Josie Natori Fall 2014

 For this fall/winter season, Josie Natori was inspired by “the richness of Russia’s cultural heritage.” Opening the show with various silhouettes of dark grey, Natori highlighted her skills of construction and not to mention her impeccable coat-cutting technique. The show quickly transitioned to different neutral hues of white and beige, giving the collection a hint of “Russian Winter” that included some beautifully made felted, wool hijab-esque head pieces. Natori has always been a master at understanding prints and patterns; this season she opted to add a handful of tie-dyed overcoats that have all the signs of being a must-have piece for any fashionista looking to put some much needed flair into their fall wardrobe.

As the collection progressed, more Russian influences were evident, offering more of bit a narrative story behind the inner workings of Russia’s history.  What really made this collection a winner was the wide range of materials, textures, and the intricate cutwork featured throughout, which included embossed pony velvet, rabbit fur, and jet beading. And those Natori relied heavily on a neutral color palette, there were explosions of color evidenced in deep crimson red, and sky  blue.

 Josie Natori fall 2014 collection was all about luxe, setting an earlier standard and proving that the ready-to-wear collections this season have a lot more to speak to than the American consumer’s love for sportswear. Bold, fun, and sophisticated Natori has started off the fall/winter  2014 season on a high note!

—John Woody