British model Olivia Arben has built a global presence across runway, editorial and philanthropy, becoming a powerful voice in fashion and heart health advocacy.
In the shifting landscape of fashion, few figures embody timelessness and evolution like Olivia Arben. With a career that bridges high-end campaigns and conscious influence, the British model has carved her own lane — one that merges visual sophistication with a grounded sense of self. We sat down with Olivia to explore her journey so far, her latest ventures, and what it truly means to leave a legacy in today’s fashion world.
Looking back, Olivia recalls a moment that changed everything: “I think my first turning point was when I got my first Vogue cover, for Vogue Portugal in 2022”, she says. “That really raised my profile in the industry with a lot of casting directors and agents. But everything changed again when I launched my first brand collaboration with Terry De Havilland in 2023 — it positioned me as someone who brings a unique style and branding to every shoot.”
From Miss Circle to Emanuel Ungaro, Olivia’s versatility is undeniable — yet she always brings something personal to the table. “When I’m not on set I’ve always had a fairly consistent style, but the main reason I love this job is because I enjoy transforming into whatever reference the brand or designer wants. Unless it’s a collaboration where we co-create the edit, I’m down to be styled however they envision it — and I’ll rock it for them.”
When asked about what makes British fashion unique, her answer comes with a nod to icons of the past. “British fashion is known to be a little more on the grungy side. I think all models who grew up in the UK are influenced by the ‘90s — Kate, Naomi… I have lots of leather jackets, leopard print coats, and I’ll always love a smudgy eyeliner look.”
But Olivia’s influence extends beyond her style. As an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation, she uses her voice for something bigger. “I always use my platform to help them, whether it’s reminding young people of the first symptoms to look out for, or encouraging donations to BHF charity shops. Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer of women under 40 in the UK and globally — and many still don’t realise that.”
With a sharp eye on the industry’s changes, Olivia has embraced the evolution of fashion and the tools that come with it. “Two of the most positive shifts I’ve seen are the rise of inclusivity and how social media has given models more control over their careers — I’ve definitely benefited from that.” Still, balance is essential. “I do barre and pilates every week, and I try to go for an hour’s walk in the countryside or woods each morning. Being outside in nature keeps me grounded.”
Asked about dream collaborations, Olivia lights up: “Ellen von Unwerth was so much fun to shoot my second Vogue cover with — we were also working with my friend and stylist Sascha Lilic, who’s my favourite person to work with. I’d love to shoot with David Yarrow — I love his portraits — and definitely Donatella Versace.”
On the fantasy campaign co-star? She doesn’t hesitate: “Claudia Schiffer, for sure. I’ve always loved her work, and when people compare us, it’s honestly the best feeling. For someone outside of fashion, I’d pick Gordon Ramsay — my husband and I are obsessed with Hell’s Kitchen, and I love that he’s into F1. I think he’d be great fun to shoot with!”
Despite having a strong digital presence, Olivia keeps a healthy boundary. “I share a lot of personal images — friends, family, holidays — but I’ve never really spoken much on camera. I grew my audience before Reels took over, and in a way, that helped me separate social media from real life. I think my followers are here for the visuals and the vibes… or at least I hope so!”
Outside of fashion, new ventures are already taking shape. “I’ve been working on my own fragrance — it’s called Vanilla Bombshell, and as the name suggests, it’s a vanilla-based scent. It’ll launch in the US first, hopefully in January. I shared the bottle design on Instagram and the response has been really positive, which is exciting.”
As our conversation draws to a close, we ask Olivia how she defines success now. Her answer is quietly powerful: “Success for me is being able to say I’m proud of my achievements. It might sound silly, but I think most Brits don’t often pat themselves on the back. Now, I finally feel I can say I’m proud — and I’m relaxed about whatever comes next.”
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