My Josie Natori Moment

I love nothing more than a designer that lives their own design philosophy and I can think of no one that epitomizes that more than the graceful and elegant Josie Natori.

An accomplished business woman and concert pianist (!) prior to launching her fashion career, Josie is of course best known as the creator of her eponymous line of ready to wear, home goods and decadent lingerie and sleepwear.

But Josie has more design up her sleeves and to fete the launch of her latest collection, Natori Essentials, I was invited to her stunning Upper East Side apartment (HELLO, REAL ESTATE ENVY!) last week.

Over decadent champagne and delicious dim sum, Josie herself walked an intimate group of online editors through the line and I found myself dying over the sleek, chic and eminently wearable separates (primarily in black). In particular, the voluminous cocoon cardigan as well as a yummy stretch lace pencil skirt (va-va-va-voom!) spoke to me.

The biggest treat of the evening (okay, second only to a private piano performance) was definitely a visit to Josie's closet. The size of most New York bedrooms and organized beyond belief, it was most striking due to her clearly defined style choices.

Lined with black separates and dresses (seriously, there was not another color in sight!), it's clear that Josie expresses herself through the enormous assortment of bold solid and printed scarves scarves, bejeweled shoes of varying heights and structured bags in a myriad of skins and hues. While I still need a bit more variety in my own closet, I found the simplicity inspiring!

To experience Natori Essentials, take a jaunt through the gallery below.

(Above, left: Me, looking pale, with Josie Natori herself.)

 

Jewelry: An Heirloom for the Ages

A few weeks ago, I attended an event celebrating fine art photographer and jeweler Monica Rich Kosann. Our host tasked us with bringing a personal heirloom to share and as someone without much of a family history, I found myself at a loss and arrived empty handed. To be honest, I simply couldn't think of an item in my home that I considered worthy of "heirloom" status. Not yet.

Monica Rich Kosann (right) and special guest Josie Natori (her heirloom was an amazing Buddha!)

But after meeting Kosann, and listening to her talk about her collection of modern heirlooms - luxe lockets and highly personal charm bracelets inspired by family and a sense of individuality and history - all I could think about was my mother, who passed away earlier this year.

My mom was the kind of woman who had accumulated a lot of "stuff" during her lifetime, but after cleaning out her home, I chose to keep only the items that evoked real memories for me. Those fell into just two categories: family photos and her favorite pieces of jewelry (below.)

While the jewelry my mom owned wasn't particularly valuable, the pieces above - the Live, Love, Laugh necklace gifted to her by my father...the tiny ruby and diamond heart ring that her father gave her as a child - had so many memories attached, I couldn't imagine leaving them behind. I'm glad I didn't, because now, when I find myself missing her, I slip on a piece of her jewelry and again (somehow) feel connected. To me, that defines an heirloom.

Shop Monica Rich Kosann jewelry at Bergdorf Goodman and learn more about her at The Fine Art of Family.