Net-a-Porter’s Sarah Rutson on her favourite Jo Malone fragrance and more

The London-born vice president of global buying at Net-a-porter.com, Rutson has been involved in the luxury-fashion business on three continents. The former fashion director of The Lane Crawford Joyce Group in Hong Kong, she is currently in charge of identifying new design talent as well as curating the world's leading collections. Rutson, who lives in Manhattan, came to Dubai at the end of 2015 to give an intimate presentation on key trends for the next season.

If you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you be?

It would be Hong Kong. I spent over 20 years living there, and it always feels like home.

You're sitting down to the perfect meal. Where are you and whom are you with?

I’m at home with my family, who always come first and are the best company I could hope for, so that’s the obvious choice. Alongside them, I also have two other very special families who feel like my own. I’d want them there, too.

And what are you eating?

I would always opt for an English roast. I’m a vegetarian most of the time, so when I occasionally eat meat, it’s a free-range, organic roast chicken. I’d have it with roast potatoes, swede – which is essentially like a turnip – and stuffing with all the trimmings and gravy. It’s a very traditional meal that we have in the UK on Sundays, and so for me it’s synonymous with family and happy times.

What is your definition of good style?

Good style means never looking like you’ve tried too hard. I like someone whose look is uncontrived, laid-back and natural. Following trends shouldn’t come at the expense of your own innate style.

What is the one beauty product you could not live without?

The Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial Supplement. It’s very protecting and rejuvenating, which is key for me as I do a lot of air travel, often switching between time zones and climates.

What's your next holiday destination?

Skiing in Gstaad. I love the mountains and I am a very active person. The fresh air and exercise feels amazing for the soul.

What are the top three essentials you never travel without?

A large Givenchy Antigona bag to put everything in; I like to have everything in one place when I’m on the go. A clear Anya Hindmarch Inflight Beauty Bag makes airport security much more stress-free. And I love my Common Projects sneakers for comfort.

What is your favourite city in the world?

It would have to be Hong Kong.

What is your favourite fragrance?

Jo Malone’s Lime, Basil & Mandarin is the only fragrance I ever wear.

What was the last book you read and loved?

A book that I have read many, many times over the last 20-odd years is Perfume by Patrick Süskind. I love the premise that scents can be the most evocative and emotive thing.

What is your biggest failing? 

I’m a positive person; I focus on what I’m good at.

Flats or heels?

At this moment in my life, flats.

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe right now?

Flat Gucci slip-on loafers.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is the one piece of music you'd want to have with you?

Lovely Day by Bill Withers. It just makes me feel so happy.

If you could offer your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Always remain positive. Negativity from others is always a result of their issues and worries, not yours.

Look out for this and similar stories in Luxury magazine on February 4. Luxury comes out with The National on the first Thursday of every month.

alane@thenational.ae