Style Muse | Olivia Wray
In a world of emboldened women, there is only one Olivia Wray.
Vancouver-based Olivia Wray is a Brand Manager and Sales Representative for Susan Cooper Agency, showcasing brands such as InWear, Kaffe/Curve and Cream. Most of you will know Olivia from the online world as one of our city's most influential models with Stranger Agency, and a content creator, passionate about creating authentic representation for biracial and plus-size women.
A quick scroll through Olivia's life on Instagram would quickly point out everything that she loves. It's easy to get swept away in her day-to-day organic grocery runs, fitting room selfies, and weekend resets that make you want to sit candleside with a nice glass of wine. But Olivia's life is more than 10-second reels.
Born in Seattle and raised in Canada from the age of 11, Olivia infuses her Black and Irish heritage into everything that she does - although you would never know it. It's seamless, it's who she is. Whether she's on set as a Curve Model or influencing her buyers to reach further clients, Olivia's roots run deep in how she impacts each day.
Read below to learn more about Olivia's impact, and her relationship with personal style.
How does your personal style influence the brands and retailers you work with?
As a brand manager, I am guiding buyers in how to make the most impactful investment in their brand representation in their boutiques. If I am wearing a garment and can show how somebody can style a piece, it shows the value and versatility of the item. My buyers can feel confident about adding it to their product portfolios when they see how personal style is infused with the item in real life.
Why do you choose secondhand?
I choose secondhand for a few reasons, including being cognizant of environmental impact and reducing my imprint, but also because I just love the character that secondhand pieces hold - they tend to have more unique, interesting details or sweet little signs of life, and that makes me happy. I love knowing something was once a part of someone’s story and is now part of mine.
What is your most coveted secondhand piece?
Oh! I’d have to say my pistachio green Versace jeans couture top that I got hand-selected by Randa, from Collective Will! I will keep this top forever, I feel so chic in it! The shape of the neckline and the buckle on the back is what does it for me. The other one that needs honourable mention was a pair of oval gold-trimmed Fendi glasses that I lost in Mexico and literally cried for two days about. I will never not grieve the loss of those, it was heartbreaking lol.
Where do you see the fashion industry heading?
This is something I could chat about endlessly, but to arch my viewpoint, I believe we are moving toward a more conscious model in terms of production and consumer behaviour. Mass and fast fashion production are still huge issues; however, I believe that people are beginning to truly understand the impacts and are adjusting their decisions on where to spend and on what. I hold hope and think we will see a turn toward supporting small boutiques and brands because, to counter the mass and fast fashion industry, we must shop local, small and consciously.
What style lessons do you want to leave for future generations?
I want future generations to allow their personal style to be an unapologetic and authentic expression of their voice, values and vision. I want plus-size girls and young women to trust, believe and know that they are worthy of taking up space in the fashion industry. Period. I hope to leave an imprint that inspires women who see reflection in me to feel emboldened to express themselves through fashion. I believe that personal style acts as a language, and so I want future generations to be loud in their style.
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Be the first to shop pre-owned spring favorites from Olivia's wardrobe! Shop HERE.
