Friends of Upstate: Olga De La Iglesia

Friends of Upstate: Olga De La Iglesia

Olga de la Iglesia is an artist and photographer from Barcelona, Spain. She has studied at Eina, University of Design and Art in Barcelona. Her work explores the boundaries between fashion and documentary photography.  We have been a fan of Olga's for years and have been lucky enough to work with her 

She founded and run Isla Management the first non normative model agency in Spain that follows her vision and brings another dimension to her career as a photographer, she is working with clients like Adidas, Tous, Ottolinger, Reebook, Jean Paul Gaultier, Loewe, H&M, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Zara, Mango, Apple, Volvo, Cupra x Rosalía, Asos, BMW, Evian, Balmain and with artists like Carol G, Kelsey Lu and actor Cilian Murphy.

In 2022 she’s been selected as one of the Next Great Fashion Image Makers by Vogue Magazine.

Olga de la Iglesia also teaches photography and art direction at different universities in Barcelona.

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Where is home?

A rock by the sea next to the Mediterranean sea.

Do you have a morning ritual or rituals throughout your day?

I try to breathe while feeling my body and my feet on the ground at least 2 to 3 times per day to not be in the mind all the time in the mind thinking of what I have to do.

What are you listening to?

From Sahrawi music to Rosalía to Withney Houston.

Where do you look for inspiration?

In the books of painters I admire, Hilma af Klimt, Haitian painters, Marlene Dumas... Markets abroad and stories of people.

What’s for dinner?

Japanese food we order with my partner or french omelette with spanish ham and anchovy "banderillas" with simple salad: lettuce, lemon, oil and salt.

Where do you create?

In my studio, or I rent a studio when I need a bigger space.

What is a typical day like for you?

I live in Gracia, in Barcelona, I wake up late 8:30/9 I go to the studio in PobleNou, where I also have people working with me at the agency Isla Management, We work together and independently sometimes, when I'm preparing projects for photography. I also do Pilates 2 or 3 days a week or I walk home and meet with friends.

When do you feel like your truest self?

When I'm naked sunbathing in a "Cala '' in the Costa Brava or an island in the Mediterranean.

Can you tell us what your favorite Upstate item is and why?

I love the the raw silk leisure pants because its very comfortable. I can wear them in many different situations from sport, to pilates to the beach or even a night dinner.

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