Watch This Face: Olivia Anakwe
Every week, Bazaar's booking team highlights one name to note, from the industry's best-known faces to girls who are just starting out. This week, we turn our attention to Olivia Anakwe.
An exciting addition to the latest new faces on the circuit, Anakwe has captivated the industry with her radiant skin and natural elegance. Already a regular on the runway, she epitomised the charming Miu Miu girl in a delicately sheer dress at the brand's S/S 18 show, accompanied by an array of flourishing models including Adwoa Adoah and Jean Campbell.
“Olivia’s gentle doe eyes wholly match her endearing character," says Ezzie Gladwell at Models 1. "Though she is versatile in her ability to create looks, she remains sweet and charismatic at all times.”
As well as having more than 40 shows under her belt, Anakwe has also featured in campaigns for Glossier and Saint Laurent. Her natural beauty and sweet personality is amplified by her fearless nature, which particularly shone through in her performance at the Kenzo x H&M show alongside professional dancers.
With her ambition, intelligence, looks and confidence, Anakwe is sure to continue turning heads in the fashion industry. We talk to her about her home life in Pennsylvania, love of Nineties R&B and essential exercise regimes.
How and when were you discovered?
“About two years ago, I was at my sister’s graduation lunch at Westville in Chelsea, NYC, and I was scouted by my booker, Marina [at New York Model Management].”
If you weren't modelling, which career would you pursue and why?
“I am still studying Psychology (pre-med) in hopes to become a doctor. I would love to enter the field of medicine because the wellbeing of others is very important to me.”
What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
“Walking for Miu Miu spring/summer 2018 – what an absolute dream!”
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How do you spend your free time?
“I love to work out, go to different coffee shops all over the city and cook a glorious dinner.”
Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your home town?
“Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has a lot of parks so our largest one, Tyler State Park, is worth a visit. Have a picnic, watch some local soccer on the fields and walk the trails. Also, visit Tanner Brothers Dairy Farm for the best local produce.”
What are the three products you can’t live without?
“Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom, my sister’s essential oil mix and Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray.”
What’s your favourite form of exercise?
“I absolutely love bikram, hot Pilates and boxing. They are all a must-try!”
What is your dream shoot?
“My dream shoot would definitely have to be on location in Nigeria, Egypt or New Delhi. I have always dreamt of shooting with Bruce Weber, Harley Weir and Mario Testino.”
Name your five essential items you wouldn’t leave the house without?
“Glossier’s Balm Dotcom, cocoa butter, edge control, scarf and the book I am reading at the moment.”
If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?
“Acne Studios or 3.1 Phillip Lim.”
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What kind of advice would you give to new girls to the industry?
“Confidence is key.”
Is there a model’s career that you admire and why?
“I think I admire every model’s career. We all have such different stories and various works, and it’s inspiring to see such incredible art out of that.”
What is your life motto?
“Only time will tell.”
Let’s talk about favourites. What about...
…music? “Kaytranada, Nineties R&B and everything Beyoncé.”
…movies? “Forrest Gump and The Pursuit of Happyness.”
…books? “Siddhartha, When Breath Becomes Air and Things Fall Apart.”
…food? “Mediterranean.”
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