Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

You cannot go wrong with Ben Matthews. The Buying Manager at NET-A-PORTER dictates the Fall/Winter trends for 2014-2015 exclusively for Saudi Gazette readers. Because who is better at prescribing trends than he who creates them?



“The buying process begins at fashion weeks where we visit showrooms, book appointments with designers and then place our orders. The runway shows, Instagram and street style play a huge part in our buy and we always consider the customer first and what women actually want to wear,” Matthews told Saudi Gazette.



 Prior to joining NET-A-PORTER.COM, Matthews worked as an Assistant Stylist before joining Topshop as a Buyers Administrative Assistant. He was then promoted to Assistant Buyer at NET-A-PORTER.COM in 2006 and in 2012 Ben was promoted to Buying Manager, where he currently oversees six buyers spanning over 250 brands.



 Talking about trends this season, he said: “For fall, we tend to consider outerwear, knitwear and boots, which this season had in abundance. Coats ranged from maxi, tailored, belted, blanket, quilted and robed. Chunky winter warmers were also key – there was a real focus on texture, thickness and comfortability, which our customers will love. When it comes to boots, the block heel and knee-high versions were our favourites.”