Rustan’s and Natori present a night of fashion and philanthropy

MANILA, Philippines -It’s nice to watch a show of beautiful clothes. Nicer still if you know that this show is presented for a beautiful cause.

Rustan’s continuing initiative to raise funds for the Assumption Transformative School in Passi, Iloilo proves that the synergy of fashion and philanthropy works.

Josie Natori, dubbed as the “Dragon Lady of Fashion” because of her signature looks that speak timeless elegance, has cemented her name in the multi-billion industry of global fashion. Recently, she held a fashion show presenting her fall winter 2013 collection, which showcased the theme of Chinoiserie.

The merging of eastern and western texture was a flowy Chinese dream. A glistening and opulent drama of red and black unfolded, together with the richness of other colors such as orange, blue, and yellow.

True to Natori’s words, the collection is “both feminine and powerful, the inherent grace of Chinoiserie figured strongly in my inspiration for this collection. The style evokes both beauty and vigor, ideas that continue to drive the modern woman and define how she looks and lives today.”

Aside from being renowned for her amazing contributions in fashion, Josie Natori is also lauded for her philanthropy -- much like Rustan’s and HSBC, who worked with Natori for the evening’s special cause.

At the end of the evening, Rustan’s and HSBC were able to raise funds for the construction of additional classrooms for the Assumption Transformative School in Passi, Iloilo through donations and contributions.

Rustan’s president Zenaida R. Tantoco contributed P500,000, while Ambassador Bienvenido R. Tantoco shared a personal donation of P100,000. HSBC senior vice president and head of retail banking and wealth management Gigi Pio de Roda also stepped in with a P300,000 donation and Josie Natori donated $5,000. All these generous donations to benefit the Assumption Transformative School were received on stage by Assumption’s Sister Mary Fidelis and Sister Bernadette Casas.

A grand raffle draw was held and three lucky ladies Sanya Lopez, Emily Carlos Roque and Kristel Lauren Abary each won a Josie Natori gift certificate worth P20,000 presented by Natori and de Roda.