The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, transitioned from child stars to fashion moguls with their luxury label, The Row. This article explores the brand’s history, design philosophy, and its place in the high-fashion world.
From Child Stars to Fashion Icons
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s passion for fashion was evident from a young age. After successful acting careers, they turned their focus to design, starting with a collaboration with Walmart and culminating in the creation of The Row, their luxury clothing line.
The Birth of The Row: A Quest for the Perfect T-Shirt
The Row was founded in 2006 with a simple goal: to create the perfect white T-shirt. Ashley Olsen identified a gap in the market for high-quality, essential basics within the luxury sphere. This led the sisters to design minimalist, well-crafted pieces ranging from everyday essentials to tailored garments and accessories.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The Row’s name is inspired by Savile Row, London’s renowned street of bespoke tailoring. This choice reflects the brand’s emphasis on quality craftsmanship and timeless design, allowing the clothes to speak for themselves rather than relying on the Olsen twins’ fame. The sisters intentionally avoided using their names for the brand, wanting the focus to remain on the product.
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The Row’s Ownership and Parent Company
The Row operates under Dualstar Entertainment Group, initially co-owned by the Olsen twins and their attorney. Upon turning 18, Mary-Kate and Ashley acquired full ownership of Dualstar, making it the parent company of The Row and their other ventures, including Olsenboye and Elizabeth and James.
Overcoming Skepticism and Establishing Credibility
Initially, The Row faced skepticism from buyers due to the prevalence of lower-quality celebrity clothing lines. The Olsen twins overcame this by focusing on exceptional fabrics, meticulous construction, and understated branding. They even initially omitted their names from the label, letting the quality of the garments speak for themselves.
The Row’s Fashion Show Philosophy: Intimacy Over Extravagance
Mirroring the Olsen twins’ private nature, The Row’s fashion shows are intimate affairs, often held in their West Village showroom. This approach prioritizes the artistry of the collection over spectacle, creating a calm and focused environment for showcasing the clothes.
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Defining The Row’s Brand Identity: Elevated Simplicity
The Row’s brand identity centers on impeccable quality, prioritizing fit and fabric above all else. The brand reimagines classic staples with subtle yet significant details, elevating simplicity to an art form. Oversized silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and luxurious fabrics are hallmarks of The Row’s aesthetic, often reflecting the personal style of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Collections frequently feature statement coats, reflecting a key element of the Olsen twins’ own wardrobes.
The Row Today: Global Presence and Continued Success
The Row’s collections are available in flagship stores in New York, Los Angeles, and London, as well as online and in select luxury department stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. The brand expanded into menswear in 2018, offering the same commitment to quality and timeless design. While not vegan, The Row does offer some cotton-based pieces. The brand continues to thrive, solidifying Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s position as influential figures in the fashion industry.
