Fashion Designer Olivia Rubin

10 Aug 2010

If you possess just the slightest interest in fashion or if you read the odd women’s magazine, there’s no doubt you will have heard of Olivia Rubin.

She’s the sweet and sassy blonde bombshell who’s designing frocks for women worldwide. And for those of us who just can’t resist the bold colours and unique prints of her dresses, the London-based fashion designer is now tempting us with a diffusion jersey range, called Oli Rubi.

The signature brick print is back along with a few new friends, and printed on the softest of basics, bringing a bit of glamour to our day-to-day wardrobe. Having experienced mounting success over the past couple of years, the latest coup for the 28-year-old is being stocked at womenswear mecca, House of Fraser. She will also be selling her collection at Wolf & Badger in Notting Hill, along with some special editions, exclusively created to celebrate the launch of her range at the concept store. I headed down to W1 to have a chat with one of London’s brightest young things.

When and why did your interest in fashion start?

‘I’ve always loved drawing. At secondary school I was lucky enough to learn screen printing, so I started to develop a keen eye for prints and patterns at a young age. I went on to complete a BA in Fashion Print at Central St. Martin’s, and completed various work placements along the way, so the path I wanted to take became clear to me.’

Why womenswear?

‘Because when I design I design for myself – that’s half the fun!’

What inspires you?

‘It varies. Most of my research begins with art of some sort. The spring/summer ’11 season is based on Alexander Calder’s mobiles, but then my brick print idea just came from wolf-whistling builders.’

Who is your favourite designer?

‘The inevitable interview question! I can never give one answer as I like so many aspects of various designers’ work. My top five have to be Miu Miu, Marni, YSL, Jeremy Scott and Chanel.’

Who would you most like to make clothes for?

‘I’m happy with the list of celebrity clients that I already dress but I’m a big fan of Leigh Lezark at the moment. I think her combination of quirky cool would be a perfect fit for my collections.’

What makes a really super item of clothing?

‘A unique print, of course!’

What does the future hold for Olivia Rubin?

‘The brand is expanding season by season. For spring/summer ’11 we are heading Stateside and I’ll be selling in NYC. We have a new printed jersey range out called Oli Rubi and I’ve got some other high street collaborations for next season in the pipeline.’

If you weren’t designing, what would you be doing?

‘Something creative for sure, working at a fashion magazine or newspaper – I can’t imagine not being involved in fashion in some way. Does shopping for a living count as a job?’

Where do you live in London and why?

‘Mayfair, because it’s near all my favourite shops and my studio.’

What would you recommend everyone in London do at least once?

‘Go for an invigorating run around Hyde Park. I’ve always been into working out, but got into serious running last year, and now I’m hooked.’

What is your favourite London eatery/ fashion store?

‘Sushi is my favourite food, so Dinings is a must – it does the best sushi in London and not a lot of people know about it. Selfridges is my all-time favourite store because you can literally buy anything and everything there.’

What do you miss most about London when you’re away?

‘The atmosphere, the people, and the taxis. I’m even happy with the weather. One thing I could never miss is the Underground; I avoid it at all costs.’

What is your best London memory?

‘I have lived in this city my whole life, so there’s a lot. But one that resonates is walking down South Molton Street and thinking “I can’t believe I have a studio on this amazing street”.’

Where in London would you most like your clothes to be sold?

‘Harrods. It is the most opulent store in the world. When you are in Harrods you’ve made it.’

How would you design a typical ‘London’ look?

‘Anything goes in London so I’d say the more eclectic the better. My typical London look would be jeans, biker boots, leather jacket and my brick T-shirt for oozing London cool.’

Olivia Rubin’s prices range from £80 to £300.