This Filipina designer is an inspirational figure to all women as she has succeeded in both the corporate banking world and has conquered the fashion industry too.
Josie Natori has reached quite the milestone. This year the designer welcomes her eponymous label’s 40th anniversary!
“Natori is a total concept, a way of life,” says Josie.
She began studying economics and entering the banking world, where she thrived as the first VP for investment banking at Merrill Lynch. For someone who did not always aspire to succeed in the world of fashion, Natori has definitely outdone herself.
“I just happened to start at the back door with lingerie. Now as the company grows, we grow our sensibility too, taking our concept and making it a whole world. As we say here, Natori is ‘where life meets art” – Josie Natori
She celebrated her 40th anniversary in the Philippines with the Rustan’s Group as she held a fashion show to showcase her Spring 2017 collection. Take a look at who went to the show here:
She is recognised for her “east meets west design aesthetic” and her ability to flatter almost any woman’s shapes. This talented Filipina has shattered barriers and the many obstacles that she has faced in order to develop her international brand. Year after year she evolves, effortlessly adapting to changing times, incorporating contemporary and classic designs, seamlessly.
Here is an inside look at the Spring 2017 fashion at Rustan's:
Natori says that her drive and business savvy is thanks to the matriarchal society that she was raised in and her beautiful Filipino ties, praising the Philippines for being so supportive of women.
“My grandmother always said, ‘Don’t put yourself in a position where you have to depend on anyone.” – Josie Natori
Natori has always been inspired by her culture, and the country’s rich history and personality. It was in fact, traditional Filipino ware that inspired her sleep/lingerie collections in the first place. Despite her departure from the country when she was 17, Natori has never let go of her Asian heritage, much of which is seen throughout her collections.
Philippine Tatler's Fashion Editor Monique Madsen selects her top picks from the Ready to Wear collection:
Josie Natori RTW, Natori, and Natori RTW are available at Rustan’s Ayala Center Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La. N Natori is exclusively available at Rustan’s at Gateway Mall Cubao and Rustans’s Ayala Center Cebu.
See more: Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci