LIFE.STYLE.ETC

Fashion designer Olivia Rubin on taking risks, learning from mistakes and why she will always love her rainbow sequinned skirt

Fashion designer Olivia Rubin on taking risks – and her rainbow skirt

agraduate from Central Saint Martins, Olivia Rubin cut her fashion teeth on training schemes with Dior and Alexander Mcqueen before starting her own fashion business in 2006. She closed it in 2011 while pregnant, but in 2017 set up her successful eponymous brand. She has now collaborated with Etsy to launch a homeware collection with her signature technicolour shades. Olivia lives in west London with husband Ben and daughters Chloe, six, and Ella, three.

Sum up your business for us in five words… Dedicated, ambitious, closely knit, fun and vibrant. What was your light-bulb moment?

I started making clothes for myself and friends then posted outfits on Instagram and saw an immediate reaction. It started with a rainbow sequinned skirt and so many people wanted to buy it. I had been in fashion before so had factory contacts and started to produce small quantities and created my website. That was about two-and-a-half years ago and everything skyrocketed. What’s the greatest sacrifice you’ve made for work? Being away from my kids. Now I travel six times a year to where we sell my collections – New York, China, Korea, Paris… I don’t like leaving the kids but I hope I’ll be an inspiration to them. And the biggest risk you’ve taken?

Selling wholesale. I didn’t want to because I wanted to keep things manageable but I’m now at over 40 stockists worldwide. What’s your proudest achievement?

Launching my collection in Selfridges and showing at London Fashion Week for the first time last September. What is your biggest business regret? I don’t have any. I’ve learnt from every mistake and grown from them. What is your favourite piece in your

wardrobe? My rainbow sequinned skirt. It makes me feel good and sparked my whole business. It has a lot of sentimental value. What makes the perfect party dress?

Something colourful with a delicate silhouette. It also needs to be comfortable. What is your biggest extravagance?

Designer shoes and handbags because I don’t spend money on clothes. That’s my excuse! What’s been your best pinch-me moment so far? My London Fashion Week show was pretty surreal.

Describe your interiors style…

Neutral with pops of colour. What life advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Go with your instinct and your own pace. Share your best business tip…

Don’t invest a lot of money into your business initially. Make sure there’s sufficient interest. I bought some fabric, made a couple of skirts and things took off from there.

The Olivia Rubin x Etsy collection is available at Etsy.com until 31 December

I started making clothes for myself and

friends, then posted outfits on Instagram and saw an immediate reaction