Serious Style Sisters

Twins MARY-KATE and ASHLEY OLSEN,31, run a multibillion-rand fashion business whose success doesn't rely on their superstardom.

- Zethu zulu

Actresses-turned-style influencers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been cementing their place in the fashion industry for years; first as faces of upscale line Badgley Mischka, then as owners of their own brand, named after London's Savile Row. We were introduced to the twins as adorable actresses in the Full House TV show in the 90s. Following their success in the long-running show and the Badgley Mischka campaign, retail giant Walmart decided to take advantage of the duo’s popularity. Mary-Kate and Ashley created a fashion and cosmetic line with a tagline ‘Real Fashion for Real Girls’ that quickly sold out. A scandal ensued, however, when it emerged that Walmart was using sweatshops to manufacture the clothes. That brought their relationship to an end.

Seeing that it could be done, and that fans had a huge appetite for their designs, the twins established The Row – their most successful and profitable business venture yet. Launched in 2006, its collections are usually sold out within days of release. Speaking to The Edit, Ashley described The Row as a solution for a modern woman on the move. “We saw a space in the market. We knew there wasn’t another brand offering basics in a luxurious and contemporary way. If I wear certain designer brands, or too much of something, I look crazy, and I need something to break it up, [which is where The Row comes in].”