ashley olsen
Elizabeth & James Line Doing Very Well

The Olsen twins’ line, Elizabeth & James, is doing quite well, from a celebrity following to big name retailers.
The Olsens have attracted big name celebs such as Heidi Klum, Beyonce and Rihanna, all spotted wearing button-ups from the line.
Both Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Kitson in Los Angeles have reported phenomenal sales for the twins’ rags, with the senior VP fashion director at Neiman Marcus calling the line a “bright spot” in dismal season for sales!
Ashley and Mary-Kate are now in talks with footwear giant Steve Madden to design a shoe line as well as a menswear line planned for the fall.
Elizabeth and James’ lowest priced item is a one-shoulder cotton tank for $95, with a leather jacket going for $775 and dresses ranging from $225-$475!!!
LINKAGE: Perez Hilton
TRENDSPARK: Stella McCartney Sandals

Guess it’s hard to trendspark something that has only been worn by two girls, but when the Olsen’s wear something repeatedly it’s bound to be the next fashion ‘obsession.,’ like these Stella McCartney sandals.
LINKAGE: Olsen Anonymous
DESIGNER TO KNOW: Elizabeth & James Jewelry

A while ago Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen announced their plans to collaborate with Robert Lee Morris on a jewelry line, and we’ve seen pieces here and there since last year.
As more of the collection is released, I’m surprised by how minimalist they are, for the most part. Though simple, the pieces are still a little glamorous. I especially want to get my fingers in the snake wrap ring, above.
These pieces (and more) are available for pre-order at Intermix for $95-$525.
GALLERY: Elizabeth & James Jewelry Line.
PETA’s Names Madonna Worst-Dressed of 2009

It’s only March, but PETA has released a new Worst-Dressed list for 2009. Madonna took top honors, with the animal rights folks warning her that “wearing fur doesn’t make you a cougar.”
Other honorees include Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kanye West, and Ekizabeth Hurley, all for consistently wearing fur.
Full list of charges and a Tim Gunn video here: PETA.
Elizabeth & James Spring 2009 Lookbook

The Spring 2009 lookbook images for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Elizabeth & James are now available.
As usual, the collection looks incredibly wearable and versatile. In nearly 20 images, the Olsens show off dozens of new solid-colored separates that offer countless combinations and layering possibilities. Some E&J jewelry pieces also feature in the lookbook.
In true Olsen tradition, many pieces are slouchy yet sculpted, which makes the line a combination of young and sophisticated. Speaking of sophisticated, love the My Little Pony and other toys!
GALLERY: Elizabeth & James Spring 2009 Lookbook.
Olsens to Launch Men’s Line for Elizabeth & James

Mary-Kate and Ashley sure are keeping busy!
They’re already working on a menswear line for The Row and an Elizabeth & James shoe line with Steve Madden.
Now, just weeks after the sneak peek at the men’s pieces for The Row, WWD has reported that the Olsens will also launch a menswear line for Elizabeth & James. It will be available at Barney’s this fall.
Ashley said the collection will be “about balancing uptown and downtown.” The sisters reportedly found inspiration in Oliver Twist and Peter Pan’s Lost Boys.
Photo from People.
SNEAK PEEK: Elizabeth & James Shoes

ONTD had a little sneak peek at the forthcoming Elizabeth & James footwear line. I’d expect something a little more platformy from Mary-Kate, but I’m excited to see what else the Olsens have in store.
The collab with Steve Madden, hitting stores in March, will retail from $195-$500.
MAG HAG: Mary-Kate Olsen for Interview March 2009


Interview’s feature on Mary-Kate Olsen is available online now. There are the requisite “when did you and Ashley stop dressing alike?” questions, and luckily some new content as well.
The March 2009 covergirl looks completely different with platinum hair – like a cute space chick.
Only small images are available so far, but there’s also a little video from the shoot on Interview.
Become An Olsen; Peak in Their Makeup Bags

They have a bum rep for their bum look, but have you ever thought about what beauty products the Boho-chic NY designers Olsen twins have in their bags? Well, being a fan of the girls, I took a peek of what, Mary Kate, my favorite, totes around and never leaves her house without. Great taste MK!

Grapefruit Splash Fragrance, by Marc Jacobs
As coveted as his clothes line, Olsen-favorite Marc Jacobs has developed a fresh, punchy set of fragrances in his Splash range. Mary-Kate loves the summery Grapefruit scent.

Cheek Venom, by DuWop
DuWop Cheek Venom is a conditioning blush that hydrates and firms, giving a sexy flush. Mary-Kate adores a youthful glow so it’s no surprise she’s a fan.

Body Bling, by Scott Barnes
To maintain a just-stepped-off-the-beach LA glow, Mary-Kate loves this instant tanning lotion that washes off as easily as it rubs on. It softens and moisturizes as well as giving you a shimmering glow.

Posietint, by Benefit
Mary-Kate’s a big fan of Posietint, Benefit’s newest lip and cheek stain, to help her get that effortlessly flushed look.

Luscious Curls Curl Enhancing Cream, by Frederic Fekkai
This celebrated range of products has attracted many celebrity fans, and we can understand why. Mary-Kate uses this enlivening curling cream to define the natural curl of her tousled locks.

Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Lacquer, by O.P.I
Mary-Kate is a big fan of O.P.I and loves her trademark blood red nails. This shade hones her gothic glam meets Californian hippie style to perfection.

Tender Eau de Perfume Vaporisateur by Prada
Mary-Kate loves to be seen out in Prada, and that includes their signature fragrance, Tender. This chic scent entwines a light, floral character with smooth, warm notes and transfers from day to night with ease.
The Row to Launch Men’s Line

We told you back in September about the rumors that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were formulating a men’s collection for The Row.
Now it looks like the rumors were true, and some more concrete plans have emerged.
The 35-piece line is set to debut this Fall with an estimated price range of $230-$3200.
This development only makes sense, given the current menswear-inspired feel of The Row, as well as its big success.
More at WWD.
Image from Olsen Twins News.
Anti-Fur Activists Target Olsens Again?

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was reportedly vandalized Monday with the words “FUR HAGS!”
Consistent targets of PETA and other anti-fur activists, the Olsens were even met with protests at book-signing events in October.
No word yet on who did it and no photographic documentation, either. But if the reports on the vandalism are true, the star will get cleaned up, and the Olsens will continue wearing fur.
News and image from MKAshley.
Interviews of Fashion: Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen seems to have been out of the limelight as of late while her sister makes headlines and makes movies. Of course, to the untrained eye it might seem like the other Olsen was taking a much needed break, but instead she’s just been working on the background, prepping her two fashion lines The Row and Elizabeth & James for global domination. The Boston Globe cornered the billion-dollar elf and got the scoop on what’s next for the Olsen Empire. The full interview is below.
Q. When was it that you really started paying attention to designers?
A. I went to my first fashion week when I was 17. I think I went to Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta, and I was completely blown away.
Q. Do you see yourselves staying focused on fashion, do you think you want to go back to acting, or combine the two?
A. I like building brands, so for me it’s building the brands that my sister and I are working on, which are Elizabeth and James, and the Row. Once I have more time, then I’ll start looking at what else I’d like to do. There’s obviously a lot of things I want to do, study, and continue learning about. But right now this is something that I think I can really focus on. I don’t have time to be stepping away to work on a movie.
Q. Do you find that it’s sometimes detrimental to your fashion career that you’re an Olsen twin?
A. It opened a lot of doors in the beginning, because people are curious, so that helped. But automatically people will write what they want to write. It was hard at first. When we started the Row I said, ‘I don’t want anyone to know I’m behind it,’ but you can’t lie to the people you’re selling to.

Q. How involved are you in the line? Are the two of you sketching and designing?
A. We have a very small team, so we’re as involved as anyone can get. We’re working on it every day.
Q. Are the two of you equally invested in it?
A. It’s up and down. It depends on our schedules, it depends on what we’re focusing on at the moment. Lately I’ve been a little more involved in the Row based on our schedules.
Q. Were you surprised at the access you had to designers like Karl Lagerfeld for your book, “Influence”?
A. I wasn’t quite sure who was going to respond, but basically everyone we reached out to wanted to be involved. For us, it was amazing. The book actually changed over time; we went through several different concepts. In the end everyone got their own section.
Q. I have heard rumors about a “Full House” reunion. Please tell me it’s happening. I think Kimmy Gibbler needs to be back in primetime.
A. No, sorry. There’s always rumors. But I see those guys all the time. They’re a second family, but there’s no reunion happening yet.
New “Influence” Outtakes

Unfortunately they’re water-marked, but new outtakes (about 100!) from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Influence photoshoots have surfaced.
Fashion F*ck Ups: Ashley Olsen’s Nikes

Ashley Olsen’s outfit here is a decent casual, cold-weather outfit. The black is on par for the celebrity lifestyle; the crocodile Fendi tote is luxurious … and then you scroll all the way down.
Walking around the city can wear out your feet, but shouldn’t Ashley, of all people, have better options than a clunky black sneaker?
I’m all for wearing sneakers if you want, but when you’re an Olsen, these Nikes are just a pair of size 5 sore thumbs.
Image from Olsen-Files.
Olsens to Expand Empire?
Ashley Olsen was reportedly spotted in LA Wednesday scouting out retail spaces near Maxfield’s.
Unflattering outfit and unsubstantiated rumors aside, I am starving for more information to back up these claims. So, no word on whether it’d be a boutique for The Row, Elizabeth and James, or something else.
Photo from Olsen Files.
On The Forums: Which Celebrities Should Design Fashion?

There are a ton of celebs out there thinking they should be designing fashion, but only a few that really do it well (aka Mary Kate and Ashley’s The Row and Elizabeth & James).
Moment of Style: Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen
Mary-Kate (R) and Ashley Olsen (L) at an L.A. signing of Influence.
Image from Olsens Anonymous.
Influence Book Release
PETA protestors did not keep Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen from celebrating the release of their book Influence. Over 2000 fans turned out to their signing event at Barnes & Noble Tuesday (top), and the girls also celebrated at Barney’s on Monday (bottom).
And in case you’re not a fan like I am, you’ll be thrilled to hear about the 9 rules that were apparently established for B&N guests. Racked reports attendants were limited to one book each, could not ask for anything else to be autographed, could not take pictures, etc.
Photos from The Fashion Spot.







