EXCLUSIVE: ROUGH SESSION WITH MODEL & BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR OLIVIA ARBEN

The time for beautiful yet silent models has passed. More and more fashion icons are espousing social causes, challenging the fashion system to be more inclusive and socially involved. Model Olivia Arben will explain to ROUGH Online this revolutionary time from the inside of the industry while stating the crucial role of social media in this shift. Olivia has worked internationally and appeared in major campaigns including NFL Europe Super Bowl, Steve Madden, L'Oreal, Harvey Nichols, Timberland and Clarks to name a few. She is also a dedicated ambassador for the British Heart Foundation and fights to remove height restrictions from fashion agency boards.

ROUGH ONLINE: How did you first start modelling?
OLIVIA ARBEN: I had modelled for a few small jobs since I was 15 whilst still at school, but was actually scouted on Instagram by my first mother agency, and went on to model full time after I left school when I was 18.


ROUGH ONLINE: What do you like most about your job?
OLIVIA ARBEN: I have always been really into fashion, so my favourite shoots are always editorials because I love creating a story - the clothes, the hair and make up is normally pretty out there! I also love the people in the industry; I have made all of my closest friends through work.

ROUGH ONLINE: Can you mention three brands that make you proud of your career so far and three you dream to work with?
OLIVIA ARBEN: Three jobs that have really enhanced my career would have to be - walking for the Oman Royal Family at the Tessuti Show, Country Life Magazine and my Balmain and L'Oreal Hair campaigns. I would love to shoot for Tatler, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.


ROUGH ONLINE: Let’s talk about the relationship between fashion and social media. When did you open your Instagram account?
OLIVIA ARBEN: I can't actually remember but I think it was about 4 years ago, before Instagram was really a tool for models. I thought it was just a fun filter app to start with.

ROUGH ONLINE: You have more than 100k followers now. That’s impressive!
OLIVIA ARBEN: This happened after about a year of having Instagram, when I modelled for a Middle Eastern brand account with 2 million followers. My followers shot up by 20k in one day as a result! That is when I started to use Instagram to promote my modelling.

ROUGH ONLINE:  Social media is transforming the fashion industry. Do you think models’ awareness of their public role has risen with the use of social networks?
OLIVIA ARBEN: Yes, I do think social media has changed the modelling industry and models' opinions. I personally believe it has been positive for the industry as a whole.


ROUGH ONLINE: You have more than 100k followers now. That’s impressive!
OLIVIA ARBEN: This happened after about a year of having Instagram, when I modelled for a Middle Eastern brand account with 2 million followers. My followers shot up by 20k in one day as a result! That is when I started to use Instagram to promote my modelling.


ROUGH ONLINE:  Social media is transforming the fashion industry. Do you think models’ awareness of their public role has risen with the use of social networks?
OLIVIA ARBEN: Yes, I do think social media has changed the modelling industry and models' opinions. I personally believe it has been positive for the industry as a whole.


ROUGH ONLINE:  Can you give us some examples from your personal experience?
OLIVIA ARBEN: Instagram has allowed models to connect with each other and also to voice concerns in the industry, for example, which photographers not to work with because of harassment and others to be careful of in the industry. As a platform, it has also given models a voice to promote diversity within the industry.

ROUGH ONLINE:  Would you define yourself an activist?
OLIVIA ARBEN: I am an activist for the British Heart Foundation, a charity that is very dear to me, having lost my own father from a heart attack when I was 16. I work with them closely to raise awareness of heart health amongst young people, mainly through social media.


ROUGH ONLINE:  What do you think about body restrictions imposed by fashion and beauty standards?
OLIVIA ARBEN: Agencies often limit people under 5'9" on the boards to strictly e-com works, which allows us no opportunity for career growth. As a 5'7" model, I try to raise awareness where possible - I have actually written an article for the Huffington Post on height discrimination within the modelling world, which I was delighted to see that drew a great response. I have to say, however, minus the obvious challenges around fashion week, most designers are not height discriminatory, it is mainly agencies and never clients.


ROUGH ONLINE: Fashion activism might trigger a shift in perspective…
OLIVIA ARBEN: I think what all model activists on Instagram and in the media are trying to say is that being really tall or really thin doesn't automatically mean you're a great model! Most of the models that girls are looking up to nowadays are the ones showing their personalities, sharing their experiences and thereby paving the way for more opportunities for aspiring models in the industry.


ROUGH ONLINE:  What do you do to support your cause(s)?
OLIVIA ARBEN: In relation to the British Heart Foundation, I have recently shot their Christmas retail campaign, which will be advertised nationwide. It promotes the amazing Christmas party clothing that is available, at affordable prices, within their BHF stores.


ROUGH ONLINE: How about your contribute for a more inclusive fashion industry?
OLIVIA ARBEN: As far as height goes, I try to discuss it whenever possible and continue to work as hard as I can in the modelling industry to make sure height in general is no longer an obstacle in achieving greater success.