It’s hard not to notice Sarah Rutson at a fashion show or event. Model-tall – something that is exacerbated by her proclivity for very high heels – and impeccably chic, Net-a-Porter.com’s vice president of global buying has been an industry fixture for years and, since the rise of social media, become a favorite of Street Style bloggers.

Prior to joining Net-A-Porter – where she is responsible for the buying and curation of designer collections and brands – Rutson was already a household name in fashion with a decade as Hong Kong-based Fashion Director of Lane Crawford under her proverbial belt. She started out at Marks & Spencer in 1983  and left the UK retail chain as senior buyer in 1992, joining Lane Crawford shortly thereafter.

Here, the Brit tells CFDA.com about her career start, her new hometown New York City, and the importance of American fashion.

CFDA.com : At what moment did you know that you wanted to work in fashion?
Sarah Rutson: “I always knew I wanted to work in fashion. My education in fashion began at a young age when I would accompany my mother on shopping trips to Browns and would hear stories from Joan Burstein, the store’s owner at the time. It became clear that starting on the shop floor was (and still is) the best way to get started in fashion. I was at school studying when I got my first job in a store at age 16. This enabled me to be independent from my parents and buy pieces from Pam Hogg and Bodymap when I wanted. I then started my career at Marks & Spencer as a buyer and kept on progressing.”

CFDA.com: What has been the high – and the low – point in your remarkable career so far?
S.R.: “I’ve had highs and lows in my career over the last 30 years, but I’ve always believed that if you’re passionate and love what you do and are prepared to work hard, even when things are difficult, you’ll eventually overcome everything. I’ve always had an instinct as a retailer. This instinct is a result of self-belief and a clear vision coupled with being open to new situations and the fact that fashion is by nature subject to change and requires you to often go with your gut feeling. The people you work with and team you have are very important; we don’t do this alone. I’m a big supporter of women – I think it’s really sad when women get jealous in business and that clouds everything for them.”

CFDA.com:  What are the three things you look for in a collection?
S.R.: “Having focus, a point of view, and not trying to have a little bit of everything. I’ve learned to make a stand and be opinionated about the collections I believe in. That clear voice and edit is what people want.”

CFDA.com:  You just moved to New York—what has been the biggest surprise?
S.R.: “I’ve spent a lot of time in New York prior to moving here, so there weren’t so many surprises for me. I think I forgot how cold it can get! I’m used to the tropical temperatures in Hong Kong, so that took some adjusting, but I have a wood burning fire place so that helps!”

CFDA.com:How would you rate American fashion?
S.R.:  “The CFDA has been instrumental in building America as the promoter of new, young talent (before we always looked to London or Paris for that dynamic). So many American designers are driving the conversation forward and pushing boundaries in fashion, which is critical to not only the growth of our industry, but also their businesses. America continues to be our number one market. Because of that demand, American designers play a huge part in fueling this desire for new, exciting and innovative fashion. The CFDA is a brilliant support to not only building talent but giving a platform for designers to actually build a business. After all, talent gets you half way there. Business savvy is then needed to go the full journey.”