L'Officiel Austria Digital Cover Girl: Olivia Arben

Olivia, you have worked on a number of exclusive campaigns such as for Aspinal of London, Triangl Swimwear, L'Oreal Hair, Elle Sport, Harrods, Balmain Hair and Elisabetta Franchi to name just a few. Which one was your favourite campaign and why?

I loved all of them, it's hard to choose but we shot Triangl Swim in Barbados so… maybe that one! I recently walked London Fashion Week for Malan Breton & that was a lot of fun as Grace Jones performed straight after our show, I'm a huge fan.

You studied at the London College of Fashion. Why did you choose to focus on swimwear and lingerie design?

I chose Lingerie and Swimwear because I've always been passionate about swimwear in particular, I often think they could do with more structure - it really makes a difference.

The changing face of modeling is a topic you have spoken about on television and on a number of podcasts. How exactly is it changing, in your opinion? For better or for worse?

In my opinion the modeling industry is changing for the better. Although it is a slow change, I feel it is now a much more inclusive industry filled with kind and creative people who are better represented.

You are one of only five female ambassadors for the British Heart Foundation, alongside Pippa Middleton, Sarah Ferguson, and the Duchess of York to raise awareness of heart health. What does your role entail and why did you choose to support this cause in particular?

Unfortunately my father passed away from a heart attack when I was 16.  He was only 53. As a result I later became an ambassador for them in 2018, a role that means a lot to me. I work to raise awareness of heart health through my social platforms especially amongst young people and women.

The "Model Menu", a curated selection of your own low sodium recipes will be published by Filament Publishing towards the end of 2021. Is this your passion project? How did this book of recipes come about?

I love to cook and have always cooked with low sodium. I wanted to show low sodium meals can still be flavorsome, easy and fun by using alternatives to salt. I'm hoping it will be released in the New Year following Covid delays.

You have worked between Dubai and London: hand on your heart, which city is your favorite?

I love the weather in Dubai but I would have to say London of course!