Art of Style

The NET-A-PORTER team’s new-season wish list

Kay Barron (left) wears black coat, Coperni; boots, Saint Laurent; bag, Bottega Veneta. Alice Casely-Hayford (right) wears red coat, Bottega Veneta; dress, Paco Rabanne; boots, 3.1 Phillip Lim; bag, Chloé

Whether it’s New York, London, Milan or Paris, fashion week will undoubtedly look very different this season, with many designers forgoing traditional shows and collections being instantly accessible to a global audience. While this shake-up means that most editors and buyers won’t be traveling from city to city, it has done nothing to diminish the NET-A-PORTER team’s appetite for exquisitely crafted pieces and game-changing new trends. So, which new closet staples, statement accessories and fine jewels are they coveting for FW20?

Photography Asia TypekStyling Marian Nachmia
Fashion
Coat, Gabriela Hearst; dress, Jil Sander; boots, Wandler; bag, Bottega Veneta

Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director

“I’d describe my style as classic and modern, but I always make sure to add playful and individual elements to really make a look my own. Day-to-day life has changed a lot in recent months – for all of us – and, as far as shopping goes, it’s really made me focus on pieces that boast comfort, ease and convenience. I’m loving this season’s head-to-toe knit trend; the long lines and monochromatic colors are luxe yet laid-back, making them perfect for the ‘new normal’. Peter Do and Khaite are two designers that really mastered this look for FW20. One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that, season after season, I live in jumpsuits – and this fall won’t be any different. I love the versatility of a jumpsuit; it can go from everyday to elegant just by changing your shoes or adding statement accessories. Frankie Shop, R13 and Citizens of Humanity are my go-to brands for elevated boiler suits. Of course, jewelry is also an effortless way to update your look. This season, I’m really feeling the need to invest in pieces that don’t just look beautiful but also have meaning, which is why I’m on the hunt for jewelry featuring talismans and crystals.”

Are you trying anything new for FW20? “I usually wear a lot of heeled boots – anything from diminutive kitten heels to vertiginous styles. This fall, however, I’ll be experimenting with combat and lug-soled versions – for the aesthetic, of course, but also the added comfort.”

What is FW20’s breakout piece? “Gabriela Hearst’s hand-knit technicolor coat; a beautifully constructed and crafted statement piece. It might be a big investment, but I’d cherish it forever and pull it out of my closet season after season.”

If you could only buy one piece this season, what would it be? “Bottega Veneta’s leather trench; it’s so supple and luxurious, yet simple and chic.”

Top and shorts, Dodo Bar Or; sandals, Bottega Veneta; sunglasses, Stella McCartney; ‘Evil Eye’ necklace, Sydney Evan; coin necklace, Marlo Laz
I’d describe my style as classic and modern, but I always add playful and individual elements to really make a look my own

Elizabeth’s key pieces

Blazer, Saint Laurent; shirt and bracelet, Chloé; belt, Kate Cate; pants, Max Mara; necklace, Alighieri; ring, Alice’s own

Alice Casely-Hayford, content director

“My style fluctuates between everyday tailoring, denim and traditionally ‘tomboy’ fits, and vibrant printed dresses. It depends on my mood and the agenda of the day, but I’m just as comfortable in both looks and like to be able to switch things up. The cataclysmic changes of the past year have certainly made me reassess the way I dress and what I invest in. My closet is all about timeless pieces that can be rotated to create different looks – things you can buy now and wear forever. Of course, my social calendar has been stripped back, so on the few occasions I will be going out, there’s even more excuse to dress up. The fantasy dresses that dominated the FW20 runways are calling out to me. I’m also really into this season’s ’70s redux trend and will be incorporating statement shirts, check suiting and wide-leg pants into my closet. I’ll finish the look with a thick belt to quite literally tie the whole outfit together. This look feels polished and chic and, even though there’s lots going on, it doesn’t seem over-styled.”

Are you trying anything brand new for FW20? “Like many, I’m really looking forward to dressing up again. After months in jeans and loose knits, I’m excited about stepping back into suits and form-fitting looks, whether that’s sweater sets, tailored jackets and coats or the occasional bodycon dress.”

What jewelry will you be buying for FW20 to elevate your existing closet? “The chain-jewelry trend is the gift that just keeps giving. I love how chains can toughen up a softer look or provide the perfect finishing touch to a sleek outfit.”

