Introducing Olive Glass

 

 

New face Olive Glass is a rising model talent who recently signed with the prestigious Ford Models agency.  Founded in 1946 by Eileen and Jerry Ford in their New York City home, Ford Models went on to revolutionize the fashion industry. The agency became known for setting new standards of professionalism and for nurturing talent, ultimately growing into a global brand that has represented some of the most iconic names in modeling.

Originally from Queens and now based in Manhattan, Olive brings a grounded yet captivating presence.  In a recent studio session, photographer Mike Kobal captured her graceful movement, poised elegance, and magnetic energy in front of the lens. We caught up with Olive to learn how her modeling journey began—and what she’s currently focusing on, both in her career and beyond.

 

Photography Mike Kobal

Talent Olive Glass from Ford Models

Styling Madeline Huys

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: How did you become a model, and what moments have shaped you the most so far?

Olive Glass: I started my modeling journey by attending an open call at The Agency AZ, near my college town of Tempe, AZ. They expressed interest in representation about two weeks later, and they have been my mother agency ever since. So far, I think the moments that have shaped me the most are the ones that have explained some question marks in my brain, and just confirmed that I was and am supposed to be exactly where I am (physically and emotionally). The first time I had a moment like this was when a scout from Ford NY came into the agency AZ. Shortly after meeting with them, they wanted to sign with me, and it worked out that I could spend the following summer in NYC, developing with them. I had honestly chosen to go to Arizona State on a whim, similarly to going to my mother agency’s open call, but knowing those decisions ultimately brought me back to my city of origin was kind of mind-blowing to me.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What values are most important to you — in your work and in your life?

Olive: I grew up and am still very religious, so values have always been something very instilled in me. I think my work and life values don’t really have many differences, because I want to represent my most genuine and honest self wherever I am. Honesty, loyalty, and good communication are all values that I believe are essential for me to be at peace with myself and others. Also, something I learned from a good friend of mine is just to be excited about things. Being happy to be somewhere or happy to see someone makes it hard for others around you not to feed off of that energy. 

 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: How do you approach sustainability in your personal life?

Olive: I will admit I could be more conscious of how sustainable my way of life is. For the most part, I try to buy mostly second-hand/vintage clothing, and keep my overall consumption to a minimum. With all of my spending, I try to focus on the quality and longevity of the item at hand. 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What’s an essential part of your daily routine?

Olive: Sunscreen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What are five beauty or fashion items you always carry with you?

Olive: A purse, sunglasses, perfume, lip gloss, and floss!

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What’s one issue that really concerns you right now?

Olive: Phone addiction. People (including myself) are so plugged into their phones that I feel like some people are forgetting what hobbies and activities make them happy. I know that the less I am on my phone, the more I am compelled to do with my day. 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What’s been inspiring you lately—whether in music, literature, art, or film and why?

Olive: Honestly, my surroundings. I feel like a hermit in the winter when it is so cold in the city, so being outside all day, every day during the summer and seeing all types of people, places, and art has been the most inspiring to me.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: Do you have any advice for someone that wants to start modeling? 

Olive: You have to have a good head on your shoulders and use rejection as a source of motivation, not discouragement. I have found that consistency is incredibly important. Be consistent in communication style, physical activity, how you make people feel, professionalism, etc. Show up for yourself every day!

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: Can you tell us what a normal day in your life looks like? How does it start? What is it like?

Olive: A normal day in my life is different almost every day. It always starts with a walk, workout, maybe some sun-exposure. Anything to ground myself before my mind has a chance to take over. Besides that, sometimes I’ll have a casting, sometimes I nanny, dog sit, do laundry, clean, walk around new neighborhoods, see friends, read, get dinner. Pretty simple stuff. I should probably explore new hobbies. 

ZOOT: What excites you the most about fashion? What do you wish you could change about the industry?

Olive: What seems like the infinite history of fashion excites me the most. For as long as my career lasts, I plan to learn new things every day and continue to learn when I want a change of direction. The industry is ever-changing, so it’s hard to get bored. I am always meeting incredibly talented and creative people, which is so inspiring.  I still feel so new to the industry, so before I decide what I would want to change, there is a lot more I would need to learn and experience. 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: If you were to choose a song that symbolizes this current phase of your life, what would it be and why?

Olive: A little corny, but “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve. I feel like my life is always bitter-sweet. Lots of decisions I have had to make recently though have resulted in so many blessings but also many sacrifices. 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What is your daily beauty and Fitness routine?

Olive: The key for me is to not keep a set routine. If I do the same things every day at the same time, I get burnt out easily. That being said, I try to cycle between different workouts and always try to be moving as much as I can throughout the day. If I wake up and I’m not feeling it, I won’t workout. If I feel like going for a run, I’ll run. I don’t really put a ton of pressure on myself to stick to a daily regime. As for beauty, I try to get a good amount of sleep and hydrate a lot. 

 

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What do you see as the essential characteristics of a successful model?

Olive: I think “Success” can be interpreted in a million different ways. I feel like I don’t even have a strong sense of what success means for me yet. To put it simply, the essential characteristics of a successful model are consistency and communication.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What is important in your life right now and why?

Olive: The most important things in my life that come to mind are relationships. My relationship with God, with myself, my family and friends. At times I can find myself pretty alone having left college to commit to modeling, so maintaining relationships with the support system that I do have is essential for my well being. Because this industry is very heavy on rejection, my relationship with myself and self worth/confidence is also incredibly necessary to stay strong minded and motivated. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you very much Olive!

 

 

 

 

 

 

FASHION REFERENCES

HARRY BERRY @harryberrynewyork

HEIDI PRICE @kilgharrah_art

MADISON ALVAREZ @matashkie