Celebrity Interview - Olivia De Borbon
A model aristocrat
Olivia De Borbon A model aristocrat
ANNABEL MILNES-SMITH GAINS A RARE INSIGHT INTO SPANISH ROYAL FAMILY LIFE WHEN SHE CATCHES UP WITH OLIVIA DE BORBÓN AS SHE TAKES A BREAK FROM HER HECTIC SCHEDULE.
On arrival at Olivia de Borbón's house - the magnificent villa built and designed by her father, the Duke of Sevilla, third cousin to the Spanish king - I not only felt that I had stumbled into a haven of paradise but, on meeting Olivia, I could have sworn there was a striking resemblance to Julia Roberts, with both her looks and mannerisms.
Olivia spent much of her childhood growing up in Miami but now, at the age of 34, she is firmly back on terra firma in Spain.
So what was it like growing up as the daughter of a member of the Spanish royal family?
"I would say it was pretty normal because we actually grew up in Miami. Of course, I had the privilege of having an extremely good education between Madrid, Miami, Switzerland, London and Paris."
What qualifications did you achieve?
"History of Spanish art and international business... I then went on to New York to study at the Actors Studio for two years."
What acting roles have you taken on?
"In Spain I haven't done much as I think my profile may be isn't right for here. In New York I did two series for The Fashion Network. The only problem was when they were about to come out the Twin Towers happened."
Were you there on 11 September?
"Yes. It was terrible. Whenever anybody asks me, I never have the words to describe that moment. I remember going out onto the street and seeing that exodus of people covered in blood and dust. It was really, really hard."
You have a passion for the arts. When did this first begin?
"Ever since I can remember. When I was very small I used to watch Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn films and I wanted to act from when I was four or five years old. I remember writing plays with my friends and then acting them out. With antiques and painting, it started here. I used to go to the rastro in Puerto Banús with my father and found a passion for it."
What style of antiques do you like?
"The rustic Spanish ones. Something you would find in any old finca. With paintings, Spain has such an artistic richness. Any little town you go to there will be a church with beautiful frescos and works of art."
Your mother and father separated and then your father went on to marry twice. That must have been quite traumatic...
"Well, actually no. We were very small and living in the US, where separation was quite normal. When I returned to Spain, I was the only girl in class with separated parents. That was more difficult. It was just the way it had to be."
Having my own step-mother, I wondered how Olivia got on with not one, but two...
"Very well. I respect the fact that my father has re-married and when I see him happy, I am happy - that is the most important thing."
Olivia's mother Beatrice also has royal blood, a first cousin of Prince Heinrich of Furstenburg. So what is she currently working on?
"My mother has her projects, but at the moment she is planning her return to Marbella and is coming back to live here."
You also worked in the jewellery business and were the "ambassador" of jewellery company Chaumet in Spain...
"They offered me the job because the company wanted someone who could give them a clean image. I worked for them for two years before moving to New York."
Has there been any competition between the two of you?
"Not at all."
Your father is the head of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, which for a number of years was at the forefront of charitable and humanitarian projects supported by Pope John Paul II. Do you share this passion?
"I attend the meetings and dinners but the person who really shares a passion for it is my sister, who is actually the historian of the order."
Do you like the social whirl of Madrid and Marbella or are you more of a home girl?
"I do not go out to every party and dinner. I just enjoy going out, dressing up and seeing my friends."
What about your love life?
"That's always a sticky question. I am very fortunate that I have wonderful family and friends. I have not yet met the person I am going to spend the rest of my life with, but I am still young and it is something I just want to keep to myself."
You had an international upbringing. Where is the most exotic and favourite place you have travelled to?
"I would say Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, where I was modelling for Carlos Mielli for three months. It is the most beautiful town but extremely poor. However, the people are so happy. It was a joint venture because I was working between Brazil and New York, working for an Indian designer called Anand Jan who is now really coming along."
There has been much in the press about size zero. What is your opinion?
"I think the fashion industry is really hurting young girls. Models are extremely thin and they do not have to be. I feel that role models should give a better impression."
You are half Spanish, half German and brought up in Miami. Do you feel somewhat like a bit of a cocktail?
"Not a cocktail. I feel like a citizen of the world. I love moving around and I am capable of adapting to any place I go to, which is great."
How did your career begin in modelling and acting?
"Modelling began when I was very small. When I was five years old, I did a big advertisement for Schweppes and from then on I never looked back. However, my parents ensured my studies came first. At the time I was not very happy with it but now I understand."
You have written an historical cinematographic script. What is it about and have you had any luck selling it?
"It is about the first Duke of Sevilla. It is based on him but is a love story. I have been writing it over and over for 10 years. I don't think I am ready to bring it out yet."
