The Josie Natori aesthetic: feminine, expressive, glamorous

The spirit of the lotus, a symbol of beauty and optimism, is the main concept of international Filipina designer Josie Natori for her Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

 

“Feminine, expressive, seductive and with a true sense of glamour,” Natori says when asked to define the overall feel of the summer pieces. Using the most opulent fabrics complemented with the most dramatic silhouettes, the Josie Natori Spring/Summer 2012 collection unveiled last week in Manila was made to impress.  

Inspiration for this collection is drawn from the French colonial past of Indochine, particularly the gentle shapes and grace of the Indochine women. Natori also imbibed Eastern details, using the textures and energy of the busy Vietnam streets and adding the colors and prints of decorated pagodas and temples to liven up the clothes.

 

Consistent with the Natori state of mind, the designer made her collection modern yet refined. Luxurious yet ready-to-wear. And putting a premium on her clients’ money’s worth, most of the clothes are versatile enough to be used either day or night or from daytime onwards.

 

This collection was also launched internationally in her New York Spring/Summer 2012 show and is currently gracing Vogue Italia and Glamour Magazine’s online sites, among other fashion portals. It was also well applauded by Natori’s foreign patrons, and reviews by fashion critics have been kind.

 

Barbara Sini of Vogue Italia wrote: “an Eastern flavor for the collection of Josie Natori where many of the elements are stylistic and bring back these exotic lands. Foremost for accessories in particular, bags that in their shapes almost bring to mind the outline of a pagoda. Tops have oblique and crossed edges, some jackets have kimono silhouettes, pants are straight and loose and even the color palette includes brilliant and precious nuances such as magenta and gold. The evening is asymmetrical for long dresses that are minimal only to the eye.”

 

But Natori’s creativity does not stop there. The renowned designer simultaneously launched her Josie line which targets the younger and more playful crowd. 

 

The Josie line parades electrifying colors, spirited prints and free flowing fabrics. “Perfectly imperfect. These clothes were designed to make young women move,” the designer points out. 

 

Natori also chose four of Manila’s young and accomplished women as muses, ladies who she feels best represent her new brand.

 

Chef and businesswoman Stephanie Zubiri, fashion buyer and curator for Rustan’s Katrina Tantoco Lobregat, careerwoman Stephanie Kienle Gozalez, and fashion designer Rosanna Ocampo Rodriguez were the four women Natori believes personifies Josie with their beauty, grace and fun.

 

The Josie line, similar to Josie Natori’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, also took the essence of Vietnam. Patterns, textures, bold stripes and floral details are abundant in the ensembles.  

Businesswoman Camille Fariñas Mathay, upon seeing the Josie line, immediately played with the endless possibilities of the clothes. “Those are good for the beach this summer, while some can actually be dressed and layered for a more formal take,” she says.

 

Josie Natori’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection and her newly launched Josie line are both appropriate for summer, illustrating the right elements of the season with their colors, ease and versatility. Both collections also speak of feminine indulgence, a Josie Natori signature. –KG, GMA News

 

Josie Natori RTW Boutique is at the 2nd floor, Ladies’ Section, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s EDSA Shangri-la Plaza. Photos courtesy of Natori