It Takes Two: How The Olsens Went From Child Stars To Fashion Icons

Posted by , on June 13, 2012 at 9:15 am

Immediately after the Full House days concluded, the Olsen twins starred in their feature film debut It Takes Two. If you don't remember the Sloppy Joe scene, you are missing out. We like the idea of [...]

Immediately after the Full House days concluded, the Olsen twins starred in their feature film debut It Takes Two. If you don't remember the Sloppy Joe scene, you are missing out. We like the idea of contrasting that with the $39,000 backpack from their line The Row. 

Look at these little fashionistas! 

In 2003, the Olsens were about to turn 18 and gain full control over their production company, Dualstar. They were also about to brand the hell out of themselves and get really into fashion. 

Later that year, the teens showed off their fashion-forward style. At this point, you could buy clothes from their collection exclusively in Wal-Marts across the world. 

As the girls prepared to head off to college, they began to experiment with their hair colors and overall looks. The dawn of these new fashion icons was upon us -- and we had no idea.                     [...]

As the girls prepared to head off to college, they began to experiment with their hair colors and overall looks. The dawn of these new fashion icons was upon us -- and we had no idea.                                               

This is the girls at the famed Ritz in Paris -- and probably the last time they were there before they were full-fledged fashion superstars. 

In April 2004, Mary-Kate and Ashley were honored with the 2,253rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This was a crucial event for several reasons. Not only did it skyrocket their fame even higher, it [...]

In April 2004, Mary-Kate and Ashley were honored with the 2,253rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This was a crucial event for several reasons. Not only did it skyrocket their fame even higher, it also sparked a firestorm of rumors regarding Mary-Kate's weight. This image covered many a tabloid, and marked their transition into womanhood -- or at least, celebrity womanhood. 

Oh, the glorious NYU days! Basically, in the brief time they attended the school, Mary-Kate and Ashley were never seen apart -- and never seen without a large hat or a large Balenciaga motorcycle bag. As [...]

Oh, the glorious NYU days! Basically, in the brief time they attended the school, Mary-Kate and Ashley were never seen apart -- and never seen without a large hat or a large Balenciaga motorcycle bag. As for clothing, it had to be frumpy or it just couldn't be worn. Surprisingly, this planted the seeds for the "boho chic" trend.

Even in college, they had to promote their film New York Minute, which flopped beautifully. 

In 2005, the twins attended their first Met Museum Costume Institute Gala back in 2005. My, how far they have come! In the next few years, their designs would be among the fashion set's most celebrated looks.

The New York Times declared the sisters icons and purveyors of the boho-chic trend in 2005. 

By 2007, it wasn't a fashion show if the Olsen twins weren't there. 2007 was also the year they founded Elizabeth and James, a lower-priced contemporary line that has become incredibly popular. 

In 2009, the girls were the hosts of Bergdorf Goodman's first Fashion's Night Out -- a testament to their growing power as influencers in the retail scene.

Mary-Kate and Ashley taking in a casual Chanel show, perhaps gaining inspiration for their line The Row, which launched shortly thereafter. 

The duo's transition from child stars to respected fashion designers has been one of the most unique in the industry, and they managed to do it while always looking stellar. Here, they celebrate Tim [...]

The duo's transition from child stars to respected fashion designers has been one of the most unique in the industry, and they managed to do it while always looking stellar. Here, they celebrate Tim Burton at MoMA in 2009.

The girls celebrate Elizabeth and James. 

Worlds colliding! Modeling designs from The Row with Bob Saget, their dad on Full House. 

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen receive Womenswear Designer of the Year Award on stage at the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards on June 4. GET IT, LADIES!

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What hasn’t been said about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen? The most famous twins in the world turn 26 today, and it’s nearly impossible to believe that they aren’t much older given the insane amount of accomplishments they have under their (very expensive crocodile) belts.

It’s even more impossible to believe that the girls who recently accepted the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award at the CFDA Awards are the very same girls that started their careers by playing Michelle Tanner on the series “Full House.” While it has always been apparent they were always very into fashion and looking their best (even in overalls), it wasn’t until recent years that the Olsens became wunderkinds to be reckoned with.

From a line of clothes for young women at Wal-Mart to their mid-priced contemporary label Elizabeth and James to their luxury line The Row, Mary-Kate and Ashley have exercised their creative talents in numerous ways– each accessible to multiple audiences. Unlike many celebrities who try to bridge the gap between actress and designer, they have done so with a remarkable amount of grace.

In honor of their 26th birthday, we present a short history of their trajectory from “Full House” stars to award-winning designers.

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    Comments

    1. EK says:
      June 13, 2012 at 10:29 am

      That last picture (slide 18) is so gorgeous… love that they do everything together, including winning awards!!

      Reply
    2. Carolyn says:
      June 13, 2012 at 11:18 am

      definitely need to watch the adventures of MK & A as a throwback now!

      Reply
    3. Stormy says:
      June 13, 2012 at 12:32 pm

      it wasn’t until recent years that the Olsens became wunderkinds to be reckoned with. 

      Reply