Filipino-American fashion designer Josie Natori is bringing her signature focus on women’s experiences to the stage as costume designer for La Voix Humaine, a one-act monodrama presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Intramuros Administration.
The opera, composed by Francis Poulenc and based on a play by Jean Cocteau, follows a woman’s telephone conversation with her former lover, capturing her vulnerability and heartbreak. Natori said designing costumes for such an intimate and emotional story is a “rewarding” part of her work.
“I’ve always said everything we create in Natori is about enhancing a woman’s life and making her feel good,” she said. “Even in anguish, clothing can give power.”
Natori, one of the earliest successful Filipino-American designers, founded The Natori Company in 1977 after becoming the first female vice president in investment banking at Merrill Lynch. Her brand continues to support Filipino craftsmanship, with a significant portion of manufacturing in the Philippines.
She worked alongside Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardees Nonon Padilla (director), Gino Gonzales (production design), and CCP trustee Monino Duque (lighting design) on the production.
“Art, culture, and fashion intersect in La Voix Humaine,” Natori said. “I’m proud of the creativity of Filipinos; their artistry is unmatched.”
La Voix Humaine is part of CCP’s Intramuros Evenings series, which will conclude with Christmas Harmonies on Dec. 13, featuring winners of the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in a night of Filipino and classic holiday music.
