We sit down with Elizabeth Leventhal, head buyer at Moda Operandi, the only online retailer to that allows clients to preorder looks straight from the runway from the upcoming season’s collections. Moda Operandi’s retail model has given shoppers the chance to feel like a VIP client and get their pick of the runway looks before they hit stores. Levanthal’s job is a completely unique one and conceivably more difficult than her peers. She has to have an innate eye for fashion and the ability to foresee the trends before they happen. She picks key pieces that she knows will be next season’s hits. Luckily for us, we get an insight on which collections she is most looking forward to this spring 2016 and what her favorite pieces are for fall.
Moda Operandi is the only online retailer that allows clients to preorder looks straight off the runway from next season’s collections. How does that make your job differ from other fashion buyers?
Moda Operandi allows clients to pre-order directly from the runway through our trunkshow model. As a buyer for Boutique, we work closely with the Trunkshow team to ensure we’re in sync—who are the new designers, what were the best sellers, etc. It’s a very collaborative effort, being that our goal is to have our in-season buy complement the trunkshow offering. Essentially, we are really serving our clients head to toe.
This month marks the start of Spring-Summer 2016 fashion week. Who are you most excited to view?
For Spring, Rosie Assoulin and Johanna Ortiz can do no wrong. I always look forward to seeing all our brands, but particularly Delpozo, Rochas, Giambattista Valli, Marni, Rick Owens, and Emilia Wickstead.
Who are the designers to look out for this coming season?
Brock Collection, Adeam, and Self-Portrait.
Which city is your favorite when it comes to fashion week and why?
New York is home, but Paris cannot be beat—the city is magic and the collections always feel a bit more glamorous. That said, I have just seen the Delpozo collection and it was a complete fairytale.
Who are your favorite designers at the moment?
For Fall? No 21, Rosetta Getty, and Ellery. I recently splurged on a Mr. & Mrs. Italy parka and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am wishing for colder temps so I can debut.
What is your typical workday outfit?
During Fashion Week, I need something that can literally take me from morning to night. Depending on the weather, that may be a Marni skirt with an ATM t-shirt and Paul Andrew pumps. Evening is simple, swap my shoe for something with more of a statement—anything Aquazzura—and grab my M2Malletier clutch. I try not to wear jeans during the week, but when I do they’re usually Frame.
What are your favorite pieces for Fall-Winter?
Joseph chestnut sleeveless suede wrap dress
Rosetta Getty
Love Mr. Mittens sweater
Any styling tips for Fall-Winter?
I typically subscribe to the ‘less is more’ philosophy of fashion, but with Fall, I love layers. I suggest picking one focus and building around it. Fall also permits having a lot of fun with accessories: hats, boots, scarves, etc—weather permitting that is!
When you are not traveling for work, what is your favorite holiday destination?
When I want to completely recharge, Uruguay—I love everything about it.
How did you get into fashion buying?
I started right out of school and immediately knew this was the right path for me. 10 years in and I never looked back.
What advice do you have for our readers who strive to work in the fashion business?
You need to be tough, absolutely, but more than anything you need to be kind and honest – otherwise you will not last. Ask questions and speak up. In my case, this is not an industry where you can come in and expect to succeed without working hard. The days may look glamorous, but they are often long, full of numbers, and involve a lot more Excel than meets the eye.
Yalda Zacca
