See how it works
Book Olivia with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Olivia is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Olivia
Olivia Pinnock is a London-based fashion writer, lecturer and the founder of The Fashion Debates. Having previously been Features Editor at 1883 Magazine and Sub-Editor at FAULT Magazine, she now writes for a variety of publications and brands. She is dedicated to uncovering insightful and fascinating stories in a visually-driven industry and, has a particular interest in sustainable fashion, fashion history and the business of fashion. Her journalism portfolio also includes articles on beauty, travel, art, music, TV and film. Olivia has had the pleasure of interviewing celebrities including Billie Piper, Matt Willis, Laura Mvula, Zara Martin and Tamsin Egerton, and industry figures such as All Saints Creative Director Wil Beedle, Turkish Vogue founding Editor-at-Large Ece Sükan and internationally regarded stylist Mary Fellows. A passionate advocate for ethical fashion practices, in 2016 Olivia founded The Fashion Debates events. The panel talk evenings bring together experts on topics affecting the industry as far reaching as sweatshop labour, racism, environmental pollution and model health to inspire change. Olivia’s copywriting portfolio spans website texts, press releases, lookbooks, blogs, SEO keyword texts, window display slogans and product descriptions for clients such as Kurt Geiger, Swatch, Piaget, Wrangler, Fiorelli and Meng. Additionally, she teaches the Fashion Branding and Journalism module at London Metropolitan University.
English
Arts & Books
Cultural
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Watch enthusiasts switch gender stereotypes in favour of variety
A Deloitte report indicates a trend in the Swiss watch industry towards expanding female watch ranges and sizes. Breitling, traditionally a male-oriented brand, is increasing its offerings for female customers, with CEO Georges Kern aiming for 30% of sales to female customers. Independent watchmaker Beauregard, known for feminine designs, is considering a men's range due to demand. WatchFemme's cofounder Nathalie Veysset argues for the abolition of gender labels in watches, while Arnold & Son's president Bertrand Savary believes the industry is not ready to eliminate these labels, despite a trend of women wearing men's watches. The industry is encouraged to listen to female consumers and involve more women in product development to foster diversity and growth.
Watches and Wonders 2023: Luxury watch brands lean into education and authenticity to attract Gen Z
Luxury watch brands are focusing on education and authenticity to appeal to Generation Z, with 23% of Gen Z wearing traditional watches and 33% valuing watch ownership more now than in recent years. Watches and Wonders Geneva, the industry's annual event, is considering this demographic, especially as it opens to the public. Brands like Vacheron Constantin, TAG Heuer, and Montblanc emphasize the importance of history, culture, and authenticity in their marketing strategies. Influencers and social media play a significant role in reaching younger audiences, as seen with Grand Seiko's approach. Despite Gen Z being a small customer base for luxury watches, there is potential for growth as they show interest in the industry.
Sustainable bling: the London jewellers changing the game for lab-grown diamonds
In London, a new generation of jewellers is emerging in areas like Fitzrovia and Marylebone, offering lab-grown diamonds as an alternative to traditional luxury jewellery spots like Hatton Garden and Bond Street. Brands like Matilde Jewellery, Lark & Berry, and Kimaï are targeting a younger demographic with more affordable and sustainable options. Lab-grown diamonds, which are physically identical to mined ones, are gaining popularity due to their lower cost and ethical production. Sales of these diamonds have increased from 4% to 10% of the overall market from 2019 to 2022. Kimaï emphasizes traceability and sustainability, using renewable energy in their production. The trend reflects a shift in consumer values towards accessibility, sustainability, and innovation, challenging the traditional diamond industry.
Woolmark Launches Global Anti-Synthetic Textiles Campaign
The Woolmark Company has initiated an anti-synthetic fiber campaign to highlight the environmental impact of synthetic textiles and advocate for wool as a sustainable alternative. The campaign, which includes a 60-second film and digital advertising, emphasizes wool's natural, biodegradable, and renewable qualities. It is based on reports that synthetic fibers contribute significantly to microplastic pollution and fossil fuel consumption. Woolmark's managing director, John Roberts, underscores wool's biodegradability and the fiber's long lifespan in wardrobes, suggesting its role in a circular fashion model.
Fashion Trends 2022: How will designers help us all feel good again?
Fashion trends for 2022 are influenced by the pandemic, with a focus on comfort and sustainability. Textures inspired by nature, bold colors, and attention to detail in design are predicted. Sustainable materials like Mylo and Piñatex are gaining popularity, and brands are investing in environmentally-friendly practices. Femininity and sex appeal are also expected to be prominent, with inspirations from the British Regency era and upcoming media like Bridgerton.
Feeling lost? How digital fashion is missing that key element of touch
Digital fashion is transforming the industry by enabling designers and consumers to interact with clothing in new ways, but it lacks the tactile experience of traditional fashion. Neuropsychologist Anabel Maldonado explains that touch creates an emotional response, influencing our clothing choices. Tommy Hilfiger's adaptive clothing line caters to neurodiverse individuals with sensory sensitivities. Fashion designer Sabinna Rachimova emphasizes the importance of fabric touch in her design process. 3D design software offers efficiency and waste reduction, yet some designers are hesitant to forgo physical samples. SwatchOn's collaboration with CLO to create digital fabric samples and Tanvas's technology to simulate the feel of materials on screens are innovations bridging the gap. Despite technological advancements, the need for a sensory connection in fashion remains strong.
Do Coco Chanel’s Nazi Connections Matter For Fashion Today?
A new retrospective of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel's work, 'Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto', opens in Paris amidst renewed scrutiny of her Nazi affiliations during WWII. While the exhibition does not focus on her controversial past, the current climate, influenced by the Black Lives Matter movement, has sparked debate on the importance of acknowledging the full history of celebrated figures. Chanel's minimalist and austere design philosophy is said to reflect her far-right ideologies. The Chanel brand, now worth $32 billion and co-owned by the Wertheimer family, acknowledges Chanel's actions during the war but distances the current brand from her past. Critics argue that brands with problematic histories have a moral obligation to contribute to the communities they once harmed and that confronting the past is essential for an honest and fair future in fashion.
Guo Pei Talks Chinese Couture And That Rihanna Dress At Her First U.K. Catwalk
Chinese couturier Guo Pei gained international fame when Rihanna wore her design to the Met Gala, leading to her couture house's recognition beyond China. Pei defines success by the lasting impact of her work and appreciates the attention Rihanna's choice brought. She showcased her Alternate Universe collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum's Fashion in Motion event, highlighting her designs' artistry and craftsmanship. Pei's work challenges perceptions of Chinese fashion, moving from fast fashion to luxury, and she sees couture's future in emerging markets like China. Despite the legal designation of haute couture being tied to Paris, Pei became the first Chinese guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, reflecting globalization's influence on fashion.
Fashion CEOs Told To Urgently Address Their "Catastrophic Impact" On Climate Change
At the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland, fashion CEOs were urged to urgently address climate change. The Global Fashion Agenda presented the CEO Agenda report, developed with major fashion companies, highlighting eight industry priorities. Despite progress in chemical use, circularity, and equality, the fashion industry's 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually require more action. The report calls for leadership in the fashion industry to meet the Paris Agreement's goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Key priorities include supply chain traceability, efficient resource use, and fair work environments. Industry leaders from H&M Group, Nike, and Target expressed their commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
5 Innovative Fashion Materials Made From Food By-Products
The fashion industry's reliance on traditional fabrics like cotton and synthetic materials has raised sustainability concerns. Innovations in sustainable materials are being showcased at the Future Fabrics Expo in London, organized by The Sustainable Angle. Companies like Piñatex, Orange Fiber, Parblex, Agroloop BioFibre, and Vegea are developing fabrics from food by-products, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional materials. These innovations provide additional income for farmers, reduce waste, and offer cruelty-free options, with some receiving support from luxury brands and institutions like the EU and the H&M Foundation.
Sustainable Fashion Searches Surged In 2018
Sustainable fashion has seen a significant increase in consumer interest in 2018, with Lyst's fashion search engine reporting a 47% rise in searches for ethically made products. Brands like Veja, Reformation, and Nanushka have gained popularity, with Veja's V10 sneaker and Reformation's Thelma dress being among the most searched items. Meghan Markle's fashion choices, known for their sustainability, have also influenced this trend, causing a 200% surge in searches for brands she wears.
Fashion Subscription Boxes Show No Sign Of Slowing As Sales Hit £597 Million
Fashion subscription box sales in the UK have reached £597 million annually, with 16% of the population subscribing. Millennials, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are the key demographic, with men spending more than women. The trend is expected to grow, with 19% of Brits having signed up for a subscription service in the past six months. Despite high street footfall declining, as reported by the BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor, fashion entrepreneurs see potential in subscription services. Brands like Fabletics have found success, and others such as Glitz Box, Hop Hosiery, and Le Tote are emerging in response to consumer demand. The 'lipstick effect' is driving consumers to make small, feel-good purchases, with an average monthly spend of £57.42 on fashion subscription boxes.
