Olsen Twins 2013 Fashion Line: From 'Full House' To The Row, Mary Kate and Ashley Talk Fashion Inspiration
Olsen Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley have made a new name for themselves in the fashion industry with their critically-acclaimed luxury label, The Row. The 27-year-old actresses-turned-designers discussed their fashion influence during a recent interview with Net-A-Porter magazine, the Edit.
The twins have entered the world of fashion at a much earlier age, when they were starring as Michelle Tanner, the youngest daughter of the Tanner family, on ABC's hit sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1995 - "Full House." They were only 9 months old when they were cast, and their wardrobe pieces came from Chanel and Marc Jacobs' adult lines that were tailored to fit them.
"[On 'Full House'] we'd be in six-hour fittings three times a week, because we had to wear 12 different outfits," said Ashley. "We were designing clothes for ourselves as we were so petite," Mary-Kate added. "So I think that is when we became obsessed with fit, and now the obsession has become a profession."
Although Olsen twins grew up in the spotlight, they stepped away from acting and started focusing on their obsession. The California natives moved to New York in 2004, where they made their grunge style so popular with their layered "hobo chic" ensembles. Their design career started when they were in search of the perfect T-shirt that was made of great fabric with great fit. That eventually evolved into a brand of luxury basics with 23 collections and the studio that now employs 60 people.
"We saw a space in the market," said Ashley. "We knew there wasn't another brand offering basics in a luxurious and contemporary way. If I wear certain designer brands, or too much of something, I look crazy, and I need something to break it up. If you are wearing a Chanel jacket and you need an anonymous piece that will show just how special that jacket is, I hope that is what the Row gives you."
Mary-Kate and Ashley won the Council of Fashion Designers of America's honor of Womenswear Designers of the Year for their work on the Row. They also work on other brands of their own: Elizabeth and James, Olsenboye and StyleMint.