Olive
PPS: Could you tell us a bit about yourself, what you do, and what your passion is?
OLIVE: I’m 22 and from Manchester. I grew up there and left at 18 to attend UAL for university for Fashion Photography. I graduated last year. I started freelancing in my second year at uni, around 19, and began assisting at SHOWstudio with Nick Knight. That experience was a game-changer for me. I was doing editing, filming, stills, and some 3D work. Later, I interned at Rankin's studio, which was transformative. I also started working with Olivia Rose who I still work with a lot, she is a massive motivator and inspiration. And then I met Stavros from Machine A, who gave me my first proper job. That's when my career really took off.
PPS: What do you think is next for you?
OLIVE: Moving forward, I want to continue shooting, work with bigger clients, and build trust. Despite being young, I hope to connect with clients I relate to and keep shooting and traveling.
PPS: What sparked your interest in photography?
OLIVE: I've been doing photography since I was about 15. My dad gave me his old camera, a Nikon FM, and I still use it today. It's heavy and old, but amazing.
PPS: What do you think drives your work? What inspires you to shoot?
OLIVE: I started with documentary photography, capturing interesting people and communities, like drag queens and in strip clubs. Now, I blend that raw documentary style with fashion. I don't want to shoot anyone boring. I draw inspiration from photographers and creatives around me, even lighting assistants—they all push me.
PPS: How has your relationship with fashion changed over time? How do you relate to it now compared to when you were younger?
OLIVE: Going to UAL exposed me to a lot of craziness, but personally, I've always been consistent. I've kept the same energy and vibe in my style.
PPS: Like a uniform?
OLIVE: Exactly, it's my uniform—same colors, T-shirts, even suits and heels. It's been a theme throughout my life. I have five different colored bomber jackets. It's a uniform for me. I like switching it up, but it always relates back to my uniform somehow.
PPS: Do you have any favorite designers? I, for instance, admire designers for different reasons, like their conceptual creativity or practical apparel.
OLIVE: I'm the same; I separate them. I love ACW for their blend of practicality and runway style. Coperni is also amazing—they have a unique touch. We interviewed them earlier this year, and they're incredible.
PPS: Yeah, what they're doing is super clever.
OLIVE: I also discovered No Faith Studios, a smaller brand based in Cologne. Their style aligns with my uniform.
PPS: How do you decide what to buy? Is it instinctual or research-based?
OLIVE: If I can wear it while shooting, it fits my style.
PPS: Do you think fashion has the power to shape culture? How does fashion shape culture, or vice versa?
OLIVE: Definitely. Fashion influences culture, especially in upcoming scenes where you see people adopting similar styles, almost like a uniform. It's interesting how creatives often share a vibe, even unintentionally.
PPS: If you could influence one thing about the world of fashion or culture, what would it be?
OLIVE: Do you mean my goal within fashion or with designers?
PPS: Anything related to how your path intersects with culture and fashion.
OLIVE: I think when I work with specific brands, they have their own culture. My role is to elevate them and incorporate aspects into my work.
PPS: To have an exchange.
OLIVE: Exactly. Working with brands and lifting them up is my way. I also do a lot of personal shoots, experimenting in different areas, which adds to it all.
PPS: Last question: What are you manifesting at the moment?
OLIVE: I'm trying to say something meaningful. Honestly, I'd love to shoot in New York, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that leap.
PPS: You'll get there.
OLIVE: Thank you, hopefully soon.
PPS: Thank you so much. Any final wishes?
OLIVE: I'd like to collaborate more, especially with friends and family. Personal projects are important to me, growing with people I've known for years, and shooting with loved ones is something I want to focus on next year.
PPS: That's lovely. Thank you, Olive.
