We are so fortunate to have 17 consultants working with our stores around the country every day. They are our eyes and ears and always provide great feedback on our customers and trends. They spent a day in our showrooms last week to view the Fall collections and gave some great suggestions…thank you all! Let’s have an amazing fall season!
-Josie
I got my Paris fix in just a few hours twirling around my favorite shops, Colette was buzzing as usual, loaded up on sinful delectables from Hediard. Also checked out the shoe sale at Alaia but none in my size. Just can’t get enough of Paris!
What a fun July 4th to be with family for a barbecue in Poundridge, NY, including my parents who flew in from Manila. I hope my husband Ken and I have the energy of my parents who are 86 (my mother) and 91 (my father). They are simply amazing! I only wish our son Ken, daughter-in-law Anika and grandson Cruzzie were with us too (they spent the 4th in Cape Cod with Anika’s family).
And what has become a family ritual during any family get-togethers is a trip to Costco- we braved the crowds to buy loads of food!
Except for the many bug bites I now have, the weekend was wonderful!
-Josie
What an exhilarating few days in Dallas mingling with Neiman Marcus lingerie department managers from across the country. For over 10 years Neimans has been gathering their managers once a year to discuss the new collections and have some fun while they’re at it- what a great idea! I love to hear the feedback on our collections- what’s good and what needs improving; that’s how we learn. We held a steak dinner at Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, an institution in Dallas, and there’s nowhere better to have a great meal- I’m still full! Business has been great so we toasted to it with a Natori drink made especially for the occasion- the Natori Twist!
It’s not even Fall 2010 yet so it’s hard to believe but we’ve started working on our Fall 2011 concept boards! We’re looking at different inspirations and creating design ideas for the collections. I am even more excited for next fall because we will be expanding our home collection to include accent furniture and loads of home decorative accessories!
Here’s a small glimpse at the beginnings of our design process:
I am so grateful to Kelly at The Glamourai for acting as the perfect model and spokeswoman for a dress we designed together and then auctioned off for over $700.00 dollars! The money was given to Women In Need. The blogging world is pretty awesome and Kelly is a true trailblazer. I had so much fun designing the dress with her- what a great way to give back!
Sooo excited to see Oprah on the cover of the July issue of O Magazine wearing our yellow Josie Natori tunic! Just looking at it makes me want to go on vacation immediately- Oprah looks relaxed lounging in a hammock by the beach…..so cool! Check out the tunic on Natori.com- it also comes in fuchsia and bright orange. Summertime is in full swing!
-Josie
I am loving all the friends I have met in the blogging world! Such fun and interesting people- I’ve only just started to get into it but I have no doubt it’s the future!
I recently designed a dress with Kelly Framel, the wonderful creator of the blog The Glamourai.
I have had so much fun reading all of the feedback that Kelly received from wearing the dress to a Coach event. She looked stunning! Who needs models when you can have bloggers like Kelly! I am amazed at her following. Now she’s auctioning it off for a good cause- Women In Need is an amazing charity (I am on the board).Thanks Kelly for your collaboration on the dress… it has inspired me!
- Josie
What a great Mother’s Day! I spent the weekend with my family in our country house, celebrating with the prince, my grandson Cruz. We walked over 4 miles together- it was great getting outdoors. We also went shopping for play things at Target (without a Target in the city, I always take the opportunity to go when I’m near one!) I love being a Lola (grandma!). Sunday also happened to be my Birthday, so we celebrated and ate plenty. I hope all mothers had a wonderful day!
-Josie
My first Mother’s Day as a Lola!
My daughter-in-law, Anika, with Cruz on her 1st Mother’s Day
I felt so cool meeting Bruce Springsteen at the Ellis Island Heritage Awards event (I’m proud to have been on the board of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation for many years now). I was also thrilled to be with my soul sister Andrea Jung, an honoree this year at the event. Not only has she done wonders as the Chairman and CEO of Avon, she has also contributed greatly to breast cancer awareness through her time and generous donations!
-Josie
