‘I Love To Prove I Am Not What You Think I Am’: Princess Olympia Of Greece On Her Lifelong Love Of Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. drop earrings in yellow gold with diamonds; double row necklace in yellow gold with diamonds; double row ring in yellow gold with diamonds (middle finger); ring in yellow gold (pinky finger); double row hinged bangle in yellow gold with diamonds. All in the Tiffany Knot collection. Dress, Vivienne Westwood

Like many people, Olympia first discovered the brand through Breakfast At Tiffany’s, the classic 1961 film that made a star of Audrey Hepburn. ‘I was eight years old, so I feel as though I’ve known about it forever. Watching it always takes me straight back to my childhood. I would always put a little Tiffany charm on my Christmas list.’

Christmas was always a joyful, hectic time, thanks to her large and rambunctious family. Olympia is the eldest of five, the only daughter of Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, and his wife Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece. Born in New York City, she’s spent most of her life in London, where the family migrated following the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973.

To say they’re a close-knit family is an understatement, yet Olympia also credits them with fostering a strong sense of self-reliance. ‘I love that I’m surrounded by my four brothers, because they made me independent. My father thinks I break every rule ever given to me but he has always pushed me to speak about what I believe in. I like taking charge and doing what I want to do, and not having anyone hold me back.’

She inherited her love of fashion from her stylish mother, as well as her rebellious streak. ‘My mother is such a disruptor. At 16 she worked for Andy Warhol [at The Factory], and even had him come to her graduation. She wore a wedding dress to her graduation ceremony. I find that story so iconic.’

If Olympia could rewrite one expectation currently placed on women, it would be that we’re supposed to look effortless, a trope that minimises the actual time and effort involved. ‘It really bugs me. As much as my daily look might be “effortless”, there’s still thought behind the effortlessness. Like, I’ve had glam before I came onto this red carpet, and you’re telling me it’s effortless? Or if I go to a party and someone says “you look effortless”, and I’m like, “I’m wearing so much makeup! But thank you. I’ll take the compliment.”’

Which isn’t to say she doesn’t love dressing up. At Tiffany’s Blue Book gala in April, she looked lovely in black and white satin Alexander McQueen – an archive piece from 2007 – worn with black Prada slingbacks, Tiffany sapphire earrings and a Tiffany tanzanite, black onyx and diamond pendant and ring.

Does she enjoy red carpet dressing, or does she prefer to be more casual? ‘Depends on the shoes,’ she laughs. ‘I’m comfortable either way.’

Tiffany & Co. earrings in white gold with baguette and pavé diamonds; narrow ring in yellow gold with diamonds (index finger); wide ring in white gold with diamonds (middle finger); ring in yellow gold with diamonds (ring finger); narrow diamond hinged bangle in yellow gold (top); pavé diamond narrow hinged bangle in white gold (middle); half diamond wide hinged bangle in yellow gold (bottom). All in the Tiffany T T1 collection. Dress, Stella McCartney

She loves the getting ready part of going out and the role-playing dressing up entails. ‘The actual me is Levi’s jeans, ballet flats and a big T-shirt. But I love to play with fashion, like putting crazy extensions in my hair to look like a mermaid.’

Jewellery also plays an important role, provided it’s simple. ‘I love wearing a T-shirt with a great Tiffany HardWear necklace and bracelet – casual, but with a bit of luxury. When I’m wearing a piece of jewellery, I don’t take it off for quite a long time. You can wear Tiffany jewellery day to night, and I love that.’

Given how well she summers, I’m surprised her favourite season is autumn. ‘I’ve already decided to wear corduroys and some perfect loafers by The Row. I’m so excited to wear cashmere. Big jumpers, a little scarf. But this is the thing: I hate being pale. I look green. So I’ll be tanned, but wearing winter clothing.’

With age, she has become more confident in her own sense of style. ‘I used to morph into whomever I dated. I look back at my old self and see how I tried to be that version of him, without even realising it. Now, I’m more aware and dress for me.’

The current ‘him’ in question is Martin Pacanowski, an Argentinian businessman she’s rumoured to have been dating since March. While we do not speak about the relationship, the couple went Instagram official in July after Olympia shared photos of them partying together on the family yacht.

‘Every time I meet someone they say, “I thought you’d be really uptight and not that fun.” I laugh it off, but it makes me even more likely to prove I am not what you think I am’

It must be hard to date when you’re a princess – lord knows it’s hard enough when you’re not – but Olympia agrees her title often comes loaded with a set of presumptions, the most common of which is that she’s rather straitlaced.

‘Every time I meet someone they say, “I thought you’d be really uptight and not that fun.” I laugh it off, but it makes me even more likely to prove that I am not what you think I am. My whole family is actually very chilled and funny. We all make fun of each other, and that surprises people.’

A typical Leo, she says she’s very loyal and very stubborn. ‘My mum said she knew I was stubborn the minute I was born. I didn’t really cry. When I started walking, I fell over. Most kids would cry but apparently I looked at my mom, went bright red and held it in.

‘The other day, we were swimming around Hydra and I found myself jumping off a huge rock. My stubbornness meant I didn’t want to wimp out in front of all the boys. I landed flat on my ear and really hurt myself, but didn’t tell anybody. I didn’t want to be the weak one.’

Open as she is, like many women Olympia is loath to sound self-aggrandising. ‘It’s pretty hard describing yourself,’ she says sheepishly. ‘Would it be vain to say I’m charismatic? When I walk into a room, I’m quite loud and bubbly. I’ve loved sitting with adults since I was two, so I was taught to be sociable from a young age.’

It wouldn’t be vain at all – simply the truth.

• Photography: David Reiss.
• Fashion direction: Nicole Smallwood.
• Photographer’s assistant: Stefania Carli.
• Fashion assistant: Mimi Higgins.
• Hair: Nao Kawakami using Cloud Nine.
• Make-up: India Excell at A-Frame using Dior Beauty.