In just four years, Olivia Culpo’s journey as an unknown sophomore at Boston University to winning Miss USA and Miss Universe titles was a nonstop adventure, and now she is an up-and-coming actress, television host, and fashion/beauty icon. Whether making an appearance at the MET Gala in New York, judging fashion on Project Runway or enjoying friends at the music festival, Coachella, the radiant 24-year-old brunette is a fashion/beauty showstopper, creating simple and chic looks for every occasion.

During an interview and photo shoot in Los Angeles, Ms. Culpo, looking like the girl next door, was a breath of fresh air, creating an easygoing atmosphere as if we were long-time friends. “Please, call me Olivia,” she said. The rest of the day was unfiltered and that’s the way Olivia likes it.

Olivia Culpo is voted #1 by MODE readers in “MODE’s World’s 100 Most Beautiful Women 2016” list. Photography by Terry Check

acket & Pant:
Elisabetta Franchi @elisabettafranchi
Shoes: Greymer @greymerofficial
Earrings: Neil Lane @neillanejewelry
Showroom: @prefacepr

Mode: How great was it to co-host the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York with Marlon Wayans? Please share a little behind the scenes and on-set happenings.

Olivia: I had so much fun co-hosting with Marlon! He is hysterical. It was so cold that day but he and I made it through! The parade is always a highlight for me on Thanksgiving. To be in the middle of all the action is definitely something I will never forget. I’ve been watching it on TV since I was a little girl.

Mode: How do you go about styling for an event like the Thanksgiving Day parade? Your high waist palazzos, high neck lace top and the white military trench coat created an amazingly chic look, truly a showstopper yet affordable to millions of your fans.

Olivia: For the parade my main priority was to be warm. I knew it would be freezing outside and I would be out there for 4-5 hours so I definitely had to plan ahead—I went through 15 hand warmers that day! I love the color white, and a red lip feels festive to me around the holidays. So I combined warmth, my favorite color, and favorite lipstick- simple recipe!

Mode: Tell us about your Thanksgiving Day with family and friends back home.

Olivia: We had a family party with 30 people. The more the merrier! It was so much fun. We had two turkeys and my sisters were mad because I didn’t have to help my mom in the kitchen because I was in NYC for the parade. I asked my Aunts to speak to me in Italian so I could test myself. Unfortunately, I had to face the fact that I have a lot to learn, but we laughed through it.

“I’ve always had a passion
for all things beauty and
fashion and seeing how an
entire outfit and makeup
trend can come together”

Mode: Recently you were a guest judge on Project Runway. How great was it to be immersed in fashion with such personalities as Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Zac Posen, together with nearly 2 million viewers?

Olivia: Being a guest judge for Project Runway was a serious “pinch me” moment. I had so much fun with people I truly admire. I loved Zac Posen so much that I wore his dress to the Emmys the following month. I was also really honored to see such young and passionate designers competing on the show. They were an inspiration.

Mode: Occasionally you must have a couple of days off. What would you do in New York City and Los Angeles on your days away from the public arena?

Olivia: In NYC: Obviously it’s NYC; you have to go shopping! I also like walking through Central Park getting some fresh air and just for a moment, it doesn’t feel like I’m in the busiest city in the world. When I’m in NYC I love treating myself to an amazing meal maybe at Quality Italian or Carbone. One of my favorite ice cream spots is Emack & Bolio’s.

In LA: I love beach days with my sister, watching the sunset with a glass of champagne. I usually head to my favorite Pilates or barre class, and go hiking with my brother. He embarrasses me with his clothing choices! I love going to dinner at Nobu Malibu and going to Salt & Straw because their ice cream is the bomb!

Mode: You are currently planning a restaurant with your father. How is your new business venture coming along? Is it still called “The Back 40” with American fare and a good brew?

Olivia: Yes! The Back 40 will be opening soon in my home state, Rhode Island. I’m really excited to do this. I’ve always dreamt of being a part of a restaurant. It makes it even better that it’s with my family and in my home state. I already know my best friends from home will spend every Sunday there watching the game!

Mode: Looking at your Instagram site, you must love food. What are some of your favorite dishes? How do you manage to enjoy tasty desserts and continue to look fabulous?

Olivia: I think it’s all about balance. I feel like we should all enjoy good food, but we should be smart about it. I am all about portion control and trying to be healthy most of the time with occasional giant splurges!!! When I’m in the mood to splurge, I love a good burger, champagne, and ice cream.

Mode: With your multi-facetted talents in acting, beauty and fashion how will you, together with your management team, guide your career path in the near future?

Olivia: I love taking things one step at a time, and I’m very grateful for everything I’ve been able to do so far and the exceptional team I have around me.

Mode: Along with your current acting credits in The Other Woman, American Satan and Tired Lungs, what are your upcoming projects in film and television?

Olivia: Those films are all still in the works and I’m shooting Tired Lungs next year. Additionally, I’m working a lot in the non-scripted space with guest appearances on Project Runway, Beat Bobby Flay, The Today Show, E!, Access Hollywood, and The Kitchen.

Mode: The public and fashion industry experts consider you a fashion icon. How did you become so talented in styling? In the future will there be an “Olivia Culpo” brand of women’s clothing and accessories?

Olivia: I’ve always had a passion for all things beauty and fashion and seeing how an entire outfit and makeup trend can come together. Since I was a little girl it really has been an obsession for me. I think that’s the key to being good at anything- loving it. I always think about things I would potentially want to create. So much fun. As for the brand, something exciting is coming.

Olivia Culpo: Miss USA, Miss Univers, and #1 in “MODE’s World’s 100 Most Beautiful Women 2016” list. Photography by Terry Check

Dress: Marchesa @marchesafashion
Ring: Drukker Designs @drukker_designs
Earrings: Few Moda @fewmoda
Showroom: @cldstyle

Mode: Today, there are so many social media platforms. Which one is your favorite and why?

Olivia: I love Instagram because there’s so much you can share with your fans both visually and verbally.

Mode: Going beyond your public persona, share with us a few personal thoughts.

Olivia: I really try to show my true personality to my fans. Authenticity is important to me in everything I do.

Mode: This year the readers and editors of Mode Lifestyle Magazine selected you as the most beautiful woman in the world. You are the cover story in the upcoming issue, “World’s 100 Most Beautiful Women”. Well, what do you think?

Olivia: This is a huge honor. I’m very humbled to receive this and appreciate all of you at Mode Lifestyle Magazine!!!

…………………….