JOSIE NATORI

FOUNDER AND CEO, THE NATORI COMPANY

Josie Natori’s eponymous brand remains a major presence in the global fashion industry and a source of national pride for the Philippines over 45 years since it was founded.

Natori first broke into fashion with sleepwear that took from her eastern roots and blended with western influences. To this day, Natori’s collections are all a reflection of the designer’s distinctive East-meets-West aesthetic, with products ranging from ready-to-wear, lingerie, sleepwear, and legwear to footwear, fine jewelry, and home textiles.

The Natori line has been carried by major retailers in New York and in other fashion capitals all over the world. Pushed by the pandemic to strengthen the brand’s online presence, the Natori website now serves as the brand’s flagship presence. Natori says she does not see the death of brick-and-mortar shops, but emphasises the need for these to evolve to give customers a better experience.

In October 2023, Natori was invited as an honouree at the Asia Game Changer Awards in New York. Organised by Asia Society to individuals, organisations and movements “that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership” in policy and business, arts and culture, and education, the award further cements Natori’s inspiring role in the design community.

In the same year, Natori also took on a new role as Chairman of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC). A non-profit organisation founded by John D Rockefeller, the nonprofit aims to foster creative and collaborative dialogue in both Asia and the United States. This comes as a full-circle moment for Natori who helped to establish ACC’s affiliate office in Manila.