Mary Kate & Ashley, Not Just Pretty Faces

Some of you know how much I appreciate the

design work of these talented sisters, from their

quest to use only the very finest of fabrics, leathers,

furs, etc., to the tailoring of each individual piece...

Their presentation in NYC for Fall 11 is another step in

their appeal across all age groups.

here, the sisters in Paris

close-ups of back stage line up

 helping backstage

how the girls live...pumping own gas in L.A.

wearing "the look"

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen scaled back their fashion week presence,
showing the collection by private appointment rather than on the runway
or at a presentation. But the designing sisters haven't dialed back their ambitions.
Showing off their debut handbag collection—which includes a framed doctor bag,
a day tote, an elongated "memo bag," a crossbody messenger,
even a crocodile backpack—
they said prices will be in the Celine and Hermès range.
"The workmanship and materials are at that level," Ashley pointed out.
The bags' clean, unadorned look will give them a good shot at It status next season.

 their never-changing signature hallmark look

 stepping it waaay up with fur & lace,

but still the same silhouette, in white

the same idea in black;  this is awesome, I think

A long leap from "the look" to this...

sleek, contemporary, tailoring X10...

note bodice cut with the sleeve as one piece of fabric..

I know, the hat, is just a bit over-the-top, but

if I could afford it I would definitely wear it...

get a look at the crushed socks, flat shoes

more of the same here...

 the ladies, just being their unusual selves...

 now, segue way to these looks from the show...

I mean, now really, doesn't this look like something we can all wear?

& this look, note the leopard flats, aka Tom's

the girls have designed a line of shoes for Tom's, coming soon...

  The cashmere TOMS shoes they

made in collaboration with the buy-a-pair, give-a-pair

brand's founder, Blake Mycoskie,

will go for less than $150.

I'm hearing they are very dedicated to their design work, make all

the decisions themselves, and are workaholics, sometimes being in their

studio until 4AM.  The have bolts of fabrics sent over so they can

roll them out and feel them, drape them, etc. 

Their new work represents a maturing of their design sense and

sensibility, a sophistication which wasn't present prior to this

show.  I always loved what they did, but now I think we could

be seeing a duo with work stretching far into the future.

They say they've worked all their lives & wouldn't know

how to "not work."   . 

When they turned 18 6 years ago, they took over all the financial

management of their lives and businesses, much to the surprise of

the powers & their family. They fired the main financial manager, brought

someone they trusted on board and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

Mary Kate said on an interview that they've been in the public eye since

they were 9 months old, acting.  Now they're not acting, they're living.

Tell me what you think...I would really like to know.

I'm sure you noticed the stunning new design of our blog up top,

all the creative work of Shari at Little Blue Deer.

What can I say?  It's fabulous, I think !!