Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Debut New Look During Rare Joint Appearance

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Step Out at NYFW, Reflecting on Their Journey from Child Stars to Fashion Moguls
[Image: Mary-Kate (left) and Ashley Olsen at a NYFW party with W Magazine’s Sara Moonves. Caption: The twins made a rare appearance at a New York Fashion Week event hosted by W Magazine and Bloomingdale’s.]

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 39, made a rare public appearance at a New York Fashion Week party hosted by W Magazine and Bloomingdale’s, showcasing their signature understated elegance. Once child stars known for their roles in Full House and a string of teen films, the twins have since retreated from Hollywood to build The Row, their billion-dollar luxury fashion brand. At the event, Mary-Kate wore a layered gray top and black trousers, while Ashley opted for a long coat and scarf—a stark contrast to their glittering past.

From Child Stars to Business Titans
[Image: The twins as Michelle Tanner on Full House (1987–1995). Caption: The Olsens rose to fame as infants playing Michelle Tanner on Full House.]
The sisters began acting at just six months old, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on Full House. By age six, they co-founded Dualstar, a production company that spawned TV movies like Passport to Paris and New York Minute. Their empire expanded with fragrances, cosmetics, and a clothing line, making them millionaires before adulthood. However, fame took its toll. In 2004, Mary-Kate entered rehab for a “health-related issue” amid eating disorder rumors, later telling Elle, “Everybody goes through hard times…asking for help is the hardest part.”

Building a Fashion Empire
[Image: The Row’s 2014 showcase in Munich. Caption: The Olsens launched The Row in 2006, now valued at $1 billion.]
In 2006, the twins pivoted to fashion, founding The Row with a focus on minimalist luxury. Starting with a capsule collection sold at Barneys, the brand now operates globally. Despite pandemic setbacks, it rebounded strongly, with Chanel’s parent company acquiring a stake in 2023. Their meticulous craftsmanship and aversion to trends have earned critical acclaim, cementing their status as industry leaders.

Private Lives Away from the Spotlight
[Image: Mary-Kate with ex-husband Olivier Sarkozy (2014). Caption: Mary-Kate married banker Olivier Sarkozy in 2015; they divorced in 2021.]
Both sisters guard their privacy fiercely. Mary-Kate’s eight-year marriage to Olivier Sarkozy, 17 years her senior, ended in 2021 after disputes over children and property. Ashley, meanwhile, secretly welcomed son Otto with artist husband Louis Eisner in 2023, hiding her pregnancy with loose attire. The twins rarely grant interviews, with Ashley noting, “We’ve stayed sheltered…we don’t dive into [social media].”

Legacy and Reinvention
[Image: The Olsens at their Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2004). Caption: The twins received a star in 2004 but shifted focus to fashion soon after.]
Today, the Olsens prioritize their brand and families over fame. Mary-Kate rides horses, while Ashley embraces motherhood. Their younger sister, Elizabeth Olsen, now carries the acting torch in Marvel films. Reflecting on their journey, Mary-Kate once quipped, “We’re used to being on the other side of the camera”—a fitting mantra for two icons who transformed scrutiny into quiet, enduring success.

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