An Interview with Olivia Rubin
Did you always know you wanted to be a fashion designer? If not, when did you realize this is what you wanted to do?
Pretty much! I studied art at school and as soon as my art teacher gave us a fashion and textile project I knew that was me.
You know we are all about color, and we know you are, too! What inspires your beautiful, colorful, feminine designs?
Rainbows are the main source of inspiration and then from there we play with many different colour combinations and silhouettes for our collections. Experimentation is key.
Currently you sell your pieces on oliviarubinlondon.com – do you have plans to sell on other websites?
Yes. SS19 is the first season we will be launching in stores worldwide including an exclusive pop up at Selfridges, Intermix, FWRD, Harvey Nichols HK and lots more exciting stores to come throughout the rest of the year.
How would you describe the Olivia Rubin customer?
I try not to narrow down my customer as we have women of all ages and styles buying our ranges. Our customers definitely love colour and buying my pieces to make them feel special. I get a lot of that feedback from my wonderful customers who write me the kindest messages saying how great the pieces make them feel.
You have partnered with large brands outside of the fashion industry, such as Proctor and Gamble and Dove – how do you decide which brands best align with yours and which to work with?
A brand that supports the same message as me and wants to work with me for my signature style, not to try and change my style. We are really focused now on the brand itself so the partnership would have to be perfect in order for us to work on an outside project.
What is your advice for an aspiring fashion designer?
Lots of work experience with different designers and a fashion business course to learn that side of the job (which is a large part of it!)
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Stay true to your style. Trends come and go but ultimately customers come back to you for your signature.
Our mission is to empower women to live, think, and dress with more color… what does empowerment as a woman mean to you?
Confidence, independence and strength. I think the power of women is underestimated and what we can achieve and I strive to build the success of my brand to show my daughters what is possible from hard work and determination. I find the rainbow the perfect symbol for this equality on all levels.
What is the most rewarding part about your job? Most challenging?
Seeing final product in stores and on my customers. Production has its moments – we are perfectionist when it comes to translating our designs into actual garments.
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic, feminine with an edge, colourful.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Aside from my own pieces I like buying investment accessories that I will use over and over again. I like mixing in high street denim and basics and always invest in a statement coat.
What are three pieces you think every woman should have in her wardrobe?
A ‘wow’ dress, a sequin skirt (to dress up and down) and a printed blouse.
What’s next for Olivia Rubin? Anything you can share?
An exciting pop up with one of my favourite stores Selfridges and then hopefully we will take this stateside with another great chain of U.S stores. It really is a ‘pinch me’ moment!
What do your mornings always consist of?
My girls always comes first with school and nursery drop off. Being a working mum I always make sure I am still present for my girls day to day routines as much as possible.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee all the way! Except when I’m sick and then I cannot stand the taste of coffee. Weird I know!
Morning or night?
Morning. Since kids I can’t take late nights! I get anxious after 10pm and I’m not home 😉
Beach or mountains?
100% beach. I’m not good in the cold and wasn’t a born skier to put it mildly!
Celebrity crush?
Girl-Olivia Palermo
Boy-Jamie Dornan!
Favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?
So many, but Shanghai, Japan, Barbados amongst my top 3 for different reasons. Japan probably tops it for its culture, sushi and obsessed with the shopping!
Great interview, Carrie! I love her colorful, rainbow designs and also adore thefashionbugblog’s maternity style – so good! Hope your week is going well! XO
Thanks, Lauren! I spotted you wearing the Ganni leopard dress recently that Laura wears so often. I hope things are going well with your pregnancy!