Natori Inside

Resort 2014: Asian Riviera

Josie Natori — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:20:29 +0000

I’m so thrilled with the understated sophistication of our Resort 2014 collection. Inspired largely by the muted elegance of French dressing, the collection centers on the classic, crisp, white cotton shirt. Seemingly simple, the starched white ‘canvas’ brings to life any embellishments or details that are styled with it. When paired with our oversized Bakelite linked jewelry and ultra-modern black jeweled bib necklaces, our white tops become striking statements themselves.

We focused on a bold, graphic black and white color palette, accented by bright, beautiful pops of color that I love, like electric coral, turquoise and chartreuse. I’m especially excited about the accessories this season, which we’ve expanded into beautiful beaded linen totes from the Philippines. They are so chic! In many ways, the collection celebrates the beauty and vitality of both the Philippines and Paris, two of my greatest inspirations.

Josie Natori 2014 Resort: Asian Riviera

Josie Natori — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:29:26 +0000

The Josie Natori 2014 Resort Collection brings together signature Asian silhouettes with European sophistication. A bold black and white color palette is accented with graphic patterns and bright pops of electric coral, chartreuse, and turquoise.

The classic white cotton shirt anchors the collection. Crisp and clean, this wardrobe staple becomes extraordinary when embellished, draped, or tied. Exaggerated sleeves and lace applique create a dramatic flourish.

The collection comprises fantastic pieces including easy-to-wear silks and jersey dresses, slim trousers, and knitwear in a variety of silhouettes.

Accessories have been expanded, and include beautifully embroidered and beaded linen totes. Oversized bakelite links, fantastic black jeweled bib necklaces, and sleek skinny belts add understated glamour to the polished looks.

WWD: “Josie Natori said she was ‘very focused on offering more structure’ for resort, a mission she accomplished nicely with this tightly edited lineup. In addition to her signature jersey Ts and knits in a full range of colors, the collection included a cotton piqué belted pantsuit and several crisp white shirts that were embellished with clusters of crystals, sequins and pearls.” http://wwd.us/11aSkcA

Birthday Celebrations

Josie Natori — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:05:03 +0000

This past week was full of celebrations. I spent the weekend with family and friends; it was my 66^th birthday and my granddaughter Zoe’s 1^st birthday… both very monumental events! Kenneth and Anika threw a great party for Zoe at our home in Pound Ridge; she has made so many friends over the past year! We kept my birthday celebration a bit more intimate, celebrating at Nobu over dinner with close family.

Ken, Anika, Cruz and Zoe

Ken & Me at Nobu

I also had an amazing evening celebrating David Monn’s birthday on Monday night. He has been such a wonderful friend to me over the years and I was so happy to celebrate with him. Below is a picture of me at the party with our friend Maria Bartiromo from CNBC.

Maria Bartiromo & Me

- Josie

Natori Partners With IAVA For The Month of May

Josie Natori — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:31:37 +0000

This Mother’s Day, Natori is celebrating all of the women in our lives, especially those who defend our country. Natori is partnering with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

For the month of May, 10% of Natori.com sales will go to 2 IAVA programs that specifically support female veterans: (1) the Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP), which provides female veterans with best in-class health, housing and education resources; (2) the Community Of Veterans (COV), which gives females a safe space to interact with each other and seek confidential resources and support. To learn more about the IAVA and its programs, visit www.IAVA.org.

WIN Foundation

Josie Natori — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:20:03 +0000

Last week I attended the annual WIN Foundation fund-raiser, a charity very near and dear to my heart. This year’s gala was one of the most successful yet, raising well over $2 million with more than 1,000 fashion executives in attendance. I have sat on the board of The WIN Foundation for a number of years and the compassion of my peers moves me more every year. I have always stood for female empowerment, and providing women with the opportunity to start over and better themselves is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life today. Congratulations to all involved, here’s to many more.

- Josie

The Fashion Group International A/W 2013 RTW Presentation

Josie Natori — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:26:51 +0000

I was thrilled to have attended the Fashion Group International Fall/Winter 2013 Ready-To-Wear presentation this past Monday with Elizabeth Valle, our exceptional knitwear designer. It was a wonderful event—the panel was a diverse group of fashion influencers, and Diane Von Furstenberg was the guest moderator. What really inspired me most was the participation of Fashion 4 Development, an organization dedicated to the promotion of local artisanship and trade in Eastern countries. This year, they presented work from CITA TENUN, an all women association dedicated to the preservation of tenun, a traditional Indonesian weaving technique.

Every season our Ready to Wear pieces feature materials unique to Eastern traditions and practices—most recently we used pina fiber, indigenous to my home country of the Philippines, for our Spring ’13 collection. I am constantly inspired by my home country, and make sure to support our local artisans, as well as organizations like CITA TENUN. Utilizing indigenous fabrics and traditional sewing methods is just another way to inject life and originality into modern fashion, and more importantly, a way to preserve and revitalize traditional cultures.

-Josie

Simmons Leadership Conference

Josie Natori — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:39:03 +0000

I was honored last week to be one of the keynote speakers at the Simmons Leadership Conference in Boston. I had no idea what an incredible event this is with over 3,500 participants… Mostly women! I discussed my experience as an entrepreneur and my journey from Manila to Manhattan. I was moved when I entered to an auditorium filled with some 400 audience members. I must say that although the story of Natori has been told so many times, I particularly enjoyed this one! The question and answer session with Teresa Nelson, the head of Simmons College entrepreneurship program was most stimulating… Not to mention the Q&A with the audience!

My Presenter, Joan Bialek

I love being able to inspire women to follow their dreams. It may be a tough road, but anything is possible if you persevere.

-Josie

Our Fall Bedding

Josie Natori — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:46:28 +0000

Last week was an exciting one for Natori Home! I was overjoyed to see the final beds we are offering for Fall ’13 fully merchandised in our home showroom. The collection captures the joie de vivre of Chinoiserie glamour that really inspired me this season. Feminine, powerful and inherently graceful, Chinoiserie is the embodiment of Eastern and Western opulence combined. The beautiful ruby reds, decadent silvers and romantic purples look beautiful on our silks and cotton sateens. The gold lacquer screens used as the backdrop of our Ready-to-Wear show bring the whole Natori lifestyle together. I am so thrilled and can’t wait to see these beds in store this Fall!

- Josie

Manila FAME

Josie Natori — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:21:02 +0000

Just back from a weeklong trip working and mingling with, in my opinion, the most creative and passionate designers in Southeast Asia! Manila FAME, a lifestyle design exhibit, has become a must see in Asia. I have had the privilege of working on this show for a number of years and this was the best one ever.

One of my favorite instillations was from Jetro, the “bipolar artist.” His creativity was so unique, not to mention his sense of humor! I always get the most joy out of hearing up and coming artists’ motivation and inspiration. Jetro’s art was exactly like his personality, modern and trendy yet classic and chic.

Jetro’s installation

Bravo to all that have worked so hard to get FAME to this level and bring such pride to the Philippines!

- Josie

CNN Talk Asia Feature

Josie Natori — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:38:41 +0000

I am so happy and grateful for the TalkAsia feature on CNN International that started airing today. I didn’t really know what to expect as Ken and I got up at 5.30 am today to watch the first airing. Wow! We were awed by the extent of the feature. Footage was gathered from many hours and days of taping in New York, Hong Kong and Manila. I was also so thrilled to see that photos of my family, staff, and days at Merrill Lynch made it into the feature.

I can’t say enough great things about the CNN team. Monita Rajpal, the host of the program, and Kate Fleming, the producer, made the entire experience so special for me.

Thank you all! Can’t wait to hear your comments!

- Josie