What’s on a Personal Shopper’s wish list? Emi shares her must-have buys
Get to know the tastes and styling tips of NET-A-PORTER’s Personal Shoppers as they each reveal what’s on their Wish List this season – and how they will be wearing their picks. Here, Emi, from our Asia-Pacific team, divulges her most-wanted pieces and why she loves them
“I’ve loved fashion since I was about three years old – that’s when my parents started letting me pick out my own clothes. My mom has always had a huge influence on my style – she loves dressing up and attended lots of fashion shows in Japan and Korea during the ’90s. Luckily for me, she’d often bring me along, too. I think that’s when my love of fashion and appreciation for beautiful design really blossomed.
“I moved to Hong Kong five years ago to be with my fiancé. Up until that point, I had always worked in hospitality but, after arriving in the city, I got headhunted to work at NET-A-PORTER – and, as I was already in the midst of so much change, I decided to go for it. Initially, I worked in customer care, but I soon realized my core strength was client management, which is why personal shopping is the perfect fit for me. I love meeting new people, attending events and sharing my shopping tips.
“I’m so grateful to do a job that I love. Honestly, I see my clients more like friends. It’s not just a professional relationship – we talk, crack jokes and just generally share life’s ups and downs. As a Personal Shopper, it’s extremely important to build that trust with your clients; when that’s genuine, the experience is better for everyone involved. It’s because of that strong foundation that I’ve been invited to their birthdays, housewarming parties and even weddings.
“I would say my personal style is elegant, modern and feminine. I know that tailored dresses and jumpsuits with clean lines suit me best, so I tend to stick to these key pieces. My favorite accessories are similarly timeless. During the pandemic, I have definitely started prioritizing comfort a lot more and have really set about condensing my closet. Like a lot of people, I have also embraced activewear and worn a lot of pieces by Alo Yoga, The Upside and Nike. That said, I can’t wait to get all dressed up again for parties and events – and hopefully soon.”
A drama dress
“I love donning a showstopping dress for everything from date night to an evening at the opera or ballet. There’s something about slipping one on that just makes you feel absolutely gorgeous in an instant. At this point, I think we’re all keen to rediscover the joy of dressing up, which is why you should have the perfect dress waiting in the wings for that first big post-pandemic event. You can count on a lot of designers for great dresses, but my favorites would have to be David Koma – I love his body-conscious silhouettes; Alessandra Rich – for an ultra-feminine look; and Rotate Birger Christensen – I’m petite and somehow the brand’s playful designs always make me stand taller.”
Contemporary jewels
“In recent seasons, contemporary jewelers have really caused a stir by creating more modern, interesting and often understated pieces that are perfect for wearing every day. My clients are always on the hunt for exciting new designs to add to their jewelry box, and mix and match with more traditional pieces. When it comes to investment purchases, jewelry is a no-brainer – and that includes exciting new names, too. Stone and Strand is one of my favorite contemporary jewelry brands right now, although Persée’s gold-and-diamond bracelet recently jumped straight to the top of my Wish List.”
Statement heels
“I know it’s a cliché, but I just love shoes, and statement heels are my true weakness. They’re the perfect finishing touch to any look. To my mind, statement heels absolutely qualify as an investment purchase because, if you choose the right pair, you’ll be wearing them for years to come. Even during the pandemic, when I was mostly wearing athleisure, I continued to build my collection with beautiful styles by the likes of Gianvito Rossi and Manolo Blahnik. Amina Muaddi is a new favorite of mine. Her statement heels are a huge hit with celebrities and fashion insiders because not only do they look amazing, but they’re also surprisingly comfortable.”
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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown