April 28, 2020
111ICONS: Olivia Palermo
111ICONS: OLIVIA PALERMO
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Founder and CCO of Olivia Palermo Group Inc, Olivia is far from the hustle of The City which launched her career in 2008. Now in charge of a clothing collection and editorial-turned-ecommerce website, Palermo is changing the way in which digital business is run today. From beauty to fitness, we sit down to discuss the development of her career, the philosophy she lives by and the best business advice she has ever received.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
Finding roots in the public eye from her standing in MTV’s show, The City, Olivia Palermo has since then made a name for herself as entrepreneur, businesswoman, and ambassador. Both front row at leading fashion shows all over the globe to launching her website-turned-ecommerce platform OliviaPalermo.com, Olivia is fast becoming a leading lady in both fashion and beauty.
NS: How has your role evolved over the years?
OP: Well currently I am the Founder and Creative Chief Officer of Olivia Palermo Group, Inc. Having been in the public eye for a decade, we founded the Olivia Palermo Group to formally oversee my business ventures and evolve the business model from that of a service-based business to one of a consumer goods business. This started with the overhaul of OliviaPalermo.com in 2019 from strictly an editorial site to a fully transactional e-commerce destination driven by thoughtful, curated content. Just earlier this year, we launched the debut season of the Olivia Palermo Collection of ready-to-wear which is available online as well as in specialty boutiques worldwide. As the Creative Director, I work to bring chic, understated, timeless designs of quality craftsmanship to women everywhere.
NS: That development has truly crystalised over the years, congratulations! With your new line, what is the story behind it?
OP: People have asked me when I would create a collection but I always thought it really important to fully experience and understand every element of the industry I could before doing so. This way, I am able to offer my community, and the world, a collection that is thoroughly considered in every way possible. Attention to detail, impeccable fit, quality materials and construction, are all integral. I want this collection to be seamlessly integrated into your wardrobe and be styled as an expression of your own individuality.
NS: Like your collection, I could guarantee that your beauty routine is also this way?
OP:I mean I have been going to Dr. Dennis Gross for 20 years now and have been using his All-in-One Cleanser with Toner and Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion for probably just as long. I always use a washcloth to clean my face but sometimes if I feel like I need exfoliating, I will use one of the hand gloves. After cleansing, I use 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Serum and Celestial Black Diamond Emulsion. Every few days I will switch from using the emulsion to using the Y Theorem Repair Serum.
There is much less of a routine when it comes to my beauty routine as it depends on the day’s schedule and what look I am trying to achieve. I am an avid supporter of Charlotte Tilbury and really adore her products. For eyebrows, I generally look to MAC and for eyeshadows – beyond Charlotte Tilbury products – usually use NARS and Dior. For lips, of course my own Charlotte Tilbury shade ‘In Love with Olivia’ is part of the rotation: it was introduced last year as part of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hot Lips 2 Collection benefiting Women for Women and Tom Ford has also really nice punchy colours. My tried and true for hair care is Phyto Detox Clarifying Shampoo. I will also pair that with L’oreal’s Elvive Extraordinary Oil for nourishment and on the styling front, I swear by Elnett Hairspray – it’s a classic!
NS: And your evening routine?
OP: In the evenings, I start my routine with Bioderma (and will even use Vaseline) to remove my makeup. After cleansing my face with my Clarisonic, I apply my Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel and I have recently started to use a Knesko Rose Quartz Roller to further enhance the treatment. I’ll finish off my routine most nights with one of my favourite masks that I cycle through: 111SKIN Meso Infusion Overnight Mask, Sisley Black Rose Mask, SK-II Sheet Masks or Charlotte Tilbury Masks and then I finish off my night with a Caudalie Beauty Elixir..
NS: What is a signature product you cant live without?
OP: My signature product would be my cleansers. I wouldn’t want to live without my Dr. Gross Cleanser in the mornings and my 111SKIN Exfolactic Cleanser in the evenings.
NS: Do you have any wellness habits that you swear by?
OP: I have really gotten into sound meditation in the past couple of years. I find that it really helps me reset and recharge from the daily stressors of business and just life in general. In between treatments though, I find that even a hot shower helps my mental wellness.
NS: And your fitness routines?
OP: Whatever routine Tracy Anderson Method has me doing that week! The foundation of her Method is creating balance where there is imbalance in your body through engaging the larger and smaller muscle groups, set in an environment with controlled heat and humidity levels for the optimal results. Before recent circumstances have had us all staying at home, I had been going religiously for years. She does have at-home workouts though!
NS: Do you have any on the go essentials?
OP: With all the travel I do, you have to be prepared. I have a touch up kit for practically everything in my beauty regiment. My philosophy is that you either do it all or just don’t do it.
NS: I like this philosophy, do you have a beauty icon?
OP: I don’t have one in particular but I do super appreciate all the incredible makeup artists that bring such amazing creativity to life!
NS: How do you wind down in the evening?
OP: A nice, hot shower followed by catching up on my favourite TV shows. A little lavender oil to help get to sleep when my mind is still in creative overdrive.
NS: Do you have a favourite travel destination?
OP: If I am looking for warm weather probably Mustique. I have really grown to love it there after years of going to St. Barth. For colder weather, St. Moritz has the best skiing and just overall chic yet cosy atmosphere.
NS: Now, further afield, where do you see the beauty industry going?
OP: Isn’t that an exciting question! I think we will all just have to wait and see. Like fashion, the beauty industry is all about women feeling like the best version of themselves so I am sure wherever it is headed it will be a place providing extra motivation and extra fabulousness.
NS: I couldn’t agree with you more and outside of fashion, what other industries are you in to?
OP: Beauty, of course, and interiors. My mother is an interior designer so I have certainly inherited an appreciation for aesthetic outside of just fashion.
NS: Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
OP: I have received such great advice throughout the years but something my parents taught to me is “to reflect rather than react” in difficult times or high-stress situations. It’s something I have definitely adopted as a kind of mantra in my daily life.
Discover the edit
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Founder and CCO of Olivia Palermo Group Inc, Olivia is far from the hustle of 'The City' which launched her career in 2008. Now in charge of a clothing collection and editorial-turned-ecommerce website, Palermo is changing the way in which digital business is run today. From beauty to fitness, we sit down to discuss the development of her career, the philosophy she lives by and the best business advice she has ever received.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
Finding roots in the public eye from her standing in MTV’s show, The City, Olivia Palermo has since then made a name for herself as entrepreneur, businesswoman, and ambassador. Both front row at leading fashion shows all over the globe to launching her website-turned-ecommerce platform OliviaPalermo.com, Olivia is fast becoming a leading lady in both fashion and beauty.
NS: How has your role evolved over the years?
OP: Well currently I am the Founder and Creative Chief Officer of Olivia Palermo Group, Inc. Having been in the public eye for a decade, we founded the Olivia Palermo Group to formally oversee my business ventures and evolve the business model from that of a service-based business to one of a consumer goods business. This started with the overhaul of OliviaPalermo.com in 2019 from strictly an editorial site to a fully transactional e-commerce destination driven by thoughtful, curated content. Just earlier this year, we launched the debut season of the Olivia Palermo Collection of ready-to-wear which is available online as well as in specialty boutiques worldwide. As the Creative Director, I work to bring chic, understated, timeless designs of quality craftsmanship to women everywhere.
NS: That development has truly crystalised over the years, congratulations! With your new line, what is the story behind it?
OP: People have asked me when I would create a collection but I always thought it really important to fully experience and understand every element of the industry I could before doing so. This way, I am able to offer my community, and the world, a collection that is thoroughly considered in every way possible. Attention to detail, impeccable fit, quality materials and construction, are all integral. I want this collection to be seamlessly integrated into your wardrobe and be styled as an expression of your own individuality.
NS: Like your collection, I could guarantee that your beauty routine is also this way?