What are your hero pieces for the season? “I’ve had my eye on a Loewe ‘Balloon’ bag for some time, and particularly love the embroidered canvas style. Having not needed to use a handbag for months, it’s a very welcome addition to my daily wardrobe.”

Blazer and pants, Gucci; sweater, Akris; bag, Khaite; bracelet, Eliou
After months in jeans and loose knits, I’m excited about stepping back into suits

Alice’s key pieces

Jacket, Loewe; jeans, Agolde; boots, Saint Laurent; bag, Versace

Kay Barron, fashion director

“My style is consistent and has been for years now; there’s a lot of black, leather and denim with everything, but it’s all very minimal and streamlined. Of course, I do like to add seasonal twists, too. I don’t invest in trends; for me, it’s always about specific pieces and how they fit into my existing wardrobe. Everything I buy is an investment. I go for pieces that aren’t occasion-sensitive, which means I can reach for them time and time again. I gravitate towards designs that are classic yet playful – and they do tend to fall under a few broad categories, such as color play, decade dressing (specifically, the 1960s), forever knits and extreme silhouettes. When I’m shopping for colorful pieces, Victoria Beckham and Proenza Schouler are my go-tos. For ’60s-inspired styles, it’s Coperni and Saint Laurent. Sumptuous knits by Alexander McQueen, Jacquemus and Christopher Kane keep me cozy throughout the winter months.”

What are your hero pieces for the season? “Coperni’s LBC (Little Black Coat), which is surprisingly sexy for a winter cover-up. I’ll be wearing mine with bare legs and boots for as long as I can bear it. When the temperature drops, I’ll add a skinny blue jean, to maintain the clean lines.”

Are you trying anything new for FW20? “Color! I do wear little pops of color occasionally, and I love the warmth of red in winter.”

What is FW20’s breakout piece? “Loewe’s peplum jacket. It is such an easy piece to throw on, but it is an instant talking point because it’s unusual without being over the top. Ideal.”

Dress, Victoria Beckham; boots, Isabel Marant; bag, Balenciaga
I go for pieces that aren’t occasion-sensitive, which means I can reach for them time and time again

Kay’s key pieces

Libby Page, senior fashion market editor

“I am a uniform dresser; I have a few wardrobe staples that I stick to and find subtle ways to update each season. For FW20, I’ll be investing in suiting – especially styles in brown and white (this season’s must-have shades) – and tailored shorts, which, styled correctly, are still seasonally appropriate. The versatility of these pieces means your price per wear is extremely low – helpful if you’re looking to justify a new purchase. For me, layering transitional items is the ultimate styling tip. Wearing turtlenecks under shirts, under blazers, under winter coats, means you’re prepared, whatever the weather – and it puts a directional twist on simple, everyday items. I have always had a mindful approach to shopping, but now more than ever I’m considering the longevity of the pieces I buy. As somebody who knows and loves her style, working from home won’t stop me from making a purchase that I know I’ll love just as much in a couple of months’ time, such as investment watches, fine jewelry and beautifully crafted handbags.”

What’s on your wish list this season? “A suit (this season has seen new updates in the form of three-piece styles), a men’s shirt (as it can be worn with virtually anything), and Bottega Veneta’s covetable new chain-handle ‘Pouch’ bag.”

Are you trying anything new for FW20? “A bodycon dress. I love a black LBD, but often turn to a slip dress or more voluminous styles. This season, I’m embracing all things (well, most things) bodycon, for a subtly sexy look.”

If you could only buy one piece this season, what would it be? “Loewe’s ‘Flamenco’ pouch. Jonathan Anderson is yet to make a bad handbag; the leather, quality and design is always impeccable. For somebody constantly wearing neutral hues, I am yet to own a tan bag, and this one would be the perfect finish for any look.”

Top, Proenza Schouler; pants, Stella McCartney; sunglasses, Balenciaga; bracelet, Loewe; bag, The Row
Libby (left) wears dress, Christopher Esber; necklace and bag, Bottega Veneta. Elizabeth (right) wears dress, Peter Do; bracelet, Rosantica; bag, Loewe
Blazer and shorts, Proenza Schouler; shirt, Emma Willis; necklace, Bottega Veneta; watch, Hermès Timepieces; bracelet and bag, Loewe; sunglasses, Cartier
As somebody who knows and loves her style, working from home won’t stop me from making a purchase that I know I’ll love just as much in a couple of months’ time

Libby’s key pieces