Before Lena Dunham was Girls and Sophia Amoruso was Nasty Gal, the Olsen Twins were #girlbosses — albeit, little ones. In 1993, while still in elementary school, Mary-Kate and Ashley launched their company, Dualstar Entertainment. It went on to become a multibillion-dollar entertainment company. Now, 10 years after transitioning from film to fashion, their upscale, seriously covetable label, The Row, is doing better than ever. And, in the December issue of Elle, the sisters reflect on the past decade and open up about their work ethic, facing skepticism, and their unbelievable ability to remain calm through it all.
Of course, the success of The Row isn't all that surprising, despite the line's relatively high prices. After all, what have these two ever done that hasn't taken off almost immediately? And yet, it's surprising to hear that not everyone was sold on the line prior to its launch. "It went beyond skeptical," says Ashley. "You just have to put on blinders and do your work." Good advice.
With the opening of The Row's first brick-and-mortar store — appropriately located on Melrose Place — earlier this year, the duo has also gained new insight into who exactly their customer is. "Many of the women are international clients who come to L.A. only to shop," says Ashley. "So we like to play with different materials. Our client is very understated, but she's happy to spend the money." Considering the popularity of the line's infamous $39,000 backpack, we'd have to agree.
Click here to read the full interview, or pick up a copy of Elle's December issue, on newsstands nationwide November 18.