Exclusive Look: Olivia Attwood from Love Island Takes Us Behind the Scenes at Fashion Week
“I refer to it as the bikini tax,” Olivia Attwood mentioned in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Monday, February 10.
At 33, Attwood gained popularity as a contestant on Love Island UK, Season 3, where her wardrobe predominantly featured bikinis. However, for this occasion, she donned a black Alo sweatsuit paired with New Balance 933s, having just finished a refreshing morning walk around Flatiron, near her hotel, The New York Edition, during her inaugural New York Fashion Week.
“I’ve enjoyed observing everyone’s outfits,” she commented regarding her city strolls. “You can easily spot the fashion enthusiasts; they really stand out.” When asked to describe her personal style in three words, she said, “Versatile, classic, and feminine.”
In contrast, she humorously described herself on a Love Island episode in 2017 as “funny, kind, and a bit of a d—head,” showcasing her trademark British wit.
Since leaving the villa, she has established herself as a serious figure in reality TV and fashion, evident in various spin-offs like Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection and Getting Filthy Rich, along with her podcast, So Wrong It’s Right With Olivia Atwood, accessible on Apple and Spotify.
Her arrival in Manhattan earlier this month was quite a sight, traveling with five Away suitcases (“which I think is minimal for Fashion Week,” she quipped), all packed with designer apparel for her hectic itinerary that included brand presentations, fashion parties, press events, star-studded runway shows, and of course, shopping.
Check out the behind-the-scenes look at New York Fashion Week from Attwood’s perspective.
Day 1
L’Agence Presentation
Attwood with the L’Agence models at Grand Central Station Noel McGrath
“L’Agence has been my favorite so far,” Attwood shared on February 10 about the Fall 2025 presentation at Grand Central Station. “To have it in such an iconic location was just incredible. It made me think of romantic comedies like Just Friends with Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, and Harry Met Sally featuring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. So many rom-coms highlight Grand Central.”
When discussing the standout pieces at L’Agence, Attwood noted her attraction to several. “There was a stunning model in a velvet two-piece suit with a bowtie, and I adore preppy styles,” she elaborated. “Anyone familiar with my social media knows I’m a fan of suits.” She added, “They also showcased a plethora of chic leather pieces with golden button accents. Classic styles that remain timeless in your wardrobe for the next 20 years.”
Attwood looking chic at L’Agence in the tweed Florian black shift by the brand Noel McGrath
Her own outfit mirrored this idea: a L’Agence shift made with metallic threads and leather detailing, which she accessorized with a tuxedo-style YSL jacket. “When in doubt, opt for a little black dress and a blazer,” she advised. “It’s endlessly chic.” Equally timeless was her quilted black Chanel mini-bag, one of approximately “50-ish” designer bags in her enviable collection.
WeWearAustralian Party
Displaying her outfit angles at the WeWearAustralian event Jason Lowrie/BFA.com (2)
Next, she attended the WeWearAustralian event in a flowing LWD by Australian designer Van Der Kooij, complemented by a buttery yellow Hermès Birkin and Saint Laurent glazed-leather stiletto slingback heels.
“The dress was quite minimal, but since it’s winter, the brown shoes provided a useful contrast,” she explained. Her Vehla ‘Dixie’ shades completed the look, embodying a ’70s-inspired aviator style with a tortoiseshell finish. “They had a warm tint that brought everything together.” Attwood added, “Fashion Week is the only time wearing sunglasses indoors is deemed acceptable.”
Day 2
Press Interviews
Capturing Instagram content before a day filled with press activities Olivia Attwood (2)
With a wardrobe full of fabulous looks that week, which garnered the most compliments? “That’s a thought-provoking question,” Attwood responded, then recalled an outfit she wore for back-to-back press duties in New York.
“The other day, I donned a blue-and-white Saint Laurent pinstripe shirt with Altuzarra wide-leg trousers for some interviews and podcasts, and I received many inquiries about that ensemble,” she shared.
“Sometimes, the simplest outfits earn the most attention. It’s often believed that the outfit you put the most effort into will have the biggest effect, but that isn’t always the reality.”
Her face-framing fringe, inspired by Sabrina Carpenter, requires considerable maintenance. Attwood posted an Instagram video on Monday featuring a text overlay saying: “When people ask what it’s like to have fringe.”
She fittingly set it to a clip from Kim Kardashian, stating: “It’s a full-time job, and it’s extremely time-consuming; it’s not as effortless as it appears to some.”
