What’s on a Personal Shopper’s Wish List? Laura 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, Laura from our Asia Pacific team divulges her most-wanted pieces and why…
“My mother has always been one of my greatest style icons – I credit her with instilling in me my love of fashion. She has always taught me that the way we dress is a powerful form of self-expression. Even when I was little, before I knew what fashion was, I’d spend entire days playing in my sister’s wardrobe, trying on her clothes and playing shopkeeper. As a teenager I would devour fashion magazines and, later, when I was in design school, I was obsessed with the burgeoning blogging scene. Fashion history has always been a particular passion of mine – it was my favorite class in college. I find it so incredible how a single outfit can tell you so much about the era, place and the state of society at any given moment, whether it be the ‘New Look’ of the 1950s or the punk movement of the 1970s and ’80s. Fashion can really bond people and reflect our shared values.
“After school, I worked as a fashion designer for a few years in my native Portugal, before moving to Hong Kong to pursue my dream of styling. I’ve always been a huge fan of NET-A-PORTER, so when I saw there was an opening for a personal shopper role, I applied – and the rest is history! I am so proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients, and I can honestly say I learn something new every day. Each client is different and therefore requires a different approach; it’s so important to offer a tailored service to ensure everyone feels valued. In an increasingly data-driven world, it’s these personal touches and ties that really make for a special shopping experience. I love working with my clients to find truly special gifts for the most important people in their lives – and to find the right look for special events, such as birthdays and weddings.
“Over the years, my personal style has evolved a lot – that’s part of the fun – and my clients and colleagues continue to inspire me every day. My style is effortless and comfortable, but also polished. I want to be empowered by the clothes I wear. I really take my time when I’m investing in a special bag, new shoes or a piece of jewelry – that way, I really know when I’ve found the right addition to my closet. The pandemic has made me value the small things in a whole new way. I now appreciate the ritual and fun of getting dressed up so much more than I ever did before.”
Elevated essentials
“Everyone in Hong Kong has a really distinct sense of style. Since I moved here, I have been experimenting more with sports and loungewear. And since the pandemic started, I’ve been challenging myself to put together interesting outfits that are comfortable, of course, but also chic and stylish. Nowadays, I really value how relaxed a more laid-back design can make me feel, but I also think it’s important to maintain a bit of fun by dressing up and adding some glamorous touches. I love pairing my Sporty & Rich sweat set with a plush coat, like Max Mara’s signature camel style. I also love The Row, JW Anderson and Gabriela Hearst for essential pieces that strike the perfect balance between staple and statement. They slot effortlessly into your wardrobe but still add a directional edge. My ultimate wardrobe building blocks would have to be a perfectly fitted black dress, a crisp cotton shirt, a statement blazer, a cashmere sweater and a colorful printed dress.”
A grab bag
“I love bags – they carry our most beloved and personal items. Plus, they complement every look. Simply put, they are the cherry on top of any outfit. When I purchase a beautiful new piece, I always think about that special moment, someday in the future, when I’ll pass it on to my daughter. There’s magic in the act of pairing a new dress with a vintage bag that your mother handed down to you.
“The grab bag is so versatile (I’m a particularly big fan of new-season designs by Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Khaite) – you can style it so many ways that it’s suitable for every occasion. I love the relaxed shape and clean lines; it’s timeless, effortless and chic.”
Classic boots
“For me, boots are an investment piece. An exquisitely crafted pair of shoes will last for years and accompany you through so many important milestones; you can feel the difference as soon as you slip them on. Chelsea boots are a classic style every woman should have in her wardrobe; they’re sexy and androgynous all at the same time. This season, I’ll be styling them with a silk dress – ideally by Orseund Iris or Rixo, my go-tos for a night out. For a chic take on office style, I will pair them with classic black tailoring, a silk shirt and a chunky cardigan, all finished with a statement bag and an heirloom watch by Cartier. I’m currently coveting styles by Proenza Schouler, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and The Row – the label’s zip-embellished boots make the perfect addition to any closet.”
The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown