NET-A-PORTER’s global family on the return of fashion week and the pieces they’re coveting this season

“Parisians are naturally discerning; they know which closet classic to invest in and, on the flip side, which statement pieces will complete their wardrobes. Living in a fashion capital has rubbed off on me over time, but my core style has never really changed. For me, shopping means researching band T-shirts and searching for the perfect pair of jeans. Lockdown really confirmed what I feel best wearing and what brands I want to support. It killed the urge to adopt every new trend. Some of my favorite labels right now are Wales Bonner, JW Anderson, Cecilie Bahnsen, Nanushka and Jacquemus. They all create cool, uncontrived pieces that work with my lifestyle. I can wear them day to day, for traveling, dinner, and even when I’m DJing. In fact, my new-found appreciation for the outdoors has made me realize that a new rain jacket is top of my wish list this season.”

“London is the most directional of the fashion capitals, and living here for 10 years has definitely made me more daring with my own sartorial choices. I would say my style is quite understated, utilitarian, and often monochrome. I tend to prioritize comfort over anything else, so you will usually find me in sneakers or combat boots. However, I must admit I’ve missed getting dressed up and having a reason to wear heels, so fashion week might be a good reason to make them a more regular part of my look. Magda Butrym's timeless strappy leather pumps are to die for – I try not to impulse-buy and prefer to invest in long-lasting, high-quality pieces. It’s hard to narrow my favorite brands down to just a few, but Totême, Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander and Saint Laurent are definitely up there.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing my city come alive again this fashion week and feeling the thrill of seeing the latest collections firsthand. While the shows are on, I work around the clock – so even if I do get the chance to swing by a cool party or event, it’s very likely I’ll be there in the same outfit I put on that morning. That’s why clothes that are cool and stylish, but also comfortable, make up the bulk of my closet. Colors are also very important to my personal aesthetic – they help me to express myself on any given day. My favorite brands have to be Bottega Veneta, Ganni and Prada. Bottega’s bold shapes and palette offer the twist every cool girl’s wardrobe needs right now; I wear Ganni when I want to feel more playful; and Prada clothes makes me feel at home wherever I am – like I’m wearing my Milanese heritage.”

“There is something exciting about living in New York – a city where people take pride in the way they dress – that invites you to feel free to experiment without judgement. Being a plus-size Latina woman, my options are often limited, as the industry has a lot of catching up to do, but I believe in wearing whatever makes you feel beautiful and empowered. This season’s shows are an opportunity to reaffirm the resilience of American fashion. New York has a different energy during fashion week – the whole city feels like a runway. This season is all about making a statement in dramatic yet wearable knits. There are certain misconceptions about how plus-size women should dress, but those ideas are irrelevant and outdated. It’s exciting to see more designers embracing plus-size models on the runway, but it is important that this translates into more size inclusivity for all women.”

“Over the past 18 months, I have really leaned into lockdown dressing, swapping my usual 9-5 look for a uniform of sweats. However, having hit my athleisure peak, I’m now ready to embrace dressing up again. And there’s no better excuse for a style overhaul than London fashion week – home to some of the industry’s most needle-moving designers. There was a real sense of optimism in the FW21 collections, and I suspect designers will be doubling down on this joy, color and frivolity for SS22. This new mood has had a serious impact on my own wardrobe, too. This season I’ll be playing with colors and clashing textures. I’ve been easing myself in by opting for remastered classics, such as pastel suiting and statement handbags that I know I’ll reach for again and again. I’m working on creating a fail-safe capsule closet by filling in the critical gaps – and top of my wish list is a trench coat and timeless watch.”