Fashion can invoke a feeling when you wear it or see it. A good designer or design team understands that and plays to that feeling be it sexy, pretty, professional relaxed or in the case of Josie Natori, elegant.

Born Josephina Almeda Cruz, she credits her entrepreneurial nature to the matriarchal society she grew up in along with the support of her close-knit Filipino family. “Women are encouraged to be entrepreneurs,” says Natori of her home country, the Philippines. “My grandmother always said, ‘Don’t put yourself in a position where you have to depend on anyone.” It seemed like serendipity when the very place she grew up, the place that instilled her with the motivation to become an entrepreneur, was also the inspiration for what turned into a successful lingerie collection; a hand embroidered Filipino blouse. Using an Asian aesthetic, Natori was able to build a distinct brand, melding the visual appeals of both the East and the West.

This year’s evening collection is inspired by Asian paintings. The bold brushstrokes are invigorating, the canny, contrasting colors captures the energy of the pieces. The plum blossoms signal spring. The World of Natori uses the finest materials and the most intricate hand-forged embellishments in sexy silhouettes, kimono vests, A-line mini dress, strapless tunics and so much more.

She accessorized with artisanal jewelry that referenced the natural world. While hammered-metal earrings and cuffs rendered as flowers.

This Spring 2016 collection brought out the love of black and white, but also brought us the hint of color that makes this brand so unique and elegant.

Written by Contributor Denise Seegobin of Savingswithdenise