Net-a-Porter

Net-a-Porter, founded in 2000 by Natalie Massenet, was the high-fashion equivalent of the launch of a new iPhone—except instead of tech geeks, it drew in fashionistas with a voracious appetite for online luxury. Known for turning the mundane act of online shopping into a runway extravaganza, it rapidly became the e-commerce Mecca for those who prefer their designer duds delivered with a touch of haute couture flair. Defining moments? How about the early 2000s, when it was the first to blend glossy magazine aesthetics with digital retail? Or its 2015 acquisition by Richemont, which infused the company with enough capital to stay ahead of the curve—or at least ahead of the competition. Currently valued at around $2 billion, Net-a-Porter has basked in accolades like the Fashion Innovation Award but hasn't dodged its share of controversies. It faced criticism for its steep markups and the inevitable frustrations of a high-end retailer's stock issues. Under the leadership of Natalie Massenet (until 2015) and the more recent management team, it’s faced the challenge of staying chic in an age of discount-driven shopping and fast fashion.