Philippine Fashion Mogul Josie Natori Brings her Global Brand to Philippines

Philippine Fashion Mogul Josie Natori has been known in the United States as force in fashion and design since she founded The Natori Company in 1977. Now, the Manila-born fashion mogul is setting her sights on being a force globally, starting with the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries.

“We’re big in the United States now, how about being bigger in the Philippines and in Asia?” Natori said in an interview with the Asian Journal. The bold statement came a week after Natori opened their first boutiques in the Philippines at Rustan’s Makati and the Rustan’s Tower in the Shangri-la Plaza. The Natori brand is well-known for its signature “East meets West” approach to design, resulting in products that highlight “Asian aesthetics and sensibilities and the Western contemporary lifestyle,” according to Asian Journal. Her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, for instance, features many elements from the Philippines—from bags made of hand-woven abaca from Bulacan to belt buckles made out of Capiz shells.

 

Before founding the Natori Company, Josie Cruz Natori worked in wealth management firm Merrill Lynch, where she would eventually rise to become the firm’s first female Vice President in Investment Banking. After marrying Ken Natori, Josie Natori made the move from banking to entrepreneurship in 1977, after choosing from several possible business ventures. “I realized it had to be something I could relate to, something to do with the Philippines,” Natori said in a 2007 interview with the New York Sun.

 

Her fashion career began with blouses from the Philippines that were sold as nightwear in Bloomingdale’s. The rest, as they say, is history. The brand continues to expand globally, even as the US continues to feel the effects of the recession, noted Asian Journal. Recession or not, Natori said it’s all about producing things that women want. Natori’s entry to the Philippines was simply a matter of “right timing,” noting the growth in the Asian market. It may have taken 35 years for Natori to open boutiques in the Philippines, but the global fashion brand is making up for lost time. Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo invited her to be part of the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions, a group whose mandate is to promote the Philippines in the global market.

 

“These are the things that I love doing. I’m very proud that they’re all made in the Philippines. I believe in the creativity and talent of Filipinos. I am so inspired by many amazing artists in the Philippines. I would love to be able to help in whatever way I can to get them more recognition.” - Josie Natori

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Nicole Lynn “Miss Earth USA” is so FAKE! Not GOOD for FILIPINOS! - Blog Philippines

I got this article from Blog Philippines about the filthy behavior of what you called "role model" and the current candidate of Ms. Earth 2011. Please read the article below;

Share this post to your friends to let them know how bad is Nicole Lynn ”Miss Earth USA” Candidate of the 2011 Miss Earth.

I’ve seen her account saying something bad about Filipino People. She must be a racist. Such a bad girl!

If you want to know what she has said, read it below:

I hardly made it to manila and we already attended a rediculous tv show. So annoying!!! These people want to touch you and be with you all the time!! I can’t understand a word they say. I can’t wait to go back home. This country is so dirty and noisy. I’m scared to eat!!! What a mess. On a lighter note I don’t see any real competition. Will keep you updated my loves

To you Nicole Lynn, we should have not accepted you here in Philippines if we only knew from the very beggining you are gonna say those words, we don’t need you here anyway! You even look like a sl*t!

Remember my word, never come back here in Philippines or else we will throw you plenty of fresh eggs on your face!

Here is the screenshot of her Facebook profile: 

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Kol Hope Foundation For Children Presents Most Glamorous Filipino Ball on Earth

The Kol Hope Foundation For Children proudly presented the Philippine Presidential Gala, now known throughout the world as The Most Glamorous Filipino Ball on Earth. Over 400 of Toronto’s brightest stars, fashionistas, and the veritable who’s who among the Filipino Canadian scene attended the red carpet soirée held last Friday November 11, 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville. The Filipino Ball is truly the first of its kind, an all out, extravagant, Cultural Showcase of the best in Philippine Culture, Philippine Fashion, Dance, Performance and Cuisine, all for a great cause, to help children born with Trisomy-related disabilities. The beautiful night was a celebration of Kol Rustia’s life, who passed away at the age of 14 on Oct 9, 2011. Kol is the inspiration and story behind the Kol Hope Foundation for Children.

