Olivia de Rothschild Reimagines Luxury

PetitePaulina – Olivia de Rothschild has always lived between two worlds: one shaped by the long-standing legacy of her family, and another built entirely from her own curiosity. Born in Geneva and raised by parents known for their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, she learned early that discipline and imagination must always coexist. Her home was filled with conversations about art, philanthropy, banking, wine, and even cheese-making an eclectic mix that encouraged her never to limit herself. Surrounded by such energy, Olivia developed a mindset that anything is possible when passion meets purpose. From the rooftops of Paris visible from her family’s office to the halls where historic decisions were made, she felt inspired rather than intimidated. That environment became the foundation of her confidence and her willingness to challenge norms, especially in an industry where tradition often outweighs reinvention.

A Childhood Inside Alaïa’s Atelier

Olivia’s first real education came not from textbooks but from the atelier of Azzedine Alaïa. At nine years old, she boldly asked the designer why he didn’t create clothing for children. Instead of dismissing her, he handed her a measuring tape and began designing a custom piece. What followed shaped her forever. Every weekend, Olivia returned to the atelier, doing anything from carrying fabrics to cleaning, cooking, and helping during fittings. She never complained; instead, she absorbed every detail the rhythm of creation, the beauty of precision, the respect for craftsmanship. For her, this was pure joy, a world where art felt alive. Alaïa treated her not as a child but as an apprentice with potential. His trust helped forge her taste, discipline, and appreciation for designers who dare to dream differently. Those formative years became the heartbeat of her connection to fashion and design.

Finding Her Voice at Parfums Caron

By the time she turned 16, Olivia had already developed a sharp eye for aesthetics, which naturally drew her to Parfums Caron. Both of her parents wore the house’s iconic scents, making it a familiar part of her childhood. When her family acquired the historic fragrance brand, Olivia saw an opportunity to breathe new life into it. She challenged the existing bottle designs, insisting they didn’t reflect the house’s warmth and humanity. Her conviction pushed her deeper into the company until she eventually became artistic director. She now leads Caron with a blend of intuition and respect for heritage. For Olivia, fragrance is not merely a product it is emotion captured in a bottle. She sees perfume as a personal language, capable of revealing memories, identity, and vulnerability. At Caron, she is committed to preserving craftsmanship while creating modern expressions of scent that still honor its century-long history.

The Birth of Oli’s Lab and a New View of Beauty

Oli’s Lab, her online clean beauty platform, was born from empathy. At 18, after watching a teenager struggle with a painful skin condition, Olivia realized how difficult it was to find trustworthy products without running to several stores. She questioned why self-care felt so complicated. That moment sparked a mission: to make beauty simple, safe, and accessible. She built Oli’s Lab on three pillars formula analysis, curated product retailing, and easy-to-understand education for beginners. Her “skin care for dummies” approach became a signature, offering young consumers clarity in a world of confusing claims. Olivia believes beauty should liberate, not overwhelm. She sees skincare as a way to help people reconnect with themselves, calm anxieties, and regain confidence. Every element of Oli’s Lab reflects her belief that beauty is both an emotional and intellectual experience.

Carrying the Family Spirit Into the Future

Like her parents, Olivia thrives on juggling multiple projects at once. She studies business at Georgetown University while managing Caron and expanding Oli’s Lab, proof that her drive comes naturally. She describes her family as “hyperactive,” but in the best sense people who see problems and immediately search for solutions. That same spirit pushes Olivia to embrace innovation, question norms, and encourage collaboration across fashion, beauty, and design. Her fluency in four languages helps her move effortlessly between cultures, while her artistic instincts keep her grounded in authenticity. She isn’t trying to replicate her family’s legacy. Instead, she’s building her own, shaped by empathy, creativity, and the belief that luxury should feel human. In her hands, the future of modern luxury looks less like a status symbol and more like an invitation to be curious, confident, and connected.

Redefining Luxury With Heart, Purpose, and Vision

For Olivia, luxury is no longer about spectacle. It’s about meaning. She champions young designers, values craftsmanship over trends, and prefers storytelling over algorithms. She believes that the true essence of luxury lies in intention in products created with care, ethics, and beauty woven together. This philosophy guides every project she touches, from Caron’s reimagined bottles to Oli’s Lab’s thoughtful curation. Her approach feels refreshing in an age where the industry is often driven by speed and volume. Olivia speaks gently but thinks boldly, proving that leadership doesn’t always need to be loud. Her projects reflect her values: warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for the emotional impact of beauty. As she continues to expand her world, she isn’t simply building brands she’s shaping a new, more honest definition of luxury for the next generation.