Ragtrader will be interviewing buyers throughout the course of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW).
What are some of the top selling Australian designer brands you currently stock?
Popular Australian brands on Net-A-Porter include Zimmermann and Christopher Esber.
Zimmermann’s optimistic and joyful print designs and feminine silhouettes are exactly what our customers are looking for. Plus, their products offer versatility for all occasions, making your wardrobe work harder for you.
Christoper Esber’s signature details and sculptural cuts have secured a cult following. His recently launched swimwear line has unsurprisingly followed suit.
In addition, we have recently launched Australian brands Deiji Studios and Joslin, both of which have seen a great initial reaction.
Which designer collections are you most looking forward to seeing at Fashion Week?
Christopher Esber’s last summer collection saw an evolution of bright colours and exaggerated shapes. We’re particularly excited by their approach to resort wear this coming season.
Anna Quan is a brand we are looking forward to seeing for our summer workwear staples, offering great contemporary option for a capsule wardrobe while still bringing a fashion point of view.
Last but not least, we’re always on the lookout for new and emerging talent.
What are the key pieces or categories you will be searching for?
We have seen an increased popularity in resort wear pieces that are easy to style from beach to bar, creating the ideal vacation wardrobe.
Beach separates are at the forefront of this, providing our customers with wardrobing pieces that can be styled up or down.
Accessories, specifically sandals and raffia bags, are always a coveted item amongst our customers as the temperature rises, so we are always looking to expand our assortment in this category.
Ultimately, we are working to ensure that our edit offers practical, comfortable clothing, as well as products that invoke a sense of escapism and joy.
How have purchasing habits changed during the pandemic and what are the core changes you’re seeing?
Over the course of the past year our customers' shopping and dressing habits have changed dramatically – from the obvious increase in loungewear to shifting towards a more conscious approach to buying, which prioritises investing in seasonless luxury pieces that can be worn again and again – for years to come.
More than ever before, our customers have been moving away from trend-driven items and are showing an interest in supporting brands and initiatives which are charitable, inclusive and sustainable – such as the ones included in our Net Sustain edit.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity currently as a buyer?
Growing our Net Sustain edit is always at the forefront of our minds when buying, and our Australian brands are pioneers in this.
We are constantly discovering brands that are seeking new ways to better their practises, which is appealing to both our customers and us as a business.
What is the biggest challenge as a buyer?
The most challenging thing at the moment is the ever-changing global situation.
At Net-A-Porter we want to cater to the Net-A-Porter customer regardless of their geographical location and the local restrictions in place.
Looking forward to the resort season, what do you think will be the key trend to emerge?
The desire for escapism is going to be a key trend, and designers have perfectly captured this through texture and prints such as tie die and paisley, in tandem with bold, bright colours; evoking an optimistic and joyful point of view.
Recently we have noticed our customers’ interests have shifted towards more elevated dresses in bold colors and prints from brands including Ulla Johnson, Chloé, Saint Laurent, Jacquemus and Zimmerman, customers are anticipating being able to go out and socialise after work as we begin to slowly start to emerge out of restrictions in some parts of the world.
We are also anticipating a rise in decidedly unfussy pieces that are relaxed in shape and easy to throw on.