Why?
"I guess I am a perfectionist and until I am absolutely happy with the script, I do not want to share it with the world."
How was life in New York?
"I went there to study acting. To begin with I didn't really socialise as I was living my dream. It is a very open city with a cosmopolitan mix of people which I loved."
Have you experienced a lot of jealousy because of your privileged background?
"Yes. It's not that I don't notice but I don't bother with it. I live my life the best I can without hurting the people around me and that is what I expect from others. I just walk away."
What is your opinion of fellow aristocrats who, because of their upbringing, feel that they can behave badly?
"I do feel that just because you have money it's no excuse to behave badly."
Tell me a bit more about your acting roles?
"I have a few projects right now, but in Spain it has been really difficult for me because I do not come from an acting family and the industry has not worked for me here. It seems that being who I am it's harder for people to put their trust in me, so I have never had any roles in this country. In America I did two pilots for a travel show and then a programme based on luxury items in New York. I have tried for many other roles but the casting agents always see me in a 17th or 18th century part, but I can play anything. I mostly enjoy comedy roles. For example, I see myself identified as Julia Roberts."
Who are your idols?
"They are the greats from the golden age of Hollywood. I grew up with those films."
Back to your background... What differences do you see between the Spanish and the British royal families?
"The Spanish are closer to the people. They are more wholesome, earthy and accessible. The British always seem to be so much above the rest."
What is your official Spanish title?
"I do not have a title. As I am the eldest I could inherit it but I decided to pass it on to my brother. I really do not hold too much weight to them. I am more of a person who thinks it is more important what is on the inside than what's around you."
How many languages do you speak?
"Asides from English... German, French and Spanish of course."
What is your favourite place in Spain?
"Toledo and Marbella. Marbella for me means family but Toledo, from an artistic point of view, is a fabulous city."
Do you paint?
"I used to when I was younger but now I don't seem to have the time."
Who are your preferred designers?
"That's not easy because fashion is pretty much the same wherever you go. For instance, like John Galliano. I just feel the way you dress sets out your personality. It is not just about the brand."
Do you feel more American than Spanish?
"I feel more Spanish. I was in the States for five years. I love it there and have great friends but my mentality is more European."
Do you support any charities?
"Whenever I have the chance to collaborate I do. At the moment I am spending much of my time helping the Order of St. Lazarus. In Madrid we have an office with lawyers who come to the aid of immigrants and we send out food and clothes to third world countries."
Have you been to any of them?
"Sadly not, as there is a lot of conflict and the Order does not feel comfortable sending us there, where we could get hurt."
Have you had any life-changing experiences?
"Yes. The Twin Towers was the first. The second was when my brother Francisco had a terrible car accident. It happened three years ago. He was in hospital for a long time. He hurt both of his legs very badly and we were told he would never walk well again. However, he's a fighter. It made us all see the important things in life."
You also have a sister Cristina. Is there any sibling rivalry?
"No, not at all. On the contrary, we are best friends. Our personalities and looks are so different... that is why I think we get on so well."
Do you consider yourself a model aristocrat?
"Well, that's what they call me. I just think I'm a completely normal person and so down to earth. What I like about myself, somehow, is the respect I have for others and the tranquillity I give out. I realise the most important things in life you cannot buy. I live my life along those lines."
What you are doing now?
"I have been helping out my brother with Icon, which is a new lounge and restaurant in Puente Romano. I think Marbella needs to move on from everything that has happened with the economy and corruption. Everything you hear about Marbella is bad. It's a shame because it is a wonderful city with wonderful people. With Icon we are trying to give new glamour. "It is a new concept in Spain and very New York trendy with WiFi, and serving Mediterranean oriental and sushi dishes. The design is magnificent and it is the first place in Spain to have been sponsored by the champagne house Dom Perignon.
Why will it rival other establishments on the Coast?
"First of all the people will make it better. It is a place where you can get together, have fun, chat and dance together. Icon is going to be one of the chicest places in town. Hopefully people all over the world will be able to enjoy it. In time it will hopefully be in every corner of the globe."
I gather you are embarking on a new project in October...
"Yes, I am bringing out my first T-shirt collection. I have a business associate called Ximena who is based in Barcelona. The concept is something that you can wear all year round. The designs are going to be up-to-the-minute but will remain in vogue for years to come. In two years time we hope to move on to other accessories. The price range will be reasonable. They will be available in other retailers."
Olivia is quite obviously a beautiful young woman who is certainly going places. She may have relinquished her title, but in my eyes, as I am sure in many others, Olivia will always be seen as one of the true icons of Spain.
