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From the glossy spreads of Vogue and Numéro to the refined energy of global fashion weeks, Olivia Arben has carved out a distinctive place in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Now, with her latest feature in Grazia Japan, Olivia brings more than just the elegance of a seasoned model—she arrives with the creativity and authenticity of a woman constantly reinventing herself, both on and off the runway.
“For those discovering me through Grazia Japan, I’d say I’m mostly known as a fashion model,” she begins, her voice soft but self-assured. “But over the years, I’ve also grown into a social influencer—and in many ways, a brand.” It’s a statement that captures the spirit of today’s fashion muse: dynamic, multidimensional, and ever-evolving.
Olivia’s foray into modeling began early, at just 15—an age when most are still exploring their identity. “I was scouted through social media by both of my original ‘mother’ agencies,” she recalls. “My first job was for the L’Oréal Colour Trophy in the UK.” That initial experience with L’Oréal blossomed into a long-standing relationship, culminating in her starring in their Smart Bond hair campaign at the age of 19. “I think I knew I wanted to stay in the industry because I’ve always loved being creative, social—and of course, dressing up!” she laughs. “It felt like I’d finally found something that was truly me.”
But passion alone doesn’t sustain a career in a fiercely competitive industry. Olivia highlights two defining moments that helped propel her forward: landing a campaign for NFL clothing during the Super Bowl, and gracing her first Vogue cover. “Those were real turning points,” she says. “They elevated my career and gave me global recognition.”
Today, Olivia’s role extends far beyond fashion modeling. “I’m a charity ambassador, a parliamentary representative of British fashion, and now focused on building my own brand,” she shares. That entrepreneurial vision has already borne fruit through collaborations such as her two shoe edits with Terry De Havilland. But Olivia’s ambitions don’t stop there—she’s currently developing her own fragrance, set to launch later this year.
Despite the glitz and glamour that surrounds her, Olivia remains grounded in her personal style. “I’d describe my look as glamorous, comfortable, and classic,” she says. From timeless black tights to cozy yoga pants, she effortlessly embodies the “model-off-duty” aesthetic. “I definitely dress more like a typical off-duty model now than I did when I was younger and followed every trend. These days, I mostly wear a lot of black!” Her go-to fashion tip? “I wear what feels comfortable—and then I always throw on a pair of heels.”
One of her most unforgettable runway experiences was walking in a Cartier high jewelry show. “It was really special,” she reflects. “You get to wear these one-of-a-kind pieces that aren’t shown in stores. It felt like a dream.”
While Olivia enjoys the excitement of the catwalk, she admits that editorial work has her heart. “Runway is amazing, but editorial will always be my favorite. I love getting to know the team and working together to bring a creative vision to life. It always feels so personal.”
That collaborative spirit also shapes how she approaches campaigns. “Every client and campaign is different, so I always start by pulling references from the mood board. Then we put on music that fits the vibe, and I try to step into the character of the brand. It’s a process I really enjoy.”
A proud British talent, Olivia’s influence is increasingly global, shaped by her time in fashion capitals and her exposure to diverse design cultures. Japan, in particular, holds growing fascination for her. “I’d love to work with Comme des Garçons,” she says with a smile. “Honestly, I only found out recently that it’s a Japanese brand!”
As Olivia continues to rise in the fashion world, she’s also stepping more boldly into the role of changemaker. Whether through her advocacy with the British Heart Foundation or her efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive fashion, her impact reaches far beyond the runway. “Fashion is such a powerful platform,” she says. “It’s not just about what you wear—it’s about the values you represent.”
With the launch of her fragrance around the corner and her sights set on working with more avant-garde designers, Olivia Arben’s next chapter is already unfolding with promise. And for her fans in Japan and around the globe, one thing is clear: this British beauty is far from done. In fact, she’s just getting started.
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