“How do you know if someone is wearing The Row? They’ll tell you.”
That’s just how cool and cop-worthy Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s fashion label is, even amongst A-listers such as Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence. Having had roots as child actresses in films like New York Minute, the Olsen twins—who celebrated their 38th birthday this month—have since gone on to establish their fashion house The Row in 2006. The brand—named after London’s Savile Row, which offers bespoke tailoring services—is known for its minimal yet elevated basics. Think the Ginza sandal, a sophisticated take on the humble flip-flop, and the Margaux bag, which has been dubbed “the new Birkin”.
The label’s aversion to logos and loud designs, coupled with a strong focus on quality, has attracted a cult following after the concept of quiet luxury went viral last year, and their popularity has not waned since—even with their ban on phones and cameras at the presentation of The Row’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection.
But what else makes The Row such a standout among other celebrity-launched brands? The Olsen twins’ personal style, revered by the fashion circuit for its effortlessness, has more than likely informed the house’s signature code of quiet opulence, imbuing the brand with a high level of authenticity.
Floor-length coats, oversized knits and button downs, slouchy large totes and other accessories from the likes of Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela and Phoebe Philo’s Céline often form the foundation of their well-loved looks, making their style easy to replicate with the right pieces and some practice.
See our favourite style moments from the Olsen twins below—preferably while listening to one of The Row’s playlists on Spotify.
Tonal Looks
Black is always in season, according to the Olsen twins. Take style cues from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen by incorporating textural contrasts into your look. Try pairing an oversized coat or jacket with a structured bag with embossed detailing, a silk shirt with wool trousers or a shearling jacket and slim-fitting denim.
Elevating A Look With Accessories
The twins are proof that accessories go a long way in upping the ante on a minimal look. Their accessories of choice? Multiple pieces of jewellery from the likes of Ana Khouri stacked together, along with black flip-flops, strappy sandals, the occasional pair of sneakers, sunglasses and thick belts clasped over coats.
The Olsen twins are also known for their enviable bag collection. All-time favourites include the Hermès Kelly (which they wear beat-up à la Jane Birkin), the Rockie bag from Alexander Wang and the Balenciaga Motorcycle bags, which were a sartorial staple of theirs in the ’00s.
Red Carpet Ready In Vintage
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are not trend people, preferring items that have been worn and loved over long periods of time. A cream-coloured Chanel coat that Mary-Kate wore in 2008 and again in 2021 comes to mind, along with her embroidered old Céline coat.
Case-in-point: their appearance at the Met Gala in 2018, with Mary-Kate in statement jewellery and a black dress from The Row and Ashley in a vintage metallic Paco Rabanne dress. In 2015, the Olsen twins donned black Dior dresses by John Galliano for the Met Gala, complete with ruffles and matching trains.
On other occasions such as appearances at the CFDA Awards and sitting front row at a fashion show, they have been known to sport Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and more.
Below, discover even more of the Olsen twins’ best looks over the years.
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