We See a Lot of Luxury Fashion—Here's What Matters Right Now

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Moda Operandi)

Insider Shopping Cart is a monthly series where the figures behind fashion’s biggest luxury retailers break down the items they’re actually spending their money on.

Moda Operandi has a dedicated spot within my Google Chrome bookmarks tab, and as a fashion editor, that says a lot. Whenever I’m scoping out a big new luxury purchase, Moda Operandi (or as my fellow editors simply call it, Moda) is usually the first place I check to see if they have it in stock (and they usually do). Founded in 2010 by former Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo, the retailer is a relatively new player on the luxury scene yet has quickly gained a reputation as a go-to among industry insiders.

Routinely one of the first to have that fresh off-the-runway Prada collection or that hard-to-find colorway of Bottega Veneta bag, Moda Operandi’s eclectic selection of exclusives is just the tip of the iceberg. The New York–based retailer also does things a bit differently than its shopping competitors like offering extras like digital trunk shows (limited-time buying events that allow shoppers to order from upcoming designer collections before they even hit stores) and global showrooms that take the digital experience brick-and-mortar with immersive events and opportunities to browse before you buy. 

Since Moda Operandi always seems to be one step ahead, it made perfect sense to ask the stylish minds behind the brand about the pieces that matter to them for the season ahead. Keep clicking to see what each member of the team is adding to their shopping cart right now, and take a peek at our Moda Operandi promo codes while you add to your own cart.

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(Image credit: Moda Operandi; Who What Wear.)

"Growing up in places with warm climates year-round, I have little against a sweltering New York summer. While spring is a hard (and short) act to follow, come June I lock up the light layers and bring in the bold, bright, and skin-baring. Summer’s lease has me diving headfirst into effortless yet emotional dresses. Khaite’s champagne maxi from Pre-fall is top of my preorder list. A wide-leg pant is the new summer short for me—I’m looking no further than By Malene Birger’s lightweight linen pair, styled back to a swimsuit or matching shirt. Like the weather, when it comes to accessorizing, it’s all about the extremes. You’ll find me in either a statement heel (day and night) or a minimal flat when running around town.”—Jasmine Kirk, buyer

Shop Jasmine's Cart:

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(Image credit: Moda Operandi; Who What Wear.)

"While the transitional months call for layers and tailoring, New York summers always bring out the sexier side to my style: I live in heaps of mixed gold and silver jewelry that stays on (sea or shower), strappy flat sandals, and skin-baring dresses (like Christopher Esber’s crochet) that are comfortable in commuter heat. I’m also very into miniskirts again (blame Miu Miu), and I’ve just bought House of Aama’s printed second-skin maxi which I’m excited to wear to go out. My other main concern about summer dressing? AC. Oversize oxfords and blazers work, but Peter Do’s knitted sleeves are a (supremely more stylish) godsend for the office and frigid restaurants alike. Thank you, Peter.”—Tatiana Hambro, editorial director

Shop Tatiana's Cart:

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(Image credit: Moda Operandi; Who What Wear.)

"My style is constantly evolving—I feel like it is dependent on my energy. The only consistency in getting dressed for me is feeling sexy and confident in whatever I wear. As I am aware of the trends, my style is anything but trend-driven. Right now, I am in my ‘It girl’ season for the summer, which consists of glamorous heels (Amina Muaddi's are my go-to, Mach & Mach is fire as well), minidresses/skirts, and oversize cargos, crop tops, mini bags, and vintage tees. Summer gives me the perfect reason to show some skin. That’s why it’s my favorite season for dressing.”—Gabby Cadet, fashion team coordinator

Shop Gabby's Cart:

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(Image credit: Moda Operandi; Who What Wear.)

"While I love to embrace the fall and winter months with layering, tailored silhouettes, lofty knits, and endless beanie options, by the time summer rolls, around my aesthetic errs on the side of nonchalance, or shall I say, ‘sprezzatura?’ Cool, calm, and collected is the end goal à la Toteme, By Malene Birger and Posse (a Moda exclusive!). I am always on the go with my energetic pup, so when it comes to shoes, a chic flat from The Row is a must. What’s in my cart for swim? An asymmetrical one-piece from Moré Noir has already made checkout.”—Kelsey Lyle, buyer

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(Image credit: Moda Operandi; Who What Wear.)

"My overall style is really a delicate balance between masculine and feminine. With the summer heat quickly approaching, I’m excited to find new ways to stay true to my personal style without overheating during those balmy city days. For me, it’s about proportions: a tiny tee with oversize pants or a micro mini with something voluminous up top. I’m loving these Stella McCartney low-slung trousers to offset a slinky Christopher Esber shirt—it’s a harmonious match made in heaven. I’d throw all my essentials into my new Teen Jodie (and you’d be surprised how much I can fit in here.)”—Kristine Lam, social media director

Shop Kristen’s Cart:

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Fashion Market Editor

Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. While going to school at Columbia University in New York City, she got her feet wet in the fashion industry interning at Elle magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and New York magazine's The Cut. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. There, she worked on a multitude of projects, including styling inbook feature stories for New York magazine's print issue, writing and pitching market stories for The Cut, and serving as fashion lead for The Cut's branded content. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter. Now she is a fashion market editor for Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her duties as a fashion market editor, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times. But once the computer goes down and the emails turn off, she's likely eating her way through Koreatown, hunting down vintage furniture, scoping out new outrageous nail designs to try, or taking a hot cycling class.