Mary-Kate talks fashion with InStyle Magazine
While deeply engaged in the September issue of InStyle magazine (one of my new favorite mags), my page flipping came to a halt when I came across an article entitled “Celebrity Designer Mary-Kate Olsen. ” In the article MK answers questions about her new line, Elizabeth and James and her fashion inspirations.
I personally have a love/hate relationship with MK’s style. Sometimes she looks chic, and other times she just ends up being a fashion victim. Either way, I admire her for taking risks and being a fashion fire-starter.
Here’s the interview:
What’s the difference between the two lines?
The Roe is at a designer level and represents classic chic; Elizabeth and James is more accessible, contemporary and playful. Both are collaborations, but the the Row is Ashley’s baby. I concentrate more on Elizabeth and James, and there are pieces in it that are based on clothes I already have.
Did you avoid using your own name so people wouldn’t think it was just another celebrity fashion line?
Both Ashley and I know that this line is strong enough to appeal to people without needing our name on it. Good clothing sells itself. Funny enough, Elizabeth and James are the names of our sister and brother, but we just wanted to reflect the feminine and masculine idea.
What sort of fashion influences have you picked up lately?
I have been watching a lot of old episodes of 90210 because it’s coming back, you know, and I really like the nineties look and how they all dressed.
Your look has gone from oversize and dramatic to much more pared down. Was that deliberate?
I don’t think of it that way. I hardly notice when it changes—it’s just instinctive. I am flattered when people copy the way I dress, but I also think it’s important to make your own style because it’s an extension of your personality.
You often take risks on the red carpet, wearing edgy clothes where others play it safe. Is that a reaction against all the golden gowns?
All I care about is feeling comfortable about what I’m wearing. But that’s the difference between my sister and me. Ashley could pull off a long golden gown!
Do you think one day you might solely concentrate on fashion design?
Who knows? You have to take it one day at a time. But once you get involved in design it gets much harder to shop! You can recognize quality. That said, I still like to shop. I love to go to Lily et Cie, New York Vintage and Maxfield in L.A. – Hadley Freeman
Some of MK’s favorites from the Elizabeth and James line:
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September 8th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I loved this! Thank you for sharing it.
I feel the same way about her style. Sometimes she looks amazing and other times… Like she slept out on the sidewalk. But, you really do have to admire her for doing her own thing and not caring what the public thinks.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I like Ashley better, but I love the clothes MK picked as her faves. When I went to Vegas at 14 I visited Betsey Johnson for the first time and fell in love with a feathered top. It was $100 and I didn’t buy it because it would have been my entire shopping budget for the trip, but that skirt reminds me of it. Excited about feathers!
InStyle is my new fave mag as well!
September 9th, 2008 at 6:31 am
[...] InStyle is my new fave fashion rag – This month Mary-Kate Talks Fashion [...]
September 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I agree. At times she looks amazing and other times not so good. I love the yellow skirt. It’s quite cute and would definitely look good with black. =)
September 9th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Yeah, most of the time when I see her fashion I’m thinking ????
September 9th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I was actually looking through that collection awhile ago. They have a zip neck tee that I would literally kill someone for. *sigh* Why can’t I be rich and go to Fashion Week? Why?
September 10th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Interesting article… I like her style.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I love the Olsen twins and their fashion style (sometimes) hehehe..
thanks for sharing this!
September 10th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Love MK and how shes adventurous and has the guts to wear some of the clothes she wears. It’s unique. I’ve always loved MK over Ashley. =)
September 10th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
i’m always frequenting the e&j website just to look at the collections. i agree, sometimes mk is chic and sometimes she looks like she just jumped out of bed. but i love the way her style translates to her clothing line. it’s far edgier than most designers i’ve been looking at lately.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:55 am
…wait, the Olsen twins have more siblings? I s’pose you learn something every day
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September 11th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I love when she dresses in the flannel button downs. I really like the grunge look, it’s comfy, and if done right you can make it look chic. I think MK is great for taking risks and trying new looks.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:14 am
I love MK to death!!! Man, shopping here sucks, I’d love to see both their lines here. If anything, we’re getting H&M, so maybe in a couple of years, we’ll see all these American brands here haha