Olivia Culpo on the responsibility of influencers in the current times, family time and her changing style

Actor, fashion influencer, TV host, food enthusiast and former Miss USA—Olivia Culpo is one of those people who seems to be good at just about everything she does. Currently self-isolating with footballer boyfriend Christian McCaffrey and his family whom she refers to as the “quarantine crew”, Culpo has been serving envy-warranting Instagrams from California. But there’s more to the tan beauty’s presence on the internet than scoring likes, Culpo’s organization More Than A Mask has partnered with Feeding America to donate proceeds from the line of non-surgical, non-medical masks for hunger relief. Ahead, we spoke to Culpo on the fine art of having it all.

From pageant queen to television and films, you’ve had quite the journey, what is the source of your confidence and energy?

I would say it changes from time to time but what inspires me most is the people I get to meet and impact in whatever small way I can. I love the idea of creating a small community to uplift and inspire each other. I will always try to pave the way for other young women and show them that hard work can pay off.

Describe your average day during the lockdown? Where are you currently? Who are you quarantining with?

Every morning I start the day with berries and coffee. Then I usually make an egg white omelette and start working on emails. During the day, I try to get a workout of some kind and cook something new. I feel like my number one hobby over quarantine was learning new recipes to cook for my “quarantine crew”. I spent almost 100 days with my boyfriend's family in Colorado along with my little sister, Sophia. He has a really big family like me so our group ended up being pretty big! We had about nine people total. The more the merrier!

Tell us about your More Than A Mask initiative. What has the progress been so far? In the present times, what is the role of an influencer?

More Than A Mask is an organisation I founded, which gives back to those suffering most financially, due to effects of COVID-19. After lots of research, I realised the devastating number of those struggling to obtain their basic needs and food so I knew I wanted to do something impactful. Feeding America ended up being the perfect organisation to partner with, and one mask provides 100 meals to those in need. More Than A Mask is now launching with Express as well and I am hoping over two million+ masks will soon be provided. The world as we know it has changed and anyone with any influence in my opinion has a responsibility to do what they can to help our current climate.

What do you feel about fashion weeks going virtual? In what ways will it impact the modelling and influencer industries?

I am still so unsure of how I feel! Safety is the number one priority but I think taking everything day by day is the best way to handle this without getting too overwhelmed. I haven’t thought too much about the potential virtual aspect of fashion week and I am very much holding out hope that we may be able to avoid it.

When sequestering, what has your personal style been like?

I would say comfort has become a priority for me. I am typically a heels girl, so slippers and slides have been an adjustment! My new typical style is a matching set with a pair of comfy slides or sneakers

How do you shake off the blues, if the news cycle and isolation gets to you?

I think it’s really important to stay informed, and given the current reality, it’s inevitable that the news can make you feel scared and very sad. I think for me, exercise is a great way to get endorphins going and I would say that definitely helps with my overall mental state. Another trick is meditation and keeping a gratitude journal. Every morning I try to write all of the things I am grateful for. Also, surrounding yourself with people you love is a great way to shake off the blues and put things into perspective.

How have you and Christian evolved as a couple in this time?

Quarantine has really strengthened our relationship, and we have gotten so much closer. Spending this time with his family has made me so close with them as well, they’ve become so important to me.

Have you and Christian worked on a shoot collaboratively before? What is the difference between being behind the lens of a loved one versus a professional?

We have never done anything like this before! I had him help me shoot some of my More Than A Mask photos a month or so back, but besides that (or the occasional iPhone instant photo) he has never done anything remotely professional! This was so fun for us and he really does have a great eye. I was really proud.

Among the personalities you have encountered in your career, whose work inspires you the most?

I am inspired by so many people in different ways. It’s so hard to narrow down. I think someone I have always absolutely loved following is Yara Shahidi. She is so beautiful in every sense of the world and when I met her in person she was just as lovely as you would think. I also think she is an incredible role model for the younger generation which means more to me now more than ever.

Photographed by: Christian McCaffrey. Fashion Director: Priyanka Kapadia. Bookings editor: Prachiti Parakh

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