Sarah Rutson has left Net-a-Porter

By

Kate Dingwall

Published
Jan 16, 2017

Net-a-Porter’s VP of Global Buying has resigned. Sarah Rutson, who was hired in 2014 by Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet, will be stepping down from her role after an impressive run at the e-commerce giant, with no confirmed successor having been named to date.

Rutson announced via Instagram that the split was to let her focus on her family: “It’s been an amazing two years and a long week of goodbyes here. But it’s really time for my family and daughter to be my front row for now.”

Rutson was brought on in the role just prior to Net-a-Porter’s merger with Yoox in 2014. She made big advances for Net-a-Porter, being one of the first luxury buyers to invest in then small-name, cult brands like Off-White, Monse, and Vetements, which have now become some of the most covetable brands in the fashion world. Rutson was also responsible for spearheading capsule collections with buzzy labels such as Gucci, in May, Reformation in December, and Frame in November.

Rutson had already achieved quite a name for herself as an industry executive before joining Net-a-Porter, including 21 years as fashion director of Lane Crawford. However, she also garnered a lot of attention for her own personal sartorial decisions, which often put her on the front page of top street style publications.

It was reported by the fashion press that Rutson is on garden leave from Net-a-Porter, but will be starting a new, unannounced position in six months.