That Natori mystique
Many nights, when I go to bed, I feel like I am sleeping with a precious work of art. That’s because a few of my favorite sleepwear pieces are by Josie Natori.
One is a long caftan with a zipper in front, showing figures of Japanese women in kimonos with exquisite obis. Are they geishas? Perhaps. Are they theatrical actresses in the Land of the Rising Sun? I never really asked because all I know is that I love looking at the sketches of these beautiful women. Better still, I love the feel of the fabric and how sensuous and comfortable it makes me feel. That’s the magic of a Natori sleepwear.
It wasn’t easy getting these pieces. Years ago, I had to beg the kindness of a shopaholic friend to get me one in New York. Another time, I woke up early to buy one during a by-invitation-sale conducted by Citibank Mastercard at McKinley Hills where Stores Specialists Inc.was offering labels at special prices. I got the last piece of a Natori caftan at a price that would not give me sleepless nights worrying about my credit card bill.
A few years ago, when Rustan’s opened a Natori corner carrying this globally-famous designer’s sleepwear, that was good news for women who love to sleep in a Natori. Even better news came this week when Josie Natori flew in from New York carrying pieces that women could wear not only to lounge, but also to lunch as well. Finally, a Natori RTW boutique at Rustan’s.
A venerable family: Ken Natori, Josie Cruz-Natori, Angelita Cruz, Ching Cruz and Philip Cruz “I was waiting for Nedy (Tantoco) to ask me,” Josie joked during lunch at Rustan’s East Cafe with the lifestyle press.
It was Nedy who was waiting for Josie to open her first boutique outside the United States, right here in her own country. “Rustan’s mission is to continue to bring home world-class labels to the Filipinos, and with a brand like Natori pioneered by a homegrown talent, this gives us pride to announce its opening,” declared Nedy as she and Josie drew the curtains to unveil the elegant Natori boutique at Rustan’s.
Natori’s latest fall 2011 collection focuses on the Bushido: The Way of the Warrior and explores the art of the samurai. You see vivid colors, exquisite embroideries, modern prints that evoke the Japanese heritage. There is art, there is history, there is mystique in every Natori.
Josie opened a huge catalogue, showing us her latest designs for homewares which are sold in the United States. ”Surely, we will carry that as well in the future,” Nedy said. The Natori lifestyle includes not only sleepwear, loungewear and RTW but eyewear, fragrance and home furnishings as well.
The Rustan’s-Natori alliance was surely destined to be. Nedy says: “Josie’s father (the venerable builder F.F. Cruz) and my father (Rustan’s patriarch Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.) were classmates in grade school and high school in Bulacan where they grew up.” Now both 92, F.F. Cruz and Benny Tantoco, giants in construction and retailing, still love working. Both produced children who have inherited their parents’ work ethic.
“I told myself that I should never have to apologize for shopping. I believe that a woman has to work and never be dependent on anyone,” said Josie who studied in New York and was the first female VP in investment banking at Merrill Lynch. It was on Wall Street where she met her husband Ken Natori, who was managing director of Shearson Lehman.
The Natori line famously started when a buyer at Bloomingdale asked Josie to lengthen a blouse, making it like a tunic. The rest is fashion history: Natori the designer has bagged honors and major awards. You could say she is the original Filipino OFW in couture.
“I am now 64,” Josie declared, “and I’ve never had a facelift!”
That is so Josie Natori to carry herself so beautifully with pride and confidence.
After meeting Natori up close, I enjoy going to bed in a Natori even more. I can sleep nicely with the thought that there are women out there so strong and creative, so fiercely patriotic, making us a prouder people.