Can This T-Shirt Reduce Air Pollution?
Italian independent loungewear brand Kloters is set to launch the world's first pollution-absorbing t-shirt, RepAir, which features a patented chest pocket insert made of a special fabric called The Breath. Developed by Anemotech, this fabric can absorb harmful pollutants and neutralize odors. The t-shirt, made of 100% cotton, is designed to offset the emissions of two cars, with the insert recommended to be replaced annually. Kloters' Co-Founder Federico Suria aims to make sustainable fashion widely accessible and plans to expand the RepAir line with more products.
The Problem With The Term 'Ethical Fashion'
The term 'ethical fashion' lacks the clear, positive associations of consumer movements like 'craft beer' or 'clean beauty.' Despite growing interest, evidenced by increased Google searches, the term's vagueness and the non-immediate impact of fast fashion's faults on consumers make it less compelling. Ethical fashion's broad definition opens it to criticism, as seen with H&M's 'conscious collection,' which has been scrutinized despite its use of recycled and organic fabrics. Brands like Elvis & Kresse and Nudie Jeans, while pursuing sustainability, face challenges due to the diverse interpretations of ethics. The article suggests that ethical fashion requires a strong marketing campaign and that brands should clearly communicate their unique ethical values to resonate with consumers.
New Concept Store 50M Opening In London To Support Emerging Designers
50M, a new concept store launching in London's Belgravia neighborhood, aims to support emerging luxury fashion and lifestyle brands with a more supportive business model. The store, created by art collective Something and Son, will offer rail rental space and a small commission on sales, co-working space for designers, and a mentoring program with industry professionals. Founding members include designers Daniel Fletcher, Ka Wa Key, and Ryan Lo, among others. The store's flexible design allows for various uses, and an online shop will also be launched to complement the physical space.
The Rise of Influencer Marketing in the Fashion Industry
The article discusses the shift in marketing within the fashion industry from traditional celebrity endorsements to influencer marketing. It highlights the impact of influencers like Nicki Minaj and Selena Gomez on brand engagement and the growing importance of social media stars and fashion bloggers in promoting products. The article also covers the findings of the 'The Rise of Influencers' report by Fashion and Beauty Monitor, which shows a significant number of brands integrating influencer marketing into their strategies. It emphasizes the importance of engagement over follower count and the effectiveness of influencers in targeting specific audiences. The Influencer Group's successful campaign with LAB Series and Joshua Kane is mentioned, as well as The Retail Trust's initiative with the Fashion Retail Academy. The article also touches on the challenges of measuring ROI in influencer marketing and the potential for long-term partnerships between brands and influencers.
Profile interview with the co-founders of Tripl Stitched menswear brand for The Holborn
A feature piece on the influence of bohemianism on fashion for IN London Magazine
Top 10 Trends from London Fashion Week SS17
The article provides a rundown of the top ten fashion trends from London Fashion Week for the upcoming SS17 season. Trends include the continuation of frills, a preference for lavender and violet colors, cyber goth aesthetics, sketchbook-inspired prints, cartoonish florals, a nod to the 1990s clubbing scene, metallic fabrics, ghostly gauze dresses, buckles as a fashion statement, and strong monochrome stripes. The article references various designers and brands that showcased these trends, indicating what to expect in the next fashion season and how these styles reflect a mix of old and new influences.
What Do The Fashion Industry’s Muslim Women Think of Dolce & Gabbana’s Abaya Collection
Dolce & Gabbana has launched their first collection of abayas and hijabs, targeting the luxury market in the Middle East, where sales of personal luxury goods reached $8.7 billion in 2015. The collection has been met with mixed reactions from Muslim women in the fashion industry. Marriam Mossalli of Niche Arabia criticized the collection for lacking sophistication and originality. Farzana Baduel of Curzon PR praised the collection for promoting inclusion and tolerance. Faye Bee, an Australian blogger, expressed excitement but noted the collection caters to wealthy clientele. Nazmin Alim from Aab welcomed the move as beneficial for the modest fashion sector. The article discusses the financial and cultural implications of Western fashion brands entering the Middle Eastern market and the potential for increased inclusivity in fashion.
×
Olivia's
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Mar 2017
✓
Phone number
Verified Mar 2017
✓
Joined
Mar 2017