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WHEN technology meets elegance—and all in the name
of fashion—then you can be assured it’s the “Art of Natori.”
That, by the way, is also the name of a coffee table tome that the
lady herself describes as “a subtle expression of a lifestyle, a
sense of aesthetics and the discipline that has inspired my life’s
work in business and the arts.”
As it happens that was also the
title of the fashion show that Josie Natori—who has excelled at
the global level in the twin worlds of banking and business—staged
last Friday in aid of the Asian Cultural Council Philippines
Foundation, which raises funds in support of the local arts
community.
Bringing the technology element
to the event was telecom market leader Nokia, a co-presenter of the
gala bash in a further exposition of its corporate social
responsibility credentials. And as a special collaboration, Nokia
invited Natori to design the elegant pouch for the Nokia 8800
Sapphire Arte, which ladies of discerning taste can use as a fitting
accessory.
“Nokia believes in the talent
and integrity of the global Filipino—exemplified by Josie Natori
and we are honored to be part of this cause-oriented event,” said
William Hamilton-Whyte, general manager, Nokia Philippines. He
added: “The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte shares Josie’s exquisite
passion for art and eye for detailing as it embraces luxury in
craftsmanship.”
Like the Natori brand that has
been in existence for almost three decades, the Nokia 8800 Sapphire
Arte captures the essence of timeless beauty and fine craftsmanship.
Materials are of the finest quality, which include exquisite leather
and precious stones. The select key for example is made from
sapphire.
The Art of Natori is composed of
many “icons.” One of the most important Natori icons is the
dragon. For the black satin phone pouch, Josie chose to embroider
the dragon in a circular motif. The symbolic meaning of the dragon,
which represents “strength,” is made even stronger when put into
the circular motif—“the eternal circle.”
By choosing the dragon icon,
Natori combines the strength of two great brands in a Natori/Nokia
collaboration.
Despite being based in New York
and running a global empire with her Japanese husband Ken (they met
when she was VP of investment banking at Merrill Lynch and he was MD
of Smith Barney) Natori has never lost touch with her Filipino
roots.
Almost 50 percent of her luxury
collection is manufactured here. But as she laments: “The
craftsmanship in the Philippines is so special and unique, but not
fully appreciated in the Philippines itself.”
Of her switch from banking to
fashion she explains: “The novelty of investment banking has begun
to wear off. I just wasn’t challenged anymore. I knew there must
be something else.”
That “something else”
manifested itself when a Filipino friend sent her some
hand-embroidered blouses from home and she showed them to a buyer at
Bloomingdale’s. At the buyer’s suggestion Natori lengthened them
and turned them into nightshirts. They were such a hit that within a
week she had set up shop in her midtown Manhattan living room—and
the rest, as they say, is fashion history.
Natori’s work reflects her
sublime appreciation for what is beautiful and elegant, and executed
to the highest standards. “Natori” after all, is a Japanese word
for highest form of art—but, through Josie, rooted firmly to the
Philippines.
E-mail: bizzfizz_98@yahoo.com
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