Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen are American actresses, fashion designers, and businesswomen. Their collections and personal styles are often characterized by draping, slouchy silhouettes, and a touch of grunginess.
Becoming fashion icons[]
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been household names nearly all their lives--first as actresses, then as fashion darlings. Born and raised in California, the twins arrived on the Hollywood scene at nine months old to play Michelle Tanner in Full House. Many seasons, videos, TV shows, and made-for-TV movies followed--but as they got older, their sense of style and interest in fashion began to show.
Homeless? From stylefrizz.com
As teens they became bonafide fashionistas. Sometimes their looks were hits; sometimes they were definitely not. Sometimes they got a lot of flack for wearing fur. Mary-Kate became famous for her "homeless" look, complete with baggy sweaters, oversized sunglasses and enormous Starbucks Coffee cups. Love 'em or hate 'em, the girls stuck out with their fashion choices.
And they got busy--really busy--making a name for themselves as fashion designers and icons.
In 2012, The Council Of Fashion Designers of America honored the style- and business-savvy duo with the coveted womenswear designer of the year award for their high-end fashion label, The Row.
The Row[]
The Row is named after Savile Row, the famous shopping and tailoring street in London. Like its namesake, the high-end fashion house reflects an emphasis on classic shapes, quality, luxury and tailoring. Pieces are understated and timeless.
Photos from style.com
Elizabeth and James[]
Elizabeth And James, named after the twins' sister and brother, is a ready-to-wear line available in upscale department stores such as Nordstrom. It's "downtown meets uptown", trend-conscious, and made for the modern girl--with an eclectic mix of slouchy, classic, and tailored silhouettes. Elizabeth and James stores are on the way.
Photos from style.com
Olsenboye[]
Olsenboye, The Olsens' juniors line at JCPenney, is inspired by cities around the world. The colorful collection has a bohemian vibe geared toward teens and tweens.
StyleMint[]
Mary-Kate And Ashley launched their first online shopping experience, StyleMint, in 2011. The members-only site features new T-shirts every month, styled by the twins.
Other projects[]
Ashley And Mary-Kate have collaborated with TOMS Shoes, Steve Madden, and Italian sneaker brand Superga. In 2008 they wrote Influence, a book featuring interviews with creatives who inspire them.