Fashion on My Mind
elcome to our biannual fashion issue! Fashion, to me, has always been exciting to watch. It’s very much like the match between Federer and Nadal at this year’s Australian Open—you just don’t know what’s going to happen next. With fashion being always in a state of flux (as it is impacted by fast fashion, the worldwide economy, the rise and fall of designers, and China’s manufacturing industry), the developments in this industry always make for an interesting quandary.
Therefore, in a sea of fashion uncertainty, it’s always good to know that there are standards and individuals who stay above the fray. Like our cover story subject, Josie Natori, the first Filipino who placed us on the international fashion map and who celebrates her 40th year in the industry.
We actually planned for this cover story close to a year, as we waited for Josie to get back to Manila from her home in New York. We flew to the picturesque Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, a breathtaking venue befitting a fashion icon. Josie was, as you would say, a real trouper. She never complained, not even once, over the ungodly morning call time, the sometimes uncooperative weather, and several changes in location. She took everything in stride and was a breeze to work with, to the particular delight of photographer Wig Tysmans.
In line with this fashion frame of mind, we highlight the best-dressed women at the Philippine Tatler Ball; feature a spectacular fashion shoot— “The Actress” by Joseph Chen; and bring to you, fresh from the fashion capitals of the world, the women’s international runway spring/summer 2017 collections.
Since we’re also on the subject of creativity and the imagination, our feature on the most recent Art Basel presents an intriguing roster of up and coming artists from all across the globe.
On a last note, you may notice a slight change in this month’s pagination. We have repositioned our Faces section, comprising our party and events pages, from the front to the back of the magazine to offer you a fun feeling as a parting shot. Still in front are our bigger events and personality pages renamed the Upfront section. Also in here is our Close Up, which, for this Fashion Issue, features Tetta Agustin-Baverey, who once ruled the runways of Paris as a supermodel in the ’70s and ’80s.
Feast your eyes on our fashion fest this March but be sure to be back with us next month for our über exclusive Society’s Top 400. Who made it to the list? You will find out soon. — Anton San Diego Editor-in-Chief