OP: I mean I have been going to Dr. Dennis Gross for 20 years now and have been using his All-in-One Cleanser with Toner and Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion for probably just as long. I always use a washcloth to clean my face but sometimes if I feel like I need exfoliating, I will use one of the hand gloves. After cleansing, I use 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Serum and Celestial Black Diamond Emulsion. Every few days I will switch from using the emulsion to using the Y Theorem Repair Serum.
There is much less of a routine when it comes to my beauty routine as it depends on the day’s schedule and what look I am trying to achieve. I am an avid supporter of Charlotte Tilbury and really adore her products. For eyebrows, I generally look to MAC and for eyeshadows – beyond Charlotte Tilbury products – usually use NARS and Dior. For lips, of course my own Charlotte Tilbury shade ‘In Love with Olivia’ is part of the rotation: it was introduced last year as part of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hot Lips 2 Collection benefiting Women for Women and Tom Ford has also really nice punchy colours. My tried and true for hair care is Phyto Detox Clarifying Shampoo. I will also pair that with L’oreal’s Elvive Extraordinary Oil for nourishment and on the styling front, I swear by Elnett Hairspray – it’s a classic!
NS: And your evening routine?
OP: In the evenings, I start my routine with Bioderma (and will even use Vaseline) to remove my makeup. After cleansing my face with my Clarisonic, I apply my Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel and I have recently started to use a Knesko Rose Quartz Roller to further enhance the treatment. I’ll finish off my routine most nights with one of my favourite masks that I cycle through: 111SKIN Meso Infusion Overnight Mask, Sisley Black Rose Mask, SK-II Sheet Masks or Charlotte Tilbury Masks and then I finish off my night with a Caudalie Beauty Elixir.
NS: What is a signature product you cant live without?
OP: My signature product would be my cleansers. I wouldn’t want to live without my Dr. Gross Cleanser in the mornings and my 111SKIN Exfolactic Cleanser in the evenings.
NS: Do you have any wellness habits that you swear by?
OP: I have really gotten into sound meditation in the past couple of years. I find that it really helps me reset and recharge from the daily stresses of business and just life in general. In between treatments though, I find that even a hot shower helps my mental wellness.
NS: And your fitness routines?
OP: Whatever routine Tracy Anderson Method has me doing that week! The foundation of her Method is creating balance where there is imbalance in your body through engaging the larger and smaller muscle groups, set in an environment with controlled heat and humidity levels for the optimal results. Before recent circumstances have had us all staying at home, I had been going religiously for years. She does have at-home workouts though!
NS: Do you have any on the go essentials?
OP: With all the travel I do, you have to be prepared. I have a touch up kit for practically everything in my beauty regiment. My philosophy is that you either do it all or just don’t do it.
NS: I like this philosophy, do you have a beauty icon?
OP: I don’t have one in particular but I do super appreciate all the incredible makeup artists that bring such amazing creativity to life!
NS: How do you wind down in the evening?
OP: A nice, hot shower followed by catching up on my favourite TV shows. A little lavender oil to help get to sleep when my mind is still in creative overdrive.
NS: Do you have a favourite travel destination?
OP: If I am looking for warm weather probably Mustique. I have really grown to love it there after years of going to St. Barth. For colder weather, St. Moritz has the best skiing and just overall chic yet cosy atmosphere.
NS: Now, further afield, where do you see the beauty industry going?
OP: Isn’t that an exciting question! I think we will all just have to wait and see. Like fashion, the beauty industry is all about women feeling like the best version of themselves so I am sure wherever it is headed it will be a place providing extra motivation and extra fabulousness.
NS: I couldn’t agree with you more and outside of fashion, what other industries are you in to?
OP: Beauty, of course, and interiors. My mother is an interior designer so I have certainly inherited an appreciation for aesthetic outside of just fashion.
NS: Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
OP: I have received such great advice throughout the years but something my parents taught to me is “to reflect rather than react” in difficult times or high-stress situations. It’s something I have definitely adopted as a kind of mantra in my daily life.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.