Celebrating the highest form of Art

After three decades in the global business of style, the spotlight is now on Josie Natori’s newest venture’– a book that recounts her aesthetic and personal inspirations that include her Filipino roots, her affinity for the arts, as well as the rich Japanese culture of her husband and business partner, Ken Natori.

“The Art of Natori” is not a record of her lingerie, ready-to-wear, couture, fragrance, jewelry, and home collections that make up her growing fashion empire. It is instead a subtle but powerful expression of a lifestyle, a sense of aesthethics and the discipline that has inspired her work in business and in the arts.

This February 29, the Asia Society Philippine Foundation and the Asian Cultural Council Philippines will honor Josie Natori and Ken Natori with a gala dinner and benefit show at the Makati Shangri-La.

Presented by BDO Private Bank and American Express Peso Platinum Credit Card, in cooperation with Nokia Philippines and Mandaue Realty Resources Corporation, the dinner and show will feature selections from Josie’s ready-to-wear and couture collections never before seen in Manila. It will also feature performances by grantees of the Asian Cultural Council Grace Nono and other artists.

Proceeds from the benefit will support Asia Society’s educational programs and the Asian Cultural Council’s grant programs.

The name Natori has become synonymous with a distinctly modern and luxurious           brand of East-meets-West design. The word Natori itself, in Japanese, means’“highest form of art,” organically creating and perhaps predicting the future for the woman and the work of her hands.

Josie Natori is the femme powerhouse behind the global design brand that bears her and her husband’s name. Natori’s sophisticated Asian aesthetic was first introduced to the world via a collection of lingerie that celebrated women’s femininity and independence. Natori’s design fuses clean silhouettes with exquisite detailing, embroidery, vibrant colors, and applique work, reflecting a strong balance between her Asian and Western influences.

Since her transition into design, Natori has explored and championed other creative endeavors, such as a ready-to-wear line for women, men, and children, and, most recently, Natori Home.

Her Fall/Winter 2007 Loungewear collection for women is chicly relaxed, lending a casual sensuality to everyday wear. Colors such as anthracite, black, coffee, and pearl are executed in rich fabrics and textures; simple and sleek silhouettes serve only to highlight the elegance of each ensemble.

Natori Home is a collection of home textiles where the highest form of art comes to life in a balance and harmony that is the essence of Natori. Featuring innovative trademarked fabrics such as NatoriCotton, NatoriSilk, and NatoriBamboo, each collection of linens was designed for aesthetics, comfort, and practicality. For example, Natori Bamboo is a soft jacquard fabric that is naturally antibacterial and all fabrics are machine washable. Indeed, the lady who has been once quoted as saying, “I just never like to settle,” has a solid reputation of achieving”“the highest form of art” in everything she has done; Natori Home is no exception.

The Gala evening will also highlight Josie Natori’s lifelong contribution to the arts. She was trustee of the Asia Society for many years, chairing a year-long exhibition of 19th Century Philippine clothing that traveled from New York to Seattle, among other programs promoting Asian and Philippine culture.

She has also been a long time advocate of the Asian Cultural Council that gives grants to visual and performing artists from Asia to study in the United States and other Asian countries, and now sits on its board of trustees. 

She may claim that she is not “neatly divided;” however, the strength and clarity of Natori’s vision is perhaps the key to her enduring success.’“I love my work, but success in fashion is not enough,” Natori explains. “I want to be able to give something back, to make a difference in people’s lives.” Which is, perhaps, the highest art of all.

The Art of Natori Gala Dinner and Benefit Show is made possible by the Department of Tourism, ING Private Banking Ltd., Del Monte Philippines Inc., and American International Group, Inc., in cooperation with CATS Motors, Town & Country, Rustan’s and Stores Specialists, Inc., Olay, and Makati Shangri-La, and together with The Philippine STAR, Waterfront Containers, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Moet & Hennessy Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd, Pioneer Insurance, Air 21, Happy Living Fine Wine, and Campaigns & Grey.  

For more information on the Natori Gala, please call 810-8983 or 752-4374.