Few people were photographed more in the aughts than Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, which means we’ve enjoyed a front-row seat as they’ve morphed from a pair of matchy-matchy multi-millionaire tweens to two of the decade’s most influential trendsetters (see our slideshow for proof). Most famously, the sisters signaled an end to the opulence and head-to-toe designer looks of the early ’00s with their trademark dumpster chic. But anyone can have a “moment”; more remarkable was the fact that their impact on fashion was just beginning. Balenciaga saw its profile rise when Ashley was papped again and again carrying its motorcycle bag, and brands like Giambattista Valli, Proenza Schouler, and Givenchy all benefited from the duo’s blessing. In 2007, the Olsens put their star power to work for themselves, launching The Row—a critically acclaimed line that defeated pre-conceived notions of celebrity fashion. In the process, they kick-started a leather leggings trend that still hasn’t gone away. This year, they became members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which signals a couple of things: They take this very seriously, and there’s a good chance we’ll be looking at pictures of Mary-Kate and Ashley well into the next decade.
© style.com
