Introducing Self-Made, Refinery29’s newest column spotlighting the real stories that fueled success — the wins, the fails, and the curveballs —proving there’s no one path to getting what you want.
Olivia Anthony began designing what would become LIV Streetwear in college in Alabama. It started with a T-shirt and morphed into a full-fledged clothing line after Anthony moved to New York, working as a stylist. SZA’s a fan. Kehlani, too. She’s done pop-up shops with the Phluid Project and her bike shorts were spotted all over New York Fashion Week street style galleries. Outside of designing, Liv is an internet personality in her own right, often going viral for her costumes and impersonations.
Refinery29 talked with Anthony about how the designer taps into nostalgia, what it feels like to go viral, and how she defines success.
You create pieces that intentionally tap into ‘90s nostalgia. Why do you think that era resonates with our culture so much?
The ’90’s era resonates with our culture so much because during that time we were unapologetically ourselves. We didn’t care what people thought and we were free to express who we were through style, music and art. Our people wore bold crazy nails, intense hairstyles and gold that would make a rich man jealous.
I also liv’d (heh get it?) through that era and saw how my older sister navigated through it as well. She was a whole vibe.
It was also the last era before social media. Everyone was authentic. In 2016, I saw that “ghetto” was being praised on the covers of magazines and on everyone’s mood board which is where the inspiration for my collection, “My Love To Our Culture” stems from. It was staged around the iconic Freaknik to serve as a history lesson to those who need it.
What’s it like going viral? How did you discover you like making videos?
Going viral is very interesting because it literally happens overnight. It always make me happy because I love making people laugh and smile. It’s something I naturally like to do for fun and a moment to not take myself too seriously. A lot of people don’t know that I was a theatre major at Alabama State and also a Stingette (the college’s dance team). We used to come up with dance routines, obviously, and skits to entertain people. I’m pleased that I can incorporate this part of me into my brand.
Your brand makes athleisure look so cool and you’ve done pop-ups at the Phluid Project and around the city, what do you think people are finally noticing about your work?
Thank you so much! It’s always a good feeling to see our pop ups do well. LIVSTREETWEAR is a movement and not a trend. Events like the pop-ups allow me to connect with all the LIV Dolls (what I like to call my tribe). It’s a process and it takes consistency to build a brand. When you do finally get the attention, I feel like they are intrigued with not only the fun aspect but the bold pieces I create that can LIV in any situation and still make you feel free.