Introducing British Model – Olivia Arben

Vogue Italia, Balmain as well as L’Oreal to walking for the Royals and featuring on the Super Bowl campaign. Olivia Arben is a true champion and go-getter. Having lost her father to heart failure, Olivia became an Ambassador for the British Heart Foundation. A partnership initiated to help promote affordable sustainable fashion as well as raise funds for a life saving research. Olivia believes agencies should stop putting prejudiced height restrictions on your applications, as numbers on tape measures isn’t important anymore. We’re truly excited to share this interview of Olivia Arben as well as editorial images from the latest print issue.

What’s one thing you could tell us about yourself that no one else knows? I took 4 times to pass my driving test. Maybe 5. Maybe 6! (don’t tell anyone). 

What’s the best thing going on in your life right now? I’ve recently moved into a new Mews house and I have surprised myself at how much I have enjoyed decorating and styling it. There is a whole world of fantastic interior design out there and I’m only just discovering this new world!

Who’s your fashion icon? Elizabeth Hurley and Jared Leto (OBVIOUSLY). No one makes you want to buy a Gucci blouse more than Jared.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done at a shoot? I once had to pretend/mime that clothes were falling onto me while simultaneously miming opening boxes of gifts for an advert – the clothes and gifts would be added in post production – my facial expressions said it all!

What’s your spirit animal? I actually struggled with this one so I took a spirit animal quiz on google and turns out I’m a wolf because I enjoy making social connections but strive for freedom to do what pleases me – apparently! 

If you were to go on any date with anyone living or dead, who would it be? Sacha Baron-Cohen and Isla Fisher – that would be an amazing dinner! 

What’s the best fashion and beauty advice you’ve ever received in your life? A tip I’ve been given is that my skin has yellow undertones, so I suit makeup shades that are more pink and mauve as opposed to corals.

What’s one country you wish to visit? I think Japan would be amazing.

If you could work with anyone living or dead, who would it be? I was lucky enough to meet the fabulous Ellen Von Unwerth at Fashion for Relief in Cannes last year and have always loved her work, especially her Guess campaigns with Claudia Schiffer. It would be a dream to shoot with her. 

What’s one thing that’s had a positive impact on your life? For me I would honestly say Instagram – I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about how social media has impacted their individual lives, but, for me, it has given me a wonderful platform to learn, entertain and has allowed me to take some control of my own career in modelling (@oliviaarben)

Advise for aspiring models? Do your research, know your market and never take rejection personally.