Since parting company with Net-A-Porter nearly a year and a half ago, speculation as to where and how founder Natalie Massenet would continue her trailblazing career hasn’t waned. And today, the pioneer of premium online shopping and chairman of the British Fashion Council announced that she would be joining rival platform Farfetch, as non-executive co-chairman.
"I am honoured and excited to support José [Neves, founder and CEO of Farfetch] and the Farfetch team as they continue to build a unique vision of what the future of fashion and technology looks like,” said Natalie in a statement. And she went on to reveal on Instagram how her passion for how innovation in technology can transform the future of luxury remains undiminished, and that if she was starting an e-commerce company today she would do it very differently, undoubtedly acknowledging the success of the decentralised business model adopted by platforms such as Farfetch.
In her new role, Natalie will help Farfetch develop its global brand and strengthen its partnerships in the fashion industry. But her leadership and wealth of experience in building Net-A-Porter into a global fashion brand will also be of considerable importance, especially, if as is mooted, an IPO is in the brand’s sights.
As co-founder of Net-A-Porter and counting Farfetch among her Portfolio of brands, this new partnership between both business colleagues and personal friends is something Carmen is certainly celebrating. “Some dreams take longer to realize than expected, but my ultimate business dream team finally happened,” she said.
Read more about Farfetch here.