The NET-A-PORTER team’s holiday wish list

“With so many festive celebrations taking place outside this year, it’s more crucial than ever to invest in a truly covetable coat. I love the impact of statement styles but I also believe in taking a more conscious approach to fashion; first and foremost by opting for pieces that you’ll cherish, and wear, for years to come. Luckily, Loewe’s exquisite, longline leather coat ticks both of those boxes. Butter soft and finished with understated gold hardware, this striking piece provides the perfect finishing touch to any look. I’ll be styling mine with a modern black dress and over-the-knee boots for a chic take on date-night dressing, and shrugging it on over chunky knits and blue jeans for long winter walks.”

“After what feels like an eternity in slippers and sneakers, I’m really looking forward to treating my feet and putting on a pair of something a little more glamorous. Manolo Blahnik launching on NET-A-PORTER last month offered the perfect excuse to invest in some dream shoes. The white embellished Manolo satin pumps I wore for my wedding last year are one of my most treasured possessions – even if they have seen better days after an evening of non-stop dancing. Although I may not be hitting the dance floor this holiday season, I’ll still be stepping out (even if only as far as my living room for a Zoom party) in style in the ‘Callasli’ leather slingback sandals, or the timeless ‘Hangisi’ in black.

“We have all been in desperate need of a little escapism this year, but, while we can’t actually get away, we can escape into fashion. The Fantasy Dress is the ultimate pick-me-up, no matter where you are or what you are doing. A red sequinned Bottega Veneta column dress while lying on the sofa watching The Holiday? How luxurious. A magical Christopher John Rogers satin gown while FaceTiming distant relatives? Surely it was made for it. Give everything a sense of occasion this season, as these beauties will get their moment in the spotlight eventually. But, for now, they are your fabulous step into a dream world, without having to leave your home.”

“Personally, jewelry is my favorite gift to give and receive. I have an ever-growing collection that runs the gamut from delicate and minimal to statement and oversized. However, I have a select few pieces that I wear day in, day out; they are an extension of my everyday look – like a second skin. Jewelry is personal in a way that few other items in our wardrobe can claim to be, and it’s for this reason that a zodiac piece – whether it be Anita Ko’s diamond-studded pendant or Sydney Evan’s chunky chain bracelets – is top of my wish list this holiday season. Whether you’re a big believer in horoscopes or not, there’s something talismanic about wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry that bears your star sign.”

“This year – more than ever before – I am committed to making my home a pleasure zone, and I’m stacking my wish list accordingly. I’ve always been a ceramics nut (my grandfather was a potter), and I’m longing for a vase by Anissa Kermiche or Completedworks to amp up my tablescapes. With nights at the cinema or theater currently off the cards, we’re getting our film fix at home, projecting movies on the living-room wall, snuggled under blankets. Note to my fellow household movie fans: I’ll have this gorgeous Erdem blanket, please!”

“The Fair Isle knit is a classic cold-weather staple you can pull out every winter. For me, it’s all about mustard-yellow hues that play to the piece’s nostalgic 1970s vibe. Look to designers like Miu Miu and &Daughter, who always add a fun seasonal twist to their designs. Team with a pair of straight-leg jeans and an oversized shearling coat for a timeless winter look.”

“This holiday season, an exquisite IWC Schaffhausen watch is top of my wish list. I have been longing to purchase a timepiece for a while now – and the elegant simplicity of the brand’s eternal designs are difficult to beat. A fine watch is the ultimate investment piece, and IWC Schaffhausen’s classic Da Vinci styles provide a faultless addition to any fine-jewelry collection – and, of course, they promise to instantly elevate any outfit they’re paired with. Consider these masterfully engineered timepieces future heirlooms.”

“In my opinion, the perfect gift is a piece that’s truly indulgent; something you’ve been coveting for a while on account of its sheer magnificence. Which explains why, every holiday season, there’s a trophy bag sitting right at the top of my wish list. This year, it’s Bottega Veneta’s exquisitely crafted ‘Candy’ clutch. This architectural design could easily be mistaken for a piece of modern art; however, its beauty belies its wearability. Consider this covetable handbag an effortless way to add a joyful pop of color to any look.”

“My approach to beauty is the same as my style – less is more. I don't wear much makeup, so skincare is my first priority. I’m very mindful about what I put on my skin and love natural products, which is why Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Discovery Set – packed with some of her best-selling products – is top of my wish list this year. Safe to say, whether you’re treating yourself or your loved ones, it makes the perfect present.”

The ultimate gift guide

The designer interview: Manolo Blahnik