Chairman, British Fashion Council

Natalie Massenet is one of the world’s most successful and respected entrepreneurs. As the founder of online luxury fashion retailer NET-A-PORTER, she is a hugely influential figure in the global fashion industry.

Natalie began her career as a journalist and fashion editor, working at Women's Wear Daily, W and, later at Tatler. In 2000, Natalie left journalism to found NET-A-PORTER from a small artist’s studio in Chelsea, London, against all advice from experts who said consumers of luxury fashion would never shop online. She proved the doubters spectacularly wrong. NET-A-PORTER grew to become the NET-A-PORTER GROUP, a highly successful, profitable global business employing more than 2,500 people, partnering with 390 of the world’s leading fashion designers and attracting nine million visitors every month. 

In September 2015, Natalie announced her decision to step down from her role at the NET-A-PORTER GROUP to explore new ideas and opportunities. She has been chairman of the British Fashion Council since 2013, a role in which she tirelessly champions the country’s fashion industry and its contribution to the economy.

In 2009, Natalie was awarded an MBE, and in January 2016 she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire; both awards were in recognition of her contributions to the UK fashion and retail industries.