Olivia Palermo’s trade secrets

The street-style star has made a career out of looking chic. Now, thanks to a new collaboration with Nordstrom (her first-ever clothing line!), she’s spreading the wealth.

“Work hard, get to bed early, focus – and let your work speak for itself.”

We’re sure Olivia Palermo doesn’t have a Linkedin profile, but if she did, it would be lengthy. The 30 year old has had a lead on the reality show The City, modelled for brands like Mango and Rochas, collaborated with Aquazzura, Baublebar and Ciaté, and made global bestdressed lists. Then there’s her namesake website and her fashion collection for the US chain Nordstrom.

Here she tells us about her work ethic and what she’s learnt from being on camera – as well as why you won’t catch her in tracksuit bottoms anytime soon! GLAMOUR What’s your secret to juggling so many things? Olivia Palermo Time management! I’m working 24 hours a day, but I’m passionate about it. It’s what makes me wake up in the morning with a big smile on my face. I spend the first half of my day dealing with Europe because of the time difference. Then, in the evening, my website gets my undivided attention. Did you try on the clothes from your line yourself? Absolutely. I test-drove the collection to make sure everything looked good. What inspired you? I was feeling 1970s, with a touch of French. I drew on the classic Breton stripe, vintage Hermès scarves and stylish Parisian girls. What would you wear on a date with your husband [Johannes Huebl]? The nice thing about Johannes is, he likes me casual. I mean, he also likes me dressed up. I guess he likes me no matter what! What’s your style secret? My mom instilled in me how important it is to be properly dressed when you leave the house, no matter the time of day. Even if it’s 4.30am and you’re heading to the airport, you want to look and feel your best. Everyone has their down days, but – – Wait! Don’t you ever put on tracksuit bottoms? No, never. And if I do wear them, it’s only to the gym. What’s it like always being scrutinised by the public? I don’t look at paparazzi photos. And most of my friends don’t want to be photographed, so they walk 2m to the side. If you see a photo of me laughing, that’s why – because my friends don’t want to walk with me. Did you always want to be in the world of fashion? Growing up, I wanted to be a sports commentator. Then my aunt [who worked at the New York City auction house Doyle] introduced me to the fashion industry, and it just fell into place after that.

Next came a reality show and a job with Diane von Furstenberg. Did you ever feel you weren’t taken seriously by the fashion industry because of your background in reality TV? No. I’ve always had the mentality of: work hard, get to bed early, focus – and let your work speak for itself.