Her Hermès Birkin bag 35 made a notable impression, as did the oversized Vehla ‘Billie’ sunglasses she added to her outfit.
Nylon Party
Preparing for an evening of fashion parties Grace O’Brien (2)
Later, Attwood visited a party hosted by Nylon. “Another favorite outfit from that evening was an all-chocolate-brown ensemble. I love a monochromatic style. It felt sexy yet warm since I was layered from head to toe,” she described, referring to her Wolford turtleneck and tights paired with Toteme cable-knit briefs in the same flawless shade.
At the step-and-repeat at the Nylon magazine event Sabrina Steck/BFA.com (2) (2)
“It’s exciting that thick tights are back in fashion. Why did we ever stop wearing them?” she cleverly noted. “There was a time in my 20s when I wouldn’t wear tights if my life depended on it — it was bare legs or nothing. Now, wearing heavier, denser tights is trendy.”
Wearing tights is even cooler when paired with a pantless ensemble “because everything is covered,” she emphasized. In fact, one of the best fashion tips she received was from “her mum,” who advised, “tits or legs,” but never both.
Day 3
Impromptu Photoshoot
Having fun in the snow in a YSL jacket, Miu Miu T-shirt, Agolde jeans, an Hermès Birkin bag, and Christian Louboutin heels Grace O’Brien
“I was enjoying this look. It was amusing to wear my fluffy [Christian] Louboutins in the snow because you have to embrace the craziness of Fashion Week — and practicality goes out the window,” she laughed.
However, when it comes to rewearing pieces, she takes a more sensible approach, as demonstrated with the YSL blazer she sported earlier in the week.
“When did we decide that rewearing items is a significant faux pas?” she questioned. “If you own beautiful, timeless pieces, you should feel free to wear them as often as you like.” She added, “You can never go wrong with an oversized jacket.”
Exploring the City
Visiting Louis Vuitton in Soho followed by Scarr’s Pizza in the Lower East Side Grace O’Brien
After her stylish excursion in the cold, Attwood went shopping at Louis Vuitton in Soho before heading to the Lower East Side to visit Desert Vintage, known for its curated collection of pre-loved designer items, featuring luxury brands from Alaïa to Dior.
She also stopped by Susan Alexandra, where she acquired a Bok Choy bag charm and a sparkling Lolita lighter case featuring a strap. “For candles, like, it’s a stylish choice,” Attwood explained. “They offer a vast range crafted entirely by hand.”
“It’s conveniently located right next to Scarr’s,” she mentioned, referencing one of the most iconic pizza places in New York City. She indulged in the margarita pie, which is considered as delectable as Susan Alexandra’s bag-charm treats — and they pair perfectly.
Bag charm shopping at Susan Alexandra Courtesy of Olivia Attwood
Day 4
Tory Burch Fall 2025 Fashion Show
Racing from her suite at The Edition to the Tory Burch show Grace O’Brien
“The brand excellently embodies timeless luxury while retaining a playful essence,” Attwood remarked about Tory Burch. “The hoop dress has become quite iconic over the past few years while still being playful.”
“I contemplated opting for something more traditional or selecting something with a bit more character,” she stated.
Ultimately, Attwood chose the latter, wearing a Tory Burch Wisteria hoop dress straight from the Spring 2024 runway — designed “for living in [and] to move with you,” according to the brand. That’s precisely what she did, making her way from her hotel room to an Uber that whisked her to the Museum of Modern Art, where the designer presented her latest collection.
Capturing photographers’ attention at the Museum of Modern Art Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tory Burch (2)
The Tory Burch Fall 2025 show was one of the most star-studded events of NYFW, attended by celebrities like Attwood, along with Amanda Seyfried, Ciara, Martha Stewart, and supermodel Jodie Turner-Smith. As she sat front row marveling at the new collection, which emphasized American sportswear with a modern twist, a model graced the runway wearing a pair of wool briefs, reminiscent of the chocolate version that Attwood had worn days earlier.
Attwood’s fast-paced adventure at New York Fashion Week wouldn’t have felt complete without a keepsake (or a few) to bring back home before she headed back to London the following day.
“I must grab a souvenir since it’s my last night in New York,” she exclaimed in an Instagram video after the Tory Burch show. “Just keep me in check, I want everything!” she told her assistant before snagging an NYPD sweatshirt and making her way to the checkout. “Oh, do you catch my shows?” she joked with the cashier when asked for her autograph (on the receipt).
A fitting conclusion for Love Island‘s self-described “model and grid girl,” who has transformed into both a reality star and a fashion icon.
