It may come as a surprise to hear a fashion insider saying that her new mantras are “less is more” and “timeless over trends”, but that is exactly how Net-a-porter’s senior market editor Libby Page is approaching fashion after living in sweatpants and working from home for over a year. And she’s doing it with sustainability in mind.
She says: “A common misconception is that customers need to choose between timeless aesthetics and exciting directional pieces when it comes to sustainability, when the two can go hand in hand.”
Going green
Net-a-porter is showing the way with its recently expanded Net Sustain edit of sustainable fashion and beauty brands, including Conner Ives, Sindiso Khumalo, and Lukhanyo Mdingi. Central Saint Martins alum Ives uses leftover sportswear fabric to create upcycled dresses, shirts and pants – Rihanna is a fan. Khumalo works closely with an NGO to develop sustainable handmade textiles in Cape Town, while LVMH prize finalist Mdingi’s textiles are traditionally sourced and knit into dynamic silhouettes.
“Khumalo’s feminine prints and silhouettes have a sweet sensibility, and our customers gravitate towards the prairie styles. Mdingi’s woven technique is truly beautiful, and has an elevated appeal, with unique patterns and palettes,” shares Libby.
And they fit right in with her aesthetic of classic, minimal and empowering fashion. “It sounds like a cliche, but I was always influenced by Mary-Kate and Ashley,” says Libby, admitting that she’s drawn to the effortless style of the actresses-turned-founders of cult label The Row. “I always wanted getting dressed to be simple and easy, while also making me feel confident, and I feel like my style achieves exactly that.”
Her go-to labels include US brands Khaite and Wardrobe. NYC, London label Tove, and Stockholm-based Toteme. According to Libby, she has a certain criteria for her essentials: They must be versatile, remain relevant, and be easy to wear in the long term. Her five must-have items are a modern black dress, white shirt, tank top, wide-legged white jeans, and blazer. “The key is to look for the unique versions that will still be interesting years from now,” she shares.
(Here are “10 Timeless Neutral Pieces You Need To Add To Your Capsule Collection, Stat“)
A fresh look
Her tip for taking an outfit into the new season? Accessories. “Investing in forever watches – heritage pieces that I can pass down through my family – has always been my goal,” she says. She shares that she recently purchased the Hermes Heure H, with the classic Cartier Tank watch being next on her list. “Although it is new, it has a vintage vibe that I adore. I love the tan strap – it complements everything in my wardrobe,” she explains.
(Here are “Luxury Watches Loved By Celebs In Singapore“)
Libby has definitely come a long way since she did her first magazine internship as a 15-year-old. Having been at Net-a-porter for six years now, she says: “Working with the best that the industry has to offer is such a privilege, and the projects I get to work on – such as supporting emerging talent through The Vanguard mentorship programme – allow me to embrace everything I love about fashion.”
And what is she looking forward to in 2022? “Living life as it once was, but with a fresh perspective and appreciation for everything.”
Brands to watch
According to Libby, designers presented optimistic, colourful collections – a continuation from last season – that helped people fall back in love with fashion and embrace the joy of dressing up. Here, three names that should be on your radar:
1. MAXIMILIAN DAVIS
“His innovation in sustainability through upcycling, mixed with his incredible use of print and colour, is exactly what we look for in an emerging designer.”
2. AGR
“The LVMH prize semi-finalist, known for her beautiful contradiction of grungy but colourful knits, is a perfect representation of the artisanal eclecticism trend this season.”
3. MERYLL ROGGE
“The Dries Van Noten mentee has a fantastic collection this season – the pieces mix elevated fashion with an effortlessly cool sensibility.”
