Net-A-Porter have always been in the forefront of making sure their clients get everything they want, almost when and where ever they want it. From the Hampton’s to pop up stores during Fashion’s Night Out, they have has pop up stores in some of the world’s most popular destinations for the rich and well connected. Together with Mr Porter, the luxury retailer are bringing their brand to Hamilton Island for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week this August.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is the largest, international offshore regatta in the Southern Hemisphere and has evolved over the past three decades to include on-water racing paired with off-water events that boast exclusive fashion, fine cuisine, flowing champagne and celebrity guests. During the week-long event which runs from 16th – 23rd August, Net-A-Porter will host a private style suite on-site for guests as well as present a fashion show of its premium designer offering on the Thursday evening at the multi-award winning qualia resort.
The coveted fashion show during AHIRW was previously held by Australian designer Collette Dinnigan (which we were privileged to attend back in 2012), who announced that she was closing her fashion label last year. The move from having a single brand host the fashion show means that we will be seeing some labels walk the runway that have never been on Australian runways before.
Alison Loehnis, President, NET-A-PORTER, says: “Audi Hamilton Island Race week is a momentous occasion and unique time of celebration for many of our Australian customers, and where they like to go, we like to go. We’re particularly thrilled to be a part of race week off the heels of NET-A- SPORTER’s recent groundbreaking activewear launch and the style suite and fashion show will not only highlight our incredible brands and extensive categories but also bridge our Australian customer’s lifestyle from performance to play.”
Meanwhile MR PORTER will partner with the annual Charles Heidsieck Champagne Lunch, which takes place on the lay day of the regatta, and is one of the most popular events on the AHIRW calendar. The lucky 250 guests will be treated with tailored gift packs over the four-course lunch created by qualia Executive Chef Alastair Waddell.
Ian Tansley, Managing Director, MR PORTER, says: “We are excited to partner with this year’s Audi Hamilton Island Race Week as we continue to build dynamic experiences between our Australian customer and MR PORTER. We are thrilled to be offering the best in product and content that speaks to all aspects of our customer’s lifestyle including sports and performance wear.”
In line with their move to partner with what is a predominantly a sailing event (which is coupled with events for the ‘ladies who lunch’ and parties for the rich and beautiful), Net-A-Porter also announced that they were launching into the activewear category from today. NET-A-SPORTER will offer customers in over 170 countries a stylish solution comprising high-performing pieces that will span across 37 brands in 11 sporting disciplines: tennis, golf, equestrian, run, gym and cross fit, yoga and dance, swim and surf, sail, outdoor, ski and après sport/lifestyle. 11 new designers will be introduced to the category: Monreal London, L’Etoile Sport, Musto Sailing, Weargrace, Ballet Beautiful, Falke Sport, Live The Process, LAAIN, Bodyism and accessories brands Jawbone and Liforme.
“We’re incredibly excited about launching Net-A-Sporter. Activewear has long been a part of our offering. We know that fitness is an increasingly integral part of our customers’ lives across all of our markets,” states Alison Loehnis, President, Net-A- Porter. “Women want high-performing, stylish pieces that can be worn all day long. They’re looking for product to take them from a Pilates class to lunch with a friend – adapting their workout wear into more of a day look. If a woman is paying close attention to her shoes, bags and makeup then she shouldn’t have to compromise on her style while she’s exercising. Net-A-Sporter’s carefully curated selection provides a one-stop place where women can find fabulous pieces that address their every sporting need.”
With personal fitness and sportswear a huge growing category both in the health and fashion industries, this move is a significant one for the internet’s most popular luxury retailer. Together with their magazine The Edit, Net-A-Porter will also be including regular lifestyle, health and nutrition content as well as workout videos for their clients.
“To ensure Net-A-Sporter is a differentiator, we’ve broadened our buy and picked up brands that offer a unique point of difference, while focusing on technical fabrications, performance and fashion. We’ll also be partnering with Lisa Marie Fernandez and Zimmermann to create exclusive capsule collections especially for our customer,” says Candice Fragis, Senior Buyer, Net-A-Porter.
New lines will be added throughout the year and the Net-A-Sporter offering will expand to include ski, equestrian and outdoor. Net-A-Sporter prices start from and affordable £25.
