive, and that feels really wonderful too, like I am getting to know myself all over again.
What values do you hope to instil in your children?
Integrity, perseverance, self awareness and kindness.
At BON, we each have treasured items that have been passed down to us through our families. Is there a significant family heirloom or keepsake that you’re now in ownership of? What does it mean to you and how does it make you feel?
My mothers and grandmothers jewellery boxes were a constant fixation for me. And since living overseas and traveling so frequently for work, the pieces I do have sort of become lucky charms that I wear while away from home and loved ones. I have a jewel studded gold cross from Croatia, which was my grandmothers, given to her during Holy Week in 1950. I think its more costume jewellery than anything but I love it so much. I wear my my mothers signet ring on my pinky finger, she wore it while she was a teenager and I like to think one day it will be Hazel’s too.
What significance does the BON pearl have to you? What made you choose these pieces for your girls and what story will it tell?
When I became a mother to Hazel, my own mother gifted me with a stunning pearl bracelet that resembles one she would wear on special occasions. Choosing the BON pearl charm for Hazel was a little nod to her being connected to us. What's more, pearls are widely known to symbolise wisdom and intuition, and I love having a tangible reminder to tap into these qualities during life's more trying moments.
