The Filipino-American fashion designer calls to #StopAsianHate
The recent killing in of eight individuals in Atlanta, Georgia in the US, six of which are Asian women, added another layer of urgency to propagate #StopAsianHate in the country. The incident pushed many stars, artists, fashion creatives, and other allies to protest against the xenophobic attacks targeting the Asian community. Among the recent ones to express their feelings about the racial climate in the US is fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori.
Through an Instagram post, the founder and CEO of global fashion firm, The Natori Company, tells what she feels about these racial incidents as a Filipino-American herself.
"As you may know, I am a Filipino-American who came to the United States at the age of 17," Josie says. "Having been an immigrant in this country for over 57 years, I am deeply saddened by the recent acts of hate and violence towards Asians."
Being one of the boards of the Asian Cultural Council, Josie has always been proud of her Philippine heritage and always finds a way to put it at the forefront of her work. After her work as the first female vice president at Merrill Lynch, the fashion designer went on to showcase hand-embroidered Filipino blouses with her lifestyle brand in the US. Through her designs, she presented the beauty that comes from diversity, "melding the visual appeals of both the East and the West."
"Racism of any kind is not acceptable. We should feel safe in our communities," the Council of Fashion Designers of America member presses. "It is time that we protect one another and uplift each other. After such a tumultuous and difficult year, it is time that we spread love not hate."