Earlier this week I was invited to the State of Style summit sponsored by Ford Motor Company and StyleCaster at the 92Y Tribeca. Presented as a counterpoint narrative to New York Fashion Week - State of Style featured a stellar lineup of big names in fashion, including Aslaug Magnusdottir, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of high-end online fashion retailer Moda Operandi and "fashion's fairy godmother" according to Vogue .
Moda Operandi has truly revolutionized the shopping experience by allowing consumers to pre-order items shown on the runway within days (sometimes sooner). Why is this an advantage? The reality is that not every item that goes down the catwalk actually makes it to the store next season - buyers choose what they think will sell. Magnusdottir explained that this can be frustrating for the designer who wants to sell the entire collection and for the consumer who waits for the collection to hit stores only to discover that their favorite garments didn't make the cut.
With Moda Operandi, EVERY item in the collection is available for pre-order for a limited time - usually three days. Simply choose the items you like and pay a 50% deposit (dare I say, luxury layaway?). Moda Operandi then places the order with the designer, the designer produces the pieces, and Moda Operandi ships your selections after notifying you that the order is ready and billing you for the remaining balance. Voila, from the runway to your doorstep!
Current trunkshows on Moda Operandi include pre-fall 2012 Versace and Nicholas Kirkwood. In addition to the designer trunkshows, the site is also curated by trends and editor favorites. Happy shopping!
For more information, visit the Moda Operandi website.
