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Elemis has a pretty commendable history of nailing its collabs. In the past, the brand has teamed up to create printed wash bags with fashion forward names like Lily & Lionel, Alice Temperley and Misha Nonoo (the designer alleged to have matchmade Meghan and Harry). The latest, though? Well, it might just be the best yet…
Olivia Rubin, purveyor of rainbow bright, more-is-more, utterly joyful fashion, has taken the reins for this next alliance. Her sorbet coloured creations, which usually retail around the £350 mark, are already a huge hit among Instagram’s trailblazers. And, the truly fantastic news is, despite not yet branching into accessories, this partnership with Elemis offers us a slice of Rubin’s brand at a fraction of the price.
About as dreamy as collaborations go, this new project sees Olivia’s rainbow bright prints applied to a jumbo and medium sized wash bag, each stuffed with Elemis’ most cult products. And all you have to do to get your hands on one is spend £80 on the Elemis site.
We spoke exclusively to Olivia to find out all about the process behind the collaboration, how colour can boost our mental health right now and her ultimate skincare secrets.
Why did you decide to partner up with Elemis?
“I have used ELEMIS products for years. I not only love the range of products, but the packaging, versatility and the way they support the environment and champion natural ingredients are really important to me. I have always taken care of my skin and feel it is so important to invest in high quality products that are gentle on the skin. Years ago, I was given a few ELEMIS heroes to try and since then I have not looked back.”
What is your favourite product?
“The Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial – it has transformed my night-time skincare routine.”
How did you go about designing the two bags for this collaboration?
“Rainbows are my main source of inspiration, with colour being a key aesthetic to the brand. When I collaborate, I look for authenticity and positivity. I think it’s important that each time I collaborate with a brand it is organic, so I only work with brands that I use or have a genuine interest in.”
The rainbow is a signature of your brand, but it’s taken on a wider meaning as a symbol of positivity during an incredibly difficult time, recently – what does the rainbow mean to you and why did you choose it originally?
“I truly believe colour gives you confidence so give colour a go and see how it makes you feel. I want my rainbow print to bring happiness into people’s lives; brighten your outfit, brighten your spirits. My daughters’ vivacity constantly inspires the happy, fun vibe of the brand and the rainbow is always at the core because of what it stands for; positivity, inclusivity and love.” To spread that positivity, Elemis has donated over 15,000 skin and hand care products to the NHS and health workers globally, while Olivia has donated a percentage of sales to various charities working to offer relief during COVID-19.”
What small things do you enjoy doing to keep positive?
“Spending quality time with my family, working on new collections, having skin that feels great contributes to that feel-good feeling. Establishing a daily routine is so simple and can achieve visual results so quickly, which has a knock-on effect with confidence and wellbeing.”
What makeup and skincare rituals do you have?
“I love to indulge in a long, hot bath at least once a week after my girls are tucked up in bed. Those precious moments to myself are so valuable. I make sure I apply a cleanser as I run my bath, leaving it on to deep cleanse my skin whilst I soak.
Charlotte Tilbury is my go-to for make-up, right now I love recreating the gorgeous SS20 look they created for my LFW show in September – naturally fresh, dewy skin with playful rosy-pink cheeks and pastel painted eyes.”
This is the first time you’ve moved into accessories – is this something you think you might explore within your own brand?
“I have really enjoyed working on the bags. It would be exciting to expand into bags further down the line for sure as I am a little handbag obsessed. For the moment I want to concentrate on my collections and expanding into various areas of clothing but never say never.”
Olivia’s free 6-piece skincare collection is available from Elemis.com today when you spend £80 (just enter the code MYTREAT at the checkout). And from 1st May, you can grab the larger rainbow clutch for £68. Filled to the brim with seven ridiculously indulgent beauty treats worth £113 – Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil, Olivia’s personal favourite Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial and Sea Lavender & Samphire Body Cream – it’s a savvy way to access Olivia’s brand and pick up some of Elemis’ top hits. (You deserve it.)