 The event began at 6PM with an all-media access, red carpet event. Amongst the Who’s Who attending were: Philippine Consul General Pedro Chan, Toronto’s Former Mayor of Toronto Barbara Hall, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham, Miss Universe Canada Chanel Beckenlehner, Canadian Fashion Designers Baby Steinberg & Louie J. Manzo, Stephen Lynch make up artist for the acclaimed TV series Queer As Folk, casting Director Karyn Fine, Kelechi Achonu Fashion Editor for RGM, Bradley Schmale Head of Leading International Bank for HSBC, and Eric Aragon, Canada’s leading Event Designer.

The Gala dinner and program began at 7pm with a heart warming tribute video to Kol Rustia, a wonderful recap of this 14 year old boy’s life, and the great legacy that he has left behind; a legacy of love, courage, compassion and hope.

The video was followed by a beautiful welcome and tribute speech by Kol Hope Foundation for Children, President and Founder, and Kol’s grandmother, Melinda Parreno Rustia. Filipino- Canadian TV personality, Host of BPM:TV’s Club Fashion, Jeff Rustia, who is also Kol’s father, was the wonderful and entertaining Emcee for the evening. He then previewed the World Premiere of Kol’s World, a brand new groundbreaking, animated pre-school series, about a boy in a wheelchair and his two best pet friends.

And for the very first time ever in Four Seasons Hotel history, the hotel has launched an exclusive Filipino Fusion Menu, comprised of a three course meal starting with a Ginataang Calabasa Soup with Ginger and Coconut Crème Flake, followed by Roasted Adobo Chicken in a delicate Calamus Jus served with Mung Bean Rice Pilaf, and finished with a Guimaras Mango Mousse cake.

As dinner began, Rustia introduced the stellar line-up for the evening which included the country’s top Philippine Cultural Dance troupes in Canada, namely Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe and Cultural Philippines of Ontario, that performed their award winning Singkil and Tinikling, plus knock out performances from Ma-Anne Dionisio, the international star of Miss Saigon, Lilac Cana, the Award Winning Filipino Opera Singer, Colin Petierre, 12 year old Filipino Canadian Ballroom dance champ, Warren Dean Flandez, R&B Soul Singer, and star of CBC’s Cover Me Canada. The highlight of the performances was the special presentation of Rigodon de Honour by the KOL HOPE DANCERS, choreographed by Siony Srynka.

The showcase event of the night was the Presidential Awards, with the presentation of Awards to over 40 Presidents of Fil-Can Associations. The awards ceremony also paid tribute to 5 outstanding Filipinos for their global achievements, including, Arturo Viola, Zeny Gepilano, Carmelita Petierre Dosayla and Lilac Cana. The lifetime achievement award was given to Ruben Cusipag, for his incredible contributions to Filipino community journalism in Canada.

The evening also featured An Haute Couture and Ready to Wear Philippine Fashion Show presenting fashions by Joy Couture and JP Rangel. Special music was mixed and edited for the show, including a beautiful remix of Pilita Corrales “Dahil Sa Yo” with French Ambient beats. Simply Divine! The night ended with a fashionable competition for the “BEST TERNO EVENING GOWN “ with the 5 celebrity Judges choosing Tara Berkes, a Filipino Hungarian model who sported a one sided Butterfly leather evening gown.

The Kol Hope Foundation for Children is the first charitable organization of its kind in North America that helps children born with Trisomy-related disabilities. All proceeds go to benefit the Kol Hope Fund in the Hospital for Sick Kids, and Easter Seals Society of Canada. And 2 orphanages in the Philippines, namely Bacolod Boys Home and the Holy Infant Nursery in Bacolod City.

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2011 Christmas Promo by GET LAUD!

GET LAUD, the quality ladies’ apparel, makes use of the finest imported and trendy fabrics throughout all their creations. Stylishly cut and locally sewn, GET LAUD clothing not only gives superb comfort but makes its customers instant fashionistas as well. GET LAUD also won the "Marketing Excellence" Award for 2010 and the "Most Promising Retailer" Award for 2007 from the Ayala Malls. Consecutively, in 2005 and in 2006, GET LAUD received the “Seal of Excellence” Award as the "Best Spandex Apparel Retail Store" given by the National Shopper’s Association of the Philippines and the National Shopper’s Choice Awards. Truly Get Laud! is a multi-awarded company dedicated with Philippine Fashion.

In order to celebrate these wonderful years of achievement, GET LAUD will be giving away exciting and chic 2012 tabletop calendars for free! In every calendar, enjoy GET LAUD coupons for a special treat each in store month of 2012. Simply shop in any of the participating GET LAUD branches nationwide and purchase regular GET LAUD items for a minimum of Php 800 on a single receipt. For purchases, cash or credit card may be accepted. GET LAUD Privilege Cardholders are more than obliged to join. This promo is not valid with any other promotions and discounts except the GET LAUD Privilege Card.

Make it a shopping date at GET LAUD. Promo period is from November 23, 2011 to January 15, 2012. So be the first to grab a GET LAUD 2012 Calendar now! Happy Shopping!

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A Tribute Gala for Jose "Pitoy" Moreno

Throughout a career spanning 60 years, Jose "Pitoy" Moreno has continued to make the Filipino proud in terms of Philippine Fashion. He has been compared to the famed international fashion designer Oleg Cassini and hailed as the "Fashion Czar of Asia," yet for all the recognition and accolades he has received, his contribution and influence on Philippine fashion remains beyond measure.

Pitoy Moreno was one of the earliest advocates of the Maria Clara gown, and the terno, while transforming Filipiniana gowns into timeless pieces of fashion. He has been known for his extravagant beadwork, elaborate embroidery and personal fabrics. First ladies, royalties, politicians and socialites here and abroad have sought and have worn his designs, from formal ternos to impressive ball gowns.

A National Artist, Moreno has brought the country's national costumes to worldwide recognition, staging over 43 shows in every major fashion capital such as Paris, Moscow, Rome, Madrid, New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Athens, Barcelona, Sweden, Viennna, Moscow, and Washington D.C., to name a few. International luminaries such as Nancy Reagan, Pat Nixon, Bettty Ford, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Queen Margarretta of Bulgaria, Queen Sophia of Greece, Princess Margaret of Britain, Pricess Suga of Japan, among others have all proudly worn his creations. His local muses on the other hand include, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Bb. Pilipinas' Stella Marquez-Araneta, Tingting Cojuangco, as well as many other celebrities.

 His accomplishments both in the local and international fashion industry made him one of the most prized and respected Filipino designers of all time. In honor of all his contributions, Metro Society, in partnership with ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network and the Bb. Pilipinas charities held the "Jose "Pitoy" Moreno: A Tribute Gala" at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel last November 21, 2011. Showcasing a large collection of the fashion legend's creations, the gala indeed was the biggest fashion event to cap off the closing year. Politicians, socialites, celebrities, his loyal muses and clients, as well as his fellow designers filled the Isla Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel, all eager to see the genius and his work once again. Their heart's desire was satisfied as more than 100 pieces of Philippine costumes, extraordinary couture gowns, and beautifully crafted ternos filled the runway.

Opening the evening was Moreno's collection of Muslim costumes in gold material with glass beads, brass bells and ornate metal headdresses worn by Charlene Gonzales in the 1994 Miss Universe that won in the national costume category. The night also featured Moreno's barong creations followed by a colorful collection of his modernized terno. The pieces displayed his famous reinvention of the garb with short vertical butterfly sleeves and cinched waists. Most had accents of either a floral beadwork or embroidery.

The show then livened up with his flamenco-inspired dresses complete with mantones de Manila, his black-and-white Maria Clara collection, and his famous 19th century-inspired Maria Clara gowns crafted from indigenous materials jusi, piAa and lepanto. Moreno's bridal collection became the most mesmerizing part of the night. It proved why it has always been a Filipina's dream to wear a Moreno gown on her wedding day. The pieces were grand with beautiful beadwork, endless trails and enchanting veils. The collection also featured Muslim wedding costumes, which showed the designer's complete devotion to Filipino culture and fashion.

The runway was star-studded as supermodels Izza Gonzales-Agana, Patty Betita, Suyen Chi, Marina Benipayo, Menchu Soriano, Annette Coronel-Cruz and Phoemela Baranda donned Moreno's famous works. Moreno always loved to dress beauty queens and several of them participated in the gala show including 2011 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Shamcey Supsup and 2010 Ms. Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj, as well as past Bb. Pilipinas winners Dianne Necio, Bianca Manalo, Patricia Fernandez, Nina Ricci Alagao, and Marie Ann Umali. Host KC Concepcion expressed pride as she wore her first Pitoy terno while actors Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual both wore the designer's barongs. Siblings Megan and Lauren Young, Denise Laurel, Cecilia Schulze, Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario and Karylle also graced the runway.

