Interview: 19 Questions To End 2019 With Net-A-Porter’s Global Fashion Buying Director
Elizabeth von der Goltz chats trends, and what to watch out for as the a new year approaches
Whilst in town to share what’s coming to Net-a-Porter in 2020, we got to delve into the life of the brand’s global buying director Elizabeth Von Der Goltz. We chattted New Year trends, brands to watch, and what it’s like working for one of the most prostigous e-commerce retailors in the world…
Elizabeth von der Goltz
Harpers BAZAAR Arabia: Describe the Net-A-Porter woman in three words?
Elizabeth von der Goltz: Accomplished, stylish and global.
HBA: What is your favourite new brand that joined NAP in 2019?
EG: We were so excited to launch Westman Atelier make-up exclusively in 2019, and we were thrilled to launch ‘Peter Do’ as part of our Vanguard program in February 2019.
HBA: Which brand are you most excited about joining NAP in 2020?
EG: We are really excited to launch Paciotti – the heritage brand which has been reinvented this season by it-girl and stylist Ada Kokosar. We love her take on the sleek, modern square-toe pumps, sandals and flats.
HBA: What is yout favourite fashion trend from 2019?
EG: I loved the return of leather (and faux leather) in 2019. Leather has become a key player in our wardrobes; it’s now much more accessibly priced and the breadth of styles means we can wear it all year long. From Nanushka and STAND’S faux leather outerwear looks to new brand Zeynep Arcay’s amazing leather jumpsuits – which I wore to the Dubai SS20 presentation!
HBA: What is a trend you hope will stay in 2019?
EG: We saw huge success with our short suits in our Summer Workwear Edit, likely due to the fact we were addressing what most women are actually doing in the summer – working. And we sold over 100 different styles of suits.Following this proven success we really went after this style, with 60 short suits coming for the new season.
HBA: What trend do you predict will be the biggest in 2020?
EG: We predict that the 90s revival trend will be a key one for early 2020. It’s easy to incorporate the mood into your everyday dressing or with pieces that exist in your wardrobe, with the high-waisted jean, the one-shoulder top, the skinny legging with an oversized blazer or the bralette with a matching cardigan ‘a la’ Khaite. It was also evident that some of fashion’s American powerhouses from the ’90s such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, along with Helmut Lang and even Rachel Green from Friends had been the source of inspiration for the mesh, spaghetti strap dresses or column dresses, miniskirts and tube tops.
HBA: What is your favourite NAP moment from 2019?
EG: The launch of ‘NET SUSTAIN’ in June 2019 was a key moment for the entire business, it’s something we have all been incredibly passionate about for a while, on a personal and business level. We responded to the customer’s needs as this is an increasingly important focus for them too. NET-A-PORTER has stocked a number of brands who champion sustainability on the site for a while, and after with the launch of ‘NET SUSTAIN’ we were able to formalize our approach by creating a location on site for these identified products that fall into this category, for the ease of our woman.
HBA: How do you choose an outfit in the morning?
EG: I get dressed depending on my schedule for the day. When I’m in the office – and not on appointments or meetings, I tend to be more casual. I’ll wear a fun sweater with a wide leg twill or corduroy trouser. To pull it all together I’ll add boots and my trusty sharp blazer.
HBA: What is your favourite thing about Dubai?
EG: The amazing weather and how incredibly stylish and fashion savvy the women are.
HBA: Is there a fashion lesson you’ve learned from Arab women?
EG: I am so inspired by how the women here so effortlessly combine glamour with the latest trends and newness.
HBA: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
EG: Stay true to yourself and always keep your own moral compass which helps you with all decision making and how to lead a big team.
HBA: Who or what is your ultimate fashion inspiration?
EG: A cross between Ali McGraw, Lauren Hutton and Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface.
HBA: What are three brands that need to be on everyone’s radar?
EG: As a retailer, we are always championing new talent, and Coperni is the ’90s label to know this season. We are obsessed with chains for SS20 and we are super excited to have fine jewelry diamond-encrusted chunky chains from new brand celeb favourite, Jessica McCormack. Rowan Rose modern eveningwear designed by a young cool Parisian go to for cool take on ultra-feminine with a nod to the 60’s, sophisticated elegance but with attitude.
HBA: What is the best fashion bargain you’ve ever bought?
EG: My navy Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket I found at 75% off – I have worn it for years as it is a classic that is beautifully tailored and can be worn day and night and is timeless.
HBA: Heels or flats?
EG: Heels!
HBA: Clutch or cross-body?
EG: Clutch- for day and night.
HBA: Dress or jeans?
EG: I do love denim – but it’s my more off-duty look. When I’m out in public a dress.
HBA: With jewellery do you prefer statement or subtle?
EG: Statement! I love jewellery, the more the better.
HBA: What will NAP look like in 10 years’ time?
EG: We want to continue to be the retailer that goes to the customer, wherever she needs us to be, offering an amazing curation of product brought to life by truly inspiring and exciting content. She will continue to come to us for impressive service, and for fashion discovery.