When we talk about luxury travel, one of the things that comes to mind is the Orient Express. Since its inception in the 1880s, the luxury train has been among the go-to rides of many due to its lush interiors and long-distance train service. Its legacy has been immortalized in pop culture. After being on a hiatus for years due to the pandemic, it is about to make a comeback soon.
The resurgence of the Orient Express not only caused excitement to many travelers but also inspired creatives with their work. Among them is international Filipino designer Josie Natori. For her fall 2023 collection for her brand Natori, the designer imagines what people might wear on their journey aboard the luxury train. The result is a collection that is dramatic, has her distinct East meets West silhouettes, and is imbued with romantic embellishments.
“I am thrilled to be able to create pieces that are bold yet minimal and timeless. The essence of the Orient Express collection is to make way for something fresh and new,” Josie says. “The collection focuses on a curated wardrobe of collectibles with an emphasis on kimono jackets and coats, that are quintessential Natori. I am pleased to be able to present the most iconic Natori shapes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate craftsmanship to treasure for a lifetime.”
At the Ayala Museum in Makati City, Josie presented her fall 2023 collection that plays with warm and cool autumnal tones of Burnt Amber, Bordeaux, and Olive. Dominating the collection are her pieces in black. Opulent and exquisite, the collection featured pieces in feminine laces, jerseys, and knitwear, spotlighting her focus on comfortable dressing. Adding a touch of luxury to the pieces were faux lambskin, felt, jacquards, and bouclé. The pieces were adorned with with scroll cut-outs, floral embroideries, and 3D embellishments, with the help of another Filipino designer Renz Reyes.
Josie’s latest offerings also center on her commitment to making planet-friendly fashions. To do that, she incorporated environmentally sound vegan sheared minks. Her newest fine jewelry line also spotlights the use of lab-grown diamonds in 14k white and gold. The collection includes pendants, rings, and earrings, with price points ranging from $2,100 to $42,000.
“At Natori, we embrace innovation and are excited to offer our customers an eco-friendly diamond alternative that’s just as flawless,” the designer says about her new jewelry line.
Josie comes home fresh from being honored at the recent Asia Society’s Asia Game Changer Awards 2023 in New York. For her, being one of the honorees is a humbling experience.
“Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama was one of the honorees as well as Jerry Yang who founded Yahoo. So I feel very honored by it. I can't even imagine that I would belong in that league, but it is very humbling,” Josie tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I spent a lot of my time now on philanthropy, I am a chair of the Asian Cultural Council... It really means a lot to me to be able to give back.”
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