Net-a-Porter global buying director Elizabeth Von der Goltz's fashion forecast for 2021

Elizabeth Von der Goltz, global buying director for Net-a-Porter, tells #legend what she’s wearing, how her company is adapting to the new normal and why she’s no longer saving her diamonds for a special occasion

Today, craftsmanship, quality, beauty and escapism are imperative, alongside a more sustainable approach in the industry. Exclusives and one-of-a-kind pieces have become increasingly important, as the NET-A-PORTER customer focus shifts to investment pieces that will be part of their forever wardrobe. At NET-A-PORTER, we continue to believe in trends and newness, but there is also a need for longevity and continuity moving forwards; we will focus more on styles that transcend seasons, in addition to quality.

Ultimately, we will continue to localise and tailor our global buy to meet the needs of our NET-A-PORTER customer.  Luxury loungewear continues to be popular as we anticipate a more relaxed attitude will remain in fashion for a while. Personally, I’m making the most of every occasion and I look forward to dressing up, which I know is the same for a lot of our customers. 

The past few months have taught me that style goes far beyond the clothes you put on your back or the accessories you choose to pair with them. Fashion has a way of fortifying us and bringing us joy, even on the most challenging of days. It’s really confirmed my belief that there’s no point in saving special pieces for occasions that might not come around; and that extends to even the most precious pieces of  jewelry. This season I’ll be adorning my most luxurious and laid-back looks with my favorite diamond-studded necklaces, rings and earrings. 

In a season like no other, when runways were live-streamed without audiences or else not staged at all, there was a tangible sense of reaffirming the joy of fashion – celebrating the art of dressing up for those rare occasions when we do go out and the idea of dressing your best to feel your best. Comfort was also key, with slippers and knits taking center stage for new-season wardrobes, ideal for the increased time spent indoors.  

With regards to colour trend, we saw an abundance of red – the color of adventure, energy, passion and love. This powerful hue was used top-to-toe for a maximum effect. Examples include Valentino’s whisper-thin Grecian gowns, to Emilia Wickstead and Fendi with their midi length silhouettes. 

We continue to see leather being treated as a fluid fabric taking on a much more supple form and texture. I am adoring the head-to-toe leather looks, which came in an abundance of shades. This season, leather continues to reinterpret classics into decadent pieces worthy of investment, from the likes of Gabriela Hearst, Paco Rabanne and Altuzarra. 

The SS21 season also brought us a combination of pretty dresses in painterly palettes. Saturated pinks were seen at Valentino, Roksanda and Molly Goddard, whereas JW Anderson and Proenza Schouler amped up with orange hues in sculptural skirts and slinky cut-out details that turn daytime dresses into night-time wardrobe allies. 

Sustainability is an increasingly important topic and it will continue to grow and evolve in the future, across all industries. We see a lot of brands in the emerging space, and a lot of these have sustainability at their core.  Overall, I think it’s something more and more brands are aware of and trying to make a difference in. Our sustainable edit – NET SUSTAIN, celebrates the brands that place sustainability at the heart of their business mission, and our attribute taxonomy recognises that every brand will take a slightly different approach depending on the nature of their supply chain and their end product. 

See products from Net-a-Porter’s NET SUSTAIN collection:

See also: Luka Sabbat wears pieces from CELINE’s SS21 ‘The Dancing Kid’ collection