Team NET-A-PORTER On Their Most Memorable Buys
To mark NET-A-PORTER’s 25th anniversary, five long-standing staff members reflect on their careers within the business and share their very first – and most-loved – purchases
Kay Barron, fashion director
“I started at NET-A-PORTER on January 7, 2013, which is crazy, as 12 years has gone by so fast. On my first day, I wore a long black silk shirt by Acne Studios, black skinny jeans and black high-heeled boots. I accessorized the look with the worst flu I have ever had – and, in hindsight, I should have slightly delayed my start date, as I have had to live with that first-day headshot ever since.
“My style hasn’t changed much, as I am wearing that very same black silk shirt by Acne Studios while typing this. The skinny jeans, however, are at the back of the closet, currently replaced by looser styles – but I know the skinnies will rise again, so I keep them. I think my style has been tweaked and improved over the years, as I have had the NET-A-PORTER buy at my fingertips and worked with the best team of stylists who always inspire me. I am quite a classic dresser, but with a point of interest – and usually that interest is Sacai.
“It is always worth investing in denim, especially if it is your go-to for (almost) every occasion, as it is for me. Just make sure you wash it on a cold wash and it will last
”Kay Barron
“I joined as fashion features director of editorial, and to launch PORTER print magazine, setting the tone of voice for the brand, then became fashion director for editorial, before becoming fashion director of the wider business six years ago. My role now is to set the fashion point of view for the business – and to curate the best of the buy to inspire our customers. I still think it is the best job!
“The first item I bought on site was a Valentino Garavani ‘Rockstud’ headband. It was 2013 – it was a thing then! I had short hair and it worked for the time, though it was never really me. The office was full of women in headbands in the early 2010s; I think I was trying to fit in. My next purchase was a pair of black, patent, very pointy Marc Jacobs heels – and I still wear those.
“My most worn item is always denim. I have a set from Khaite that I bought last year when I was promoting my book, How To Wear Everything, and I wear the two pieces together and apart all the time. It is always worth investing in denim, especially if it is your go-to for (almost) every occasion, as it is for me. Just make sure you wash it on a cold wash and it will last.
“My most recent investment was an Alaïa dress to wear to my best friend’s wedding this summer. I bought it in January, as soon as I saw it, and it has been hanging in my closet ever since; I can’t wait to wear it. I just bought some Saint Laurent shoes to go with it – a spindly stiletto heel is totally inappropriate for a country wedding, but who cares!”
“My first NET-A-PORTER purchase was a Spinelli Kilcollin ring… I have always enjoyed mixing metals in my jewelry, so it was an exemplary way to marry gold, silver and small diamonds
”Lydia Zacharis
Lydia Zacharis, buying manager
“I started working at NET-A-PORTER at the end of 2013, which sometimes feels like a lifetime ago, but mostly like yesterday. I joined my dream company as a very keen assistant buyer on ready-to-wear and, since then, my role has evolved, growing from junior buyer to overseeing all non-apparel at a buying-manager level – and subsequently transitioning to look after our power brand and lifestyle remit cross-category.
“I vividly remember my outfit on my first day; one I still very much endorse – a monochrome look (on-point with the NET-A-PORTER signature colors) of a sleeveless white duchesse-silk high-neck top with black cropped cigarette pants and a black pair of Celine pumps. My style has remained consistent since then. I felt very lucky at the time – to be buying for a sophisticated customer – and this is still the case, as I have a minimal style rooted in muted colors, quality fabrics and fits, but with a twist; usually a jacket, bag or pair of shoes with a strong fashion edge.
“My first purchase was a Spinelli Kilcollin ring, which to this day remains one of my most-worn pieces. It was my first foray into self-gifted fine jewelry, as I had wanted to start investing in versatile, timeless pieces and loved that it felt both classic and very modern at the same time. I have always enjoyed mixing metals in my jewelry, so this was an exemplary way to marry gold, silver and small diamonds. It is statement enough to stand confidently by itself, but can become even more interesting next to a second, sculptural option and a watch. Every time I look at the ring, I associate it with positive feelings of accomplishment and empowerment. I cannot imagine ever parting with it!
“Having worked at NET-A-PORTER for over a decade, I have admittedly amassed so much beautiful product, so I have narrowed down to three items as my most cherished: my Acne Studios black leather biker jacket (still the best one out there); my Khaite jeans (I loved their cream wash at the time); and The Row’s black ‘Ascot’ bag – a beautiful bundle of rich satin that has accompanied me to many day-to-night events and remains the perfect sleek evening bag.
“My wish list for 2025 includes a luxurious soft-leather or suede roomy bag for my busy, market schedule – when we are traveling for buying appointments, we need a bag that takes us throughout the day and ideally fits a laptop, too. I am hoping that it will be The Row’s ‘Marlo’ bag, Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 À 7 Bea’, Métier’s ‘Private Eye’ or Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato ‘Parachute’. Along with a pair of new Manolo Blahnik shoes and some Jacques Marie Mage or Cartier sunglasses.”
Rana Moussa, senior personal shopper
“I began my journey at NET-A-PORTER in 2017 as a personal shopper, part of a small team of five in the Dubai office. Transitioning from boutique and mono-brand environments, the dynamic and fast-paced setting was a new experience for me. However, the moment I stepped in, I fell in love with the energy and possibilities the company offered. Since then, my role has evolved, and I am now a senior personal shopper.
