The Olsen Twins prove they can cut it with fashion's elite with sophisticated Japanese-inspired collection for The Row

As winners of the Council of Fashion Designers of America womenswear design award this year, the Olsen Twins' high-end fashion collection, The Row, appears to have come of age.
For spring/summer 2013, Mary Kate and Ashley's uber-expensive collection was light, luxurious and very understated, taking its lead from 18th Century Japanese art.
The child stars-turned design duo sat among their guests for the New York Fashion Week presentation at the Carlyle hotel restaurant.

 

 

Coming of age: For spring/summer 2013, Mary Kate and Ashley's uber-expensive The Row collection was light, luxurious and very understated, taking its lead from 18th Century Japanese art

They explained in their show notes: 'This season The Row takes us to a world of pure, soft and delicate lightness.

 

'Inspired by the 18th century scrolls of Ito Jakuchu, depicting the Japanese traditions of bird-and-flower paintings, the new collection celebrates a spirit of subtle colors and exquisite layering.'

 

 

Scroll with it: Stiff duster coats echoed the texture of paper, while lighter silks were layered with crisp cottons and airy chiffons in perfect monochrome

 

 

New neutrals: The purity described in the notes came from a palette that ranged from white to pale gold

Under-the-radar: Ashley and Mary-Kate were not pictured at the event, but sat among their guests

Indeed, stiff duster coats echoed the texture of paper, while lighter silks were layered with crisp cottons and airy chiffons in perfect monochrome.
That purity described in the notes came from the palette of neutrals, which ranged from white to pale gold, offset by bursts of red and navy.
The collection was very 'Olsen', in that those drapey, layered silhouettes are so typical of what the girls wear around New York City - regardless of season - though it lacked the grunginess of past offerings.
It was definitely more elegant and refined, wisely targeting that older (wealthier) customer that so many designers fail to acknowledge.
We can be sure to expect Lauren Bacall to wear the new collection - she is the twins' muse and biggest fan.
And Michelle Obama, who wore a The Row skirt for an appearance on The View in April last year, may also find something to like.
Anyone else hoping to snap up a piece should start saving now. The line costs from $225 for a simple Tencel tank at Barneys, stretching well into four figures for leather skirts, dresses and bags.

 

Hot ticket: The New York Fashion Week presentation was held at the Carlyle hotel restaurant