Olivia de Rothschild embodies the art of multitasking, drawing from a rich legacy as a member of the storied Rothschild family. Hailing from Geneva, she has seamlessly integrated her family’s entrepreneurial spirit into her life. Currently, Olivia is the artistic director at Parfums Caron, a historic fragrance house, and she is pursuing business studies remotely at Georgetown University. Her latest venture, Oli’s Lab, is an online skincare retailer with a conscientious approach. Olivia’s upbringing in a family marked by creativity and ambition has shaped her diverse interests in fragrance, beauty, fashion, and overall life.
Born to Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild, both known for their dynamic careers as bankers, entrepreneurs, and even philanthropists, Olivia was influenced from a young age. She reflects on her family’s tradition of juggling multiple pursuits, stating, “It is very standardized in my family to have the capacity to juggle multiple projects.” Her childhood was steeped in an atmosphere of creativity, often surrounded by art in her beautifully appointed office in Paris, overlooking iconic landmarks. Olivia attributes her confidence and multifaceted abilities to the stimulating environment fostered by her parents.
Her journey into fashion began at a remarkably young age. Starting her education in the field at the tender age of nine, she emphasized the importance of experiential learning: “I learn a lot by doing, and I like to be productive.” Under the influence of her mother, whose style she admired greatly, she developed a strong sense of fashion. A defining moment came when she questioned famed designer Azzedine Alaïa about creating children’s clothing. This bold move led to a mentorship that would shape her perspective on design and art. Olivia’s early experiences taught her not only the technical aspects of fashion but also cultivated her passion for artistry and aesthetics.
The world of luxury, however, has become increasingly complex, something Olivia finds unsettling. As she ventured into working with Parfums Caron at just 16, she expressed her concerns about the evolving design landscape, which she felt had grown distant from the essence of warmth and authenticity that the brand represented. After her family’s acquisition of Caron, Olivia took it upon herself to influence the brand’s direction, embodying her family’s legacy of innovation. As artistic director today, she oversees design expansion while remaining deeply committed to maintaining the brand’s essence.
Fuelled by her affinity for skincare, Olivia founded Oli’s Lab, a project she envisioned at 18. The idea emerged in response to witnessing a friend’s daughter struggle with a skin condition. Olivia was touched by the shared challenges faced by young people regarding skincare, prompting her to delve into product formulations. With the aim of simplifying the often complicated beauty landscape, she developed a website characterized by a thorough grading system for cosmetic formulas and user-friendly educational content, dubbed “Oli’s Lab Notes.” The platform aspires to empower individuals to take charge of their skincare, emphasizing that beauty should be a pursuit rooted in understanding.
For Olivia, beauty transcends mere appearance. She perceives it as a powerful force that liberates the mind and fosters a positive state of being. Engaging with beauty and skincare helps individuals confront and embrace their insecurities, unlocking a liberating space in daily life. “That’s why I really like beauty,” she explains, noting its profound importance in promoting emotional well-being. By championing ethical beauty and speaking out about the industry’s increasingly algorithm-driven nature, Olivia de Rothschild represents a fresh voice in a landscape that desperately needs its champions, advocating for a deeper connection to what we choose to surround ourselves with.
