Gallery Link:
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.
