Designers
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen need no introduction. Their inimitable style has
made them a permanent fixture on best-dressed lists across the globe, not to
mention our Instagram feeds with 73K posts (and counting) under the #olsentwins
hashtag. But they are so much more than their personal style. The dynamic duo
comprises ultra-savvy businesswomen who run a multimillion-dollar empire that
includes two major clothing lines: luxury brand The Row, and contemporary
lifestyle brand Elizabeth and James, the latter of which officially opened its
first flagship at The Grove in Los Angeles today.
Once
again the designers proved their finely tuned eye for interior design. After
the successful launch of The Row’s West Hollywood boutique last year, which offered
a sleek and minimal, mid-century modern aesthetic, the designers continue to
offer a fresh perspective on bricks-and-mortar retail. Ashley and Mary-Kate
collaborated with architect David Montalba of Montalba Architects to bring
their curated vision to life. The custom-built boutique features a bright, open
interior with white brick walls and wooden floors. Iconic vintage furniture
sits comfortably alongside pale wood and brushed stainless steel fixtures for
that eclectic California vibe.
The
store doesn’t skimp on luxe materials either, with the brand’s accessories
creatively displayed on wool felt–lined shelves, marble slabs, and leather
wrapped trays. The designers handpicked decorative objects such as handmade
pottery, vintage books, sage smudge sticks, and objet d´art to enhance that
lived-in feel among the brand’s extensive collection of clothing, accessories,
and fragrance. Mary-Kate and Ashley took MyDomaine on an exclusive tour of the
new boutique before it opened where they revealed their career advice, secrets
to success, morning routines, and so much more.
MYDOMAINE:
How does fashion influence the interior design of your boutiques?
MARY-KATE
OLSEN: Whether we are designing a collection or a store, we approach the
process with the same idea of curation. Curating pieces for her wardrobe or
curating a space.
ASHLEY
OLSEN: Elizabeth and James celebrates “new nostalgia” and referencing the old
with a new fresh perspective. We translated that to the design of the store by
incorporating vintage found objects to contrast the modern and clean build-out
of the store and the custom-built fixtures.
MD:
There is a great deal of crossover in fashion and interiors. Who are some of
the major architects and furniture designers who inspire your clothing design?
MO:
Depends on the season. One season you could be inspired by the function of a
Prouvé piece or the curve of a Royère.
AO:
We’re collectors and we appreciate beautiful, unique pieces.
MD:
Your minimal flagship for The Row is a who’s who of famous furniture designers
from Poul Kjærholm to Jean Prouvé, which fits the high-end tailored aesthetic
of the brand. Who are some of the interior influencers for the Elizabeth and
James store?
MO:
Elizabeth and James was a simplified concept so that the curation of goods
would pop in the store. Curation has not been done before on a contemporary
level, so we are excited to continue to start this trend in another market.
MD:
Being the CEOs of Dualstar and so many companies under that umbrella, how do
you switch off and maintain a balance between work and life? Do you believe in
balance?
MO:
We work as a team, side by side every day. At times it can get overwhelming,
but at the end of day, you care so much that you find the energy to keep going:
Balance will always be a struggle.
MD:
What are some key things you do every morning that kick off the day and enhance
your productivity?
MO:
Music helps.
AO:
A good night’s sleep.
MD:
What mistakes have you learned from, and even benefited from, in your career?
MO:
Everyone goes through learning curves. We try to learn from them.
MD:
It takes confidence to be a CEO and lead. What tips do you have to summon the
courage and bravery?
AO:
Don’t be afraid to take risks—well-informed risks.
MO:
You can’t be afraid of failure.
MD:
What qualities and attributes do you think it takes to be successful?
MO:
Drive.
AO:
Flexibility, while having a clear point of view.
MD:
If you could give five words of advice (or fewer) to female entrepreneurs, what
would it be?
MO:
No is a full sentence.