Ode to the Olsen’s

Born in 1990, I am a true 90’s babe—and a big part of my 90’s nostalgia revolves around the Olsen twins.

I’m talking OG Olsen twins, like When the West Was Fun and It Takes Two, type of nostalgia.

Like so many others, I wanted to emulate these girls before they even explored their own budding interest in fashion (most notably through their 1999 film, You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's Fashion Party).

I have a vivid memory of begging my mom for streaky highlights, showing her a photo of the Olsen twins hair (“this is what I want!”) and parting my hair in a zig-zag fashion, a weak attempt at morphing myself into these girls.

As I grew, I continued to silently adore what these women did—but not so much in the “celebrity crush” sense, as I did when I was younger. More so, I became intrigued by their evolving creative ventures.

One of my favorite pieces I’ve ever worn was an Elizabeth and James dress I wore for our wedding rehearsal (Elizabeth and James was their previous label, later taken by Kohl’s). I didn’t love this dress because it was MK&A piece. I simply loved the dress itself—the square neckline, the itsy-bitsy straps, the tied waist and draped fabric. It felt like art.

I say it’s “art,” but to say MK&A make art almost feels like a disservice to what they do. It’s masterful, almost as if God put these twins on this planet not for Full House or the You’re Invited! series, but rather, to create the buttery ballet flats that hug my feet as I speak.

Today, The Row—the Olsen’s label founded in 2006—may be the most adorned modern luxury label, competing with century-old icons like Chanel. Whether it’s their Margaux bag, Canal loafers, or Roanna jacket, each piece is distinguishable both in design and quality.

Somehow, the twins have created timeless staples that are simple yet so unique (almost as if they reinvented the white tee). I think that’s why people invest in The Row—not because people have a MK&A celeb crush, but more so, because what they create is really freaking good.

In fact, I’ve learned many people don’t even know The Row is a MK&A label. That’s one thing I love about these women: they don’t call attention to themselves (I can’t even find them on social media?). Instead, they allow their creations to speak for themself. Even their label The Row slowly fades off every piece. Humble luxury, which isn’t an oxymoron, so they demonstrate.

My girls wont be reading this article, but for what its worth, I felt called to write a “thank you” in hopes it reaches them in some universal sense.

Thank you for creating my most cherished belongings, and also, thank you for inspiring me since my zig-zag part days.