What Happens When Fashion And Technology Meets?

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I read this article on one of the website and decided to share it with you all.

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.

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