If “style savant” was an actual phrase in the dictionary, we have a feeling there would be a picture of Mary-Kate Olsen next to it. And with good reason: you can trace countless trends back to this fashion dynamo, as she continually creates wholly original and enviably unique ensembles on a daily basis. In addition to influencing the way the world dresses with her noteworthy, often-emulated outfits, Olsen is also controlling the pieces everyone buys, thanks to the fashion empire she co-founded with sister Ashley, which reaches consumers at every level, from luxury (The Row), contemporary womenswear (Elizabeth and James), casual lifestyle (Textile Elizabeth and James), juniors (Olsenboye, which retails exclusively at J. C. Penney), and online-only commerce (StyleMint). While Olsen is always relevant, right now is a particularly exciting time in her career—she was a CFDA Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent nominee, just launched StyleMint, and The Row’s first handbag collection debuts this fall—hence today’s Guest Editor story. Considering her extremely intense schedule, we were delighted that the mini mogul took the time to tell us about her obsessions du jour, selections that are just as super-chic as she is!
Candid: Mary-Kate Leaving a Building Carrying Three Handbags
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Candids in 2011 > 07/22 – Mary-Kate Leaving a Building Carrying Three Handbags in NYC
The Row handbags launch at Barney’s
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Appearances in 2011 > 07/13 – The Row Handbags Launch at Barney’s
On July 13, 2011, at the intimate unveiling of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s handbag collection for The Row, a tight-knit group of friends and editors convened at Barneys New York, where they got a first look at what the girls have been working on for Fall 2011.
With Ashley wearing a colorful beaded gown and Mary-Kate in a turquoise blazer, the low-key soirée felt more like a casual viewing than an official unveiling. The duo’s range of luxe clutches, totes, backpacks, and messenger bags were subtly showcased around the perimeter of the party, boasting rich hues of blue-infused gray, milky caramel, midnight navy and a toned-down black in exotic python, alligator, and luscious ostrich skins. The cross-body mini handbag, aptly named “The Twin,” along with the rest of the refined collection, was adorned with the perfect amount of hardware—simple sophistication at its best.
The evening’s guests included Sally Singer, Keegan Singh, Anne Christensen, Harley Viera-Newton, Elizabeth Olsen and Barneys team members Mark Lee, Simon Doonan, Amanda Brooks, Dennis Freedman and Daniella Vitale.
As the fete died down, the conversation turned to the longevity of the brand. “Don’t you think The Row will outshine Hermès?” quipped one close friend. Ever humble, Mary-Kate chimed in, “Who knows, but let’s give it at least another 150 years.”
With that, the girls headed off to an uptown restaurant to quietly toast their Barneys New York handbag debut.
Olsens Celebrate New Handbag Collection for The Row
One could make sport, and some have, of guessing which Olsen sister is which based on style cues alone. But at Barneys New York on Wednesday night at a cocktail party to celebrate the launch of their new handbag collection for The Row, Mary-Kate sported a sun-dipped tell.
“He’s saying that you’re more tan than me,” Ashley explained to Mary-Kate as the pair took a brief break from the party.
“I know,” Mary-Kate said. “I took an extra week off.”
With a resort collection out of the way and a spring line looming, the pair could be excused a little off time, which they had taken in June. The generally positive reviews from the cocktail crowd — which also included younger Olsen sister Elizabeth — seemed to signal a busy second half to 2011. A crocodile-constructed backpack with a price tag to rival a year at a private university seemed to hold a special fascination among the fifth-floor audience.
Candids in July
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Candids Photos > Candids in 2011
Candids: Ashley Leaving Her Hotel in NYC
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Candids in 2011 > 06/03 – Ashley Leaving Her Hotel in NYC


