Natori Celebrates 45 Years Of Filipino Craftsmanship

In celebration of her 45th anniversary, Josie Natori hosts a visual feast with ballerinas and her new Fall/Winter 2022 collection in tow. 

On November 10, the biggest and the brightest in the industry came together to celebrate 45 years of The House of Natori—the luxury lingerie and apparel company founded by Filipino-American designer Josie Natori. Attendees included the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Philippines, Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson, the President of Stores Specialists, Inc., Anton T. Huang, Iza Calzado, Heart Evangelista, and Tim Yap to name a few.

Presented by Ballet Philippines at The Conservatory at the Manila Peninsula, Natori’s newest collection worn by the ballerinas that evening conveyed the very essence of the brand. Reaching a major milestone, the designer toasted to? her company’s 45th anniversary with a distinct presentation—only fitting for someone so heavily influenced by the arts. The brand is known for its sensual palette of color and texture seen through its collections of lingerie and sleepwear. “It’s the mission of bringing art into life with an East West sensibility,” says Natori in a press statement.

Ballet Philippines performing while wearing the FW22 collection

An homage to the Philippines, this presentation highlights Filipino craftsmanship. She continued, “I’m proud to have [built] a brand where ‘made in the Philippines’ is synonymous to quality.” Founded in 1977, the label prides itself on being woman-founded, woman-led, and family-owned. “My two biggest assets are being a woman and being Asian,” she says.

Born in a matriarchal environment, Natori grew up with the notion that women are meant to be entrepreneurs in the Philippines. This mindset is what helped her navigate different careers and eventually led her to her calling: being at the helm of a lingerie empire. At a mere nine years old, Natori was already a classical pianist with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Afterwards, she studied economics and consequently became the first female Vice President of investment banking for Merrill Lynch.

After nine years in Wall Street, Natori made the decision to shift into fashion which came second nature to her. She brought an embroidered blouse to a buyer at Bloomingdale’s and was advised to transform it into a night shirt. This moment began her foray into lingerie. 45 years later, Natori’s lingerie label has expanded into a lifestyle brand comprised of loungewear, ready-to-wear, home textiles, shoes, and menswear. Focusing on the charm of the Asian aesthetic, the Fall/Winter 2022 collection continues the celebration of her 45th anniversary. An homage to Hollywood glamour, luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, and jacquard are transformed into dresses, bustiers, coats, and caftans with hand-crafted embroideries and vibrant embellishments.

More than four decades later, Natori’s Filipino heritage constantly shines through her oeuvre with vivid colors and signature embroideries. “We wanted to give the best of the era,” Natori tells Vogue Philippines. Throughout the glitzy evening, partygoers celebrated this momentous occasion and Natori’s everlasting legacy. See all the photos from the evening, below. 

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