Olivia Anthony, a bold and creative force from Birmingham, is revolutionizing the fashion world with her vibrant streetwear brand, LIV Streetwear. Known for blending nostalgic 90s and 2000s vibes with contemporary flair, her designs celebrate individuality and self-expression. From grassroots beginnings to global recognition, Anthony’s journey showcases perseverance and boundless creativity.
A designer who believes in crafting fashion for everyone, Anthony’s pieces are more than clothing; they are statements of identity. Her commitment to inclusivity and her unique approach have made LIV Streetwear a symbol of confidence and unapologetic authenticity.
As Anthony continues to innovate, her brand is becoming a beacon for those who dare to be bold. From celebrities to everyday fashion enthusiasts, LIV Streetwear inspires a lifestyle centered on creativity, resilience, and living life to its fullest potential.
A Brand That Inspires: The Philosophy of LIV Streetwear
Anthony’s designs are tailored for those who dare to be loud, bold, and unapologetically themselves. Her pieces, which range from colorful hoodies to versatile T-shirts, embody the spirit of individuality.
“I make my pieces for loud, bold, creative people who are unapologetically themselves,” Anthony shared. Her vision transcends age, gender, and size, making LIV Streetwear a brand for everyone who wants to “just LIV.”
From Car Trunks to Celebrity Closets
In 2012, Anthony began selling T-shirts from the trunk of her car, unaware of the impact her designs would have. Over time, her pieces have been spotted on celebrities like SZA and displayed in major retail outlets such as Footlocker. Her entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to the power of persistence and creativity.
Family Roots: The Fashion Inspiration
Anthony’s love for fashion is deeply rooted in her family. Her parents instilled in her the mantra, “You are what you look like.” Their passion for style shaped her understanding of fashion’s role in self-expression.
Additionally, her sister, Jennifer Anthony Williams, introduced her to the vibrant culture of the 1990s, which had a significant influence on her designs. “We’re super close,” Anthony said, highlighting the profound impact her family’s style-savvy mindset has had on her creative path.
A Shift in Passion: From Dance to Design
Although Anthony initially pursued a career in dance at Alabama State University (ASU), she eventually realized her true calling was fashion. Her transition began during her college years when she discovered a love for styling and creating.
“Fashion was always subconsciously there,” Anthony recalled. Her involvement in ASU’s modeling group, Elite, provided the platform to refine her skills and launch her first designs.
The Birth of LIV Streetwear
Anthony’s entrepreneurial journey officially began with the launch of OliviaAnthony.com, where she showcased her creations. Encouraged by the positive reception, she started selling her logo-adorned t-shirts. What began as a small venture quickly evolved into a thriving business.
“I used to drive my car, post up on campus, and sell t-shirts out of the trunk,” Anthony said. This grassroots approach laid the foundation for her growing brand.
Overcoming Challenges: The Trial-and-Error Phase
Building LIV Streetwear required resilience and adaptability. Through hands-on experience, Anthony learned essential business skills, from screen-printing shirts to collaborating with tailors. Her dedication paid off when Footlocker invited her to participate in their Women Behind Her Label initiative, showcasing her designs alongside other innovative brands.
The Footlocker Partnership: A Turning Point
In 2020, Anthony’s collaboration with Footlocker marked a significant milestone in her career. This partnership expanded her brand’s reach and solidified her position as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.
“I’m excited for LIV Streetwear because I feel like there’s so much more for it to be,” Anthony shared.
The Move to New York: A Leap of Faith
After graduating from ASU, Anthony moved to New York City to pursue her dreams. Despite initial setbacks, including a canceled living arrangement and employment challenges, she persevered. Her determination led her to opportunities at Bloomingdales and Complex Media, but she soon realized her true passion lay in creating her own brand.
Styling with Purpose: Designing for Authenticity
Anthony’s styling background allows her to approach her collections with a unique perspective. She focuses on creating cohesive looks rather than standalone pieces, ensuring that each collection tells a story.
“When I make a collection, I don’t just make pieces; I make looks,” she explained. This holistic approach has become a hallmark of LIV Streetwear.
Lessons from the Journey: Embracing the Process
Anthony’s journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance and embracing challenges. She emphasizes the value of growth through experience, encouraging others to trust the process.
“The only way through the storm is you have to drive through it,” Anthony said. Her story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to face obstacles head-on and stay committed to their goals.
LIV Streetwear Today: A Brand with Boundless Potential
LIV Streetwear continues to thrive, with Anthony at the helm as its creative force. Her designs resonate with a diverse audience, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and self-expression. As she looks to the future, Anthony is excited about the brand’s limitless possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Olivia Anthony?
Olivia Anthony is a Birmingham-born designer and the founder of LIV Streetwear, a vibrant streetwear brand known for its bold and nostalgic designs inspired by 90s and 2000s aesthetics.
What is LIV Streetwear?
LIV Streetwear is a streetwear brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression through colorful, inclusive, and versatile designs, such as hoodies, T-shirts, and hats.
How did Olivia Anthony start her brand?
Olivia Anthony began LIV Streetwear in 2012 by selling t-shirts from the trunk of her car while attending Alabama State University. Her grassroots approach quickly gained traction.
What inspired Olivia Anthony to create LIV Streetwear?
Her family’s love for fashion, combined with her exposure to 90s culture through her sister, inspired Anthony to create a brand that embodies boldness and creativity.
Who are LIV Streetwear’s target customers?
LIV Streetwear is designed for individuals of all ages, genders, and sizes who embrace self-expression and creativity. Anthony describes her customers as loud, bold, and unapologetically themselves.
What challenges did Olivia Anthony face in building her brand?
Anthony faced challenges such as learning business skills, working through trial and error in production, and overcoming setbacks like canceled living arrangements when moving to New York.
What is the significance of Olivia’s partnership with Footlocker?
In 2020, Footlocker featured LIV Streetwear in their Women Behind Her Label initiative, showcasing Anthony’s designs and expanding the brand’s visibility and influence.
What makes LIV Streetwear unique?
LIV Streetwear stands out for its vibrant, nostalgic designs that transcend traditional fashion norms. The brand is unisex and gender-fluid, focusing on creating cohesive looks rather than standalone pieces.
What drives Olivia Anthony’s success?
Her passion for creativity, commitment to authenticity, and resilience in overcoming challenges have been key to her success. She believes in learning from the journey and inspiring others along the way.
What’s next for Olivia Anthony and LIV Streetwear?
Olivia Anthony plans to continue expanding LIV Streetwear’s reach while maintaining its core values of inclusivity and self-expression. She envisions even more significant potential for the brand in the future.
Conclusion
Olivia Anthony’s journey from selling T-shirts out of her car to collaborating with major retailers is a story of resilience, creativity, and passion. Through LIV Streetwear, she has created a brand that empowers individuals to embrace their authenticity and “just LIV.” Her inspiring story reminds us that success is achievable through hard work, innovation, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
