What’s on a personal shopper’s Wish List? Irina shares her must-have buys
As arbiters of taste and experts in their field, what better place to find sartorial inspiration than the Wish List of a NET-A-PORTER Personal Shopper? Here, we talk to Irina from our team, who works across Europe
“I’ve been fascinated by fashion ever since I was a child. I’d make trips to the local library for school books but would always end up devouring the latest Vogue instead. I actually went on to study law and psychology back home in Estonia, but I fell into the fashion industry when I came to London. I was head-hunted by NET-A-PORTER four years ago and have been a member of the team ever since.
“As a Personal Shopper, it’s really important to build meaningful relationships – ones based on trust – with your clients; I always try to do the best by the people I work with. This job isn’t about being pushy with product; you need to understand each individual’s personality and style. I deal with lots of special requests – it might be working with a brand to find a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace or helping decorate a client’s new property. The most rewarding part of my job is that it provides me with the opportunity to meet some truly marvellous people, from clients to designers. I learn something new every day!
“Personal style is something that’s unique to each and every one of us. Working in the fashion industry has taught me lessons in terms of coloring, fabrics and finding shapes to flatter every body type, which has ultimately helped me refine my own look. My style is a mixture of classic, sporty and elegant elements. My closet is full of timeless pieces in black and earthy tones that I will keep for years to come – and this sums up my approach to sustainability. Read on to see the pieces I’m coveting this season…”
A show-stopping dress
“Someday soon, we will all be making more of an effort with our outfits again. It sounds like a distant dream right now, but I can’t wait to travel somewhere warm – ideally the Caribbean – and have a beachside dinner with my boyfriend, wearing an ethereal gown by the likes of Kalita or a more ladylike style by Alessandra Rich – another one of my favorite designers. Of course, when it comes to dancing the night away, you can’t beat The Attico or 16Arlington for a party dress.”
Investment jewels
“Recently, I’ve been wearing a lot of sumptuous knits and accessorizing them with glamorous diamond pieces. Fine jewelry is an effortless way to lift not only your lockdown look, but also your spirits. Often, jewelry is a gift from those closest to us, and so it can be a lovely reminder of your nearest and dearest – but I am also a big fan of self-gifting. This past year has really reinforced the value of stocking your jewelry box with forever pieces that work for any occasion. A Cartier ‘Panthère’ watch is top of my Wish List at the moment – along with pretty much anything by Fernando Jorge, Boghossian and Martin Katz.”
Cult beauty buys
“We’ve all been faced with radical changes to our daily lives and routines over the past year, and I really believe self-care is the key to keeping our minds and bodies healthy. I’ve really upped my game during the pandemic – I now make a point of treating myself every day, either by applying a Sisley face mask, running a bath full of aromatherapy oils or carving out the time for a face massage with my Joanna Czech roller. Someday soon I’m going to invest in Angela Caglia’s LED mask. It has the same near-infrared LED technology studied by NASA and elite medical institutions for its unique healing effects.”
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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