Cover Josie Natori poses with an ACE Award at the 26th Annual ACE Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street on August 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Accessories Council)
Josie Natori poses with an ACE Award at the 26th Annual ACE Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street on August 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Accessories Council)
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As a longstanding member of the Board of Trustees of the esteemed Asian Cultural Council (ACC), Josie Natori steps up as chairperson and eyes the continuance of dynamic cultural exchange between the East and the West
Josie Cruz Natori, the indomitable Filipina revered in the international fashion scene, has always had a deep passion for the arts. Natori has been serving the ACC’s Board of Trustees since 1995. She was instrumental in the establishment of ACC’s affiliate office in Manila helmed now by Ernest Escaler.
“My love for the arts began as a child growing up in Manila studying piano—a lifelong passion,” she says. "While I adore my work, success in fashion is not enough. I want to be able to give something back, to make a difference in people’s lives.”
See more: Josie Natori celebrates 45 years in the fashion industry
Above Ken Natori, Josie Natori, Pablo Heras-Casado, and Anne Igartiburu attends the Orchestra Of St. Luke's 2017 Gift Of Music Gala at The Plaza Hotel on April 12, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images)
Ken Natori, Josie Natori, Pablo Heras-Casado, and Anne Igartiburu attends the Orchestra Of St. Luke's 2017 Gift Of Music Gala at The Plaza Hotel on April 12, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images)
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Natori succeeds Wendy O’Neill, who served on ACC’s board since 2009 and as chairperson since 2012. She was named a Life Trustee at the ACC board meeting last May.
“Serving as a Trustee, and now taking on the role of chairperson in ACC’s New York headquarters, is emblematic of that [lifelong] desire,” Natori shares. “I look forward to working with the Board and staff to continue providing artists, scholars, and arts professionals with singular opportunities to further expand their practices and pursuits through dynamic cultural exchange.”
Above Josie Cruz Natori (Photo: Andrew Egan / Asian Cultural Council)
Josie Cruz Natori (Photo: Andrew Egan / Asian Cultural Council)
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ACC’s executive director Judy Kim said, “Josie Cruz Natori has been a stalwart champion of ACC’s mission, generously sharing both her deep-seated passion for the arts and her business acumen for over two decades. On behalf of the staff and alumni, we celebrate our distinguished Trustee in her new role as chairperson. We also express our profound gratitude to Wendy O’Neill for her conscientious leadership, unparalleled service, and rigorous support of ACC’s work.”
Since launching the Natori Company, her eponymous fashion and international lifestyle brand, in 1977, Natori has been bringing art to life with an East-meets-West sensibility as CEO and chief creative officer. Previously, she had a successful career on Wall Street, becoming the first female vice president of investment banking at Merrill Lynch.
In addition to the ACC, Natori sits on the boards of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation. She is also a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and C200 and sits on the board of Westrock Coffee Company.
Above Richard Lanier, Mary Lanier, Elizabeth J McCormack, Josie Cruz Natori, Hans Michael Jebsen, Ernest Escaler (Photo: Facebook / Asian Cultural Council)
Richard Lanier, Mary Lanier, Elizabeth J McCormack, Josie Cruz Natori, Hans Michael Jebsen, Ernest Escaler (Photo: Facebook / Asian Cultural Council)
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In 1988, Natori was honoured for her achievements with the Galleon Award, presented by Corazon Aquino, then President of the Republic of the Philippines. In 2007, she was given the prestigious Lakandula Award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, considered the highest honour for a Filipino citizen. Natori was also recognised with Fashion Group International’s prestigious Humanitarian Award in 2012.
She and her husband Ken Natori currently reside in New York City, making frequent trips to Manila. She credits her entrepreneurial spirit to the matriarchal society of the Philippines where she was inspired from a young age by her grandmother, an entrepreneur, and her mother, a musician and businesswoman. Her father, a self-made man in the construction industry, also played a significant role in inspiring her career choices. Natori continues to embrace, celebrate, and honour her Asian heritage through everything she does.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