“My style is a reflection of my personality – ever-evolving and expressive. I love using fashion to convey my mood and character
”Rana Moussa
“Over the years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation of quality craftsmanship and have become more discerning in my brand choices. For my first day, I chose a classic houndstooth suit that not only reflected my appreciation for timeless patterns but also set the tone for my professional aspirations within the company.
“My style is a reflection of my personality – ever-evolving and expressive. I love using fashion to convey my mood and character. I was thrilled to make my first staff purchase; I remember I placed the order with my first pay check and it felt amazing. I opted for a timeless classic: a burgundy Saint Laurent ‘Sunset’ bag with silver hardware that I still have and cherish. To me, it’s more than just an accessory; it’s a piece of my journey. From the excitement of my first staff purchase to the countless memories, parting with it feels unthinkable.
“One of my most loved pieces is my Jimmy Choo ‘Bing 100’ mules in nude patent-leather. They’re incredibly versatile – elegant, comfortable, and effortless to style with just about anything. I’ve worn them on so many occasions. Another very special piece is an Oséree set, which I wore during a family trip to Bali, where I matched with my daughters, Kaïa and Alaïa – it’s a memory I’ll always treasure.
“Another piece that holds a very special place in my heart is my Kamyen ring. Both of my daughters were born in July, so I chose a design with a ruby heart to represent their birthstone. It’s a beautiful reminder of them; and every time I wear it, it brings me a sense of love and energy. It’s more than just jewelry – it’s deeply personal and symbolic.”
“I enjoy shopping a lot, particularly for staples that enhance my closet. I’m quite decisive when it comes to making a purchase, focusing on pieces that allow for versatile styling
”Niki Wong
Niki Wong, head of PR APAC
“I started at NET-A-PORTER in May 2013 as PR manager for NET-A-PORTER APAC and was then promoted to senior PR manager. In 2022, I became head of PR for YOOX NET-A-PORTER Asia Pacific, overseeing the communications for all brands in the region.
“On my first day at NET-A-PORTER, I was wearing a black lace dress and a wool cape coat by Dolce&Gabbana, which I paired with the brand’s ‘Sicily’ bag and black mesh ankle boots.
“I enjoy shopping a lot, particularly for staples that enhance my closet. I’m quite decisive when it comes to making a purchase, focusing on pieces that allow for versatile styling. My first NET-A-PORTER purchases were two floral-print blazers – one from Isabel Marant and the other from Rag & Bone. I treasure the pieces I bought and still wear them, consciously styling them in different ways to ensure my outfits feel new even when repeated.
“There are so many pieces I’ve purchased since then that I love. A classic double-breasted blazer from Balmain is one of my favorites. I bought a few in different colors and wore the red one for our FW18 Trends Presentation in Beijing. I also love the archive black Isabel Marant boyfriend blazer that I wore a lot last winter, as it can easily be styled with pants, shorts and dresses. I would sometimes layer Anine Bing’s denim jacket underneath or a long wool coat by The Frankie Shop over the top to mix things up.”
Natalia Ramirez, marketing manager
“My first day at NET-A-PORTER was in 2013; I was an intern on the PR team in the New York office. I don’t remember my exact outfit but, if I were to guess, there was a statement necklace involved (it was the era) with jeans and ballet flats.
“My wardrobe now consists of quite a few pairs of wide-leg pants, blazers, oversized button-downs and coats. What hasn’t changed is my penchant for dresses and skirts, which still make up at least half of my wardrobe
”Natalia Ramirez
“This year, I’m celebrating 12 years at NET-A-PORTER! I’ve been fortunate to work across various teams during my time and really learn about the business from different vantage points. The first half of my time at the company was on the public-relations team, working on publicity and events, which was my dream career. I then had the amazing opportunity to move to the marketing team, first overseeing influencer and affiliate partnerships, and now in a more general role working across brand marketing for the US, which consists of partnerships, paid media, social media, events and strategy.
“My first big purchase was the Gucci ‘Soho’ crossbody bag. I wanted something that could take me from breakfast meetings to press previews, and where I could hold my phones during events but still look put-together. It was my first designer handbag – and I wore it to shreds! I don’t wear it much now as it needs some TLC, but it reminds me of realizing my dream of moving to New York City and working in fashion. It has too much sentimental value for me to ever part with. Since then, my bag collection has grown and is something I really cherish. I recently bought The Row’s ‘Park’ tote that I had been coveting for years; it has nicely rounded out my collection, which consists of mostly smaller bags and clutches.
“My style has definitely matured since I started at NET-A-PORTER – my wardrobe now consists of quite a few pairs of wide-leg pants, blazers, oversized button-downs and coats. What hasn’t changed is my penchant for dresses and skirts, which still make up at least half of my wardrobe.
“Currently, my most-worn items are my Alaïa mesh ballet flats, which I have been wearing non-stop for almost two years. They are so comfortable (and so chic). They are easy throw-ons in warmer months and can be worn with tights or thin socks when it gets cooler.
“I’m focusing on building out my jewelry collection now, so I have my eye on Foundrae, Sophie Bille Brahe, and Pippa Small necklaces. I’ve also really been loving Dries van Noten lately and would like to add some of the brand’s fun, colorful sneakers to my wardrobe.”