Singers Gary Valenciano, Rico Blanco and Rem Zamora serenaded Moreno's muses while the music from the Manila Symphony Orchestra perfectly complemented Moreno's aesthetic. When Pitoy Moreno came out on stage, everyone cheered and gave the famed designer the ovation he truly deserved. Proceeds from the event was for the benefit of the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc. LGFI coordinates the Lopez Group's corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on education, health and wellness, humanitarian assistance, livelihood, environment, and the promotion of Philippine arts and culture.

All these years, I've been putting up shows all over the world. It's not about me--it's about the best of Philippine fashion, the best Filipino models, and the best Philippine material. Everywhere I go; I try to promote our culture."-- Pitoy Moreno

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BoardWalk Philippines Introduced Personal Shopper System

Boardwalk Business Ventures, Inc. is one of the most popular affordable direct-selling in terms of Philippine Fashion. Inline with their vision of uplifting the lives of the Filipino, wouldn't it be nice if you have someone who will always make sure you always look good and wouldn't it be nice if you have someone who will always make sure to bring out the best in you in whatever you do.

Boardwalk is proud to present to each and every one of you, your confidants in the world of fashion. Boardwalk is proud to introduce your Personal Shoppers. They will help you find the best-looking and best-fitting clothes for you. How you dress determines how the rest of the world sees you and these Personal Shoppers will make sure that you and everybody else will see you at your best.

You can be assured that Boardwalk's roster of Personal Shoppers has the capability and expertise to know what is fashionable and what is not. They have been trained to breathe and live fashion and style and you can be confident that these Personal Shoppers know what they are talking about.

So what does that mean for you? Well, that means, you will never have to stand in those long lines again. You'll never have to fit three, four, or even five pieces of apparel in the fitting room just to find out what fits you. Also a Personal Shopper will live and breathe fashion and virtually shop for a clients like you, freeing them from the hassles of standing in those long lines at the shopping malls. They will be able to see what you want before get the chance to tell them what you want.

You can visit their official page at http://www.boardwalk.com.ph/ like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/boardwalk.ph and follow them at http://twitter.com/#!/BoardwalkPH for more detailed information. 

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BUM Holds Fashion Show with Cosplay as Theme

Philippine Fashion clothing brand BUM brings the Cosplay fashion trend to the fore with a one-of-a-kind fashion show at the SM Mall of Asia. If you have a story to tell, don’t keep it to yourself. Flaunt and let the world know through fashion.

This has been the youth’s battle-cry these days. Not only are they daring, wearing their colors on their sleeves proudly, they are pushing the envelope when it comes to dressing up, as well. Even the term “costume play” or “cosplay”, which is the act of dressing up as a fictional character inspired from an anime TV series, or a character they idolized, has found its way into the youth’s wardrobe. Cosplay is no longer a style but it has become a “trend” that is normally seen and worn on the streets.

To underscore this “daring” and “experimental” style philosophy, BUM Equipment is putting together a fashion show on November 25 at the Music Hall of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Called Reveal Your Darkside, this fashion celebration is the culminating event of an ongoing nationwide contest. Since August 8, BUM has been receiving through its website (http://www.bumequipment.com.ph) countless entries from young stylistas who want to share the world their passion for the brand and the cosplay trend.

Interestingly, the fashion show will also showcase BUM’s new collection for the Holidays. So cosplay and BUM fanatics can expect a one-of-a-kind fashion event that would inspire them to express their angst, passion, and identity more freely through BUM Collections. Mall goers will enjoy BUM’s treats as early as 1pm with live games on screen. Shoppers can play live video games at the Music Hall venue and win fabulous prizes courtesy of our sponsors Netopia Internet Café and Ideal Vision. Register as early as 1pm and get a chance to win prizes in our event raffle such as NOKIA C1 cellphones, five (5) pieces of P500 GLOBE prepaid loads and BUM gift packs. Raffle draw will be held at exactly 6:30pm. BUM products are available at BUM Boutiques and leading Department Stores nationwide. For Show details, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph and like us at www.facebook.com/bumequip . 

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