6.5.07

bones and basics

So... The Row (upscale label by the Olsen twins)


The Concept: A single french seam runs up the back of ultra sheer tops, tanks and pants, creating "couture" like basics.


There are a few lamb-fur coats in the mix :

And a smattering of dresses and jackets:


My initial impression is that The Row evokes Rick Owens in cut and colour. This probably isn't a coincidence, as his designs are frequently worn by the Olsens. Also, the clothing reveals rather than covers the body, and can only be worn well by dancers or the exceedingly slim (and exhibitionist).


Next, the line seems unduly depressing. What is there to be so unhappy about? I realize that it is considered cool to stand around looking emaciated and bored while wearing $200 tank tops and $400 leggings, but to me all of this is just the baby cousin of heroin chic. It isn't new, it isn't exciting, and I am puzzled as to why it is considered attractive. Similar items to the ones in this collection could be purchased somewhere like American Apparel. You could buy a pack of Hanes tees at Wal Mart and few people would know the difference.

In interviews, the twins claim that The Row isn't like other celebrity clothing lines- that their "name isn't on it"- but without Olsen fame, the clothes wouldn't sell. The gold chain they have chosen to use on each item (rather than a printed label) doesn't change that.

What is your verdict?

14 comments:

- said...

i like the result althought as you said is a bit depressing, just a copy of who they are at the moment...
but they have certainly impress me with it, I expected less...
i dont know how much they´ve been involved inthe whole process (althought they say they are completely responsible of the line) but I can clearly see that it´s not like any other celeb-line such as Gwen stefani, Justin timberlake or Jessica simpson who just let a designer use their name to sell more... (that´s my opinion)

Anonymous said...

Interesting point of view, considering that other blogs and Vogue praised the line. I do think however, for the most part, you are right about this being "all of this is just the baby cousin of heroin chic." Keep up the good work!

daddylikeyblog said...

Agreed. Completely. You're brilliant.

mareGa said...

Not crazy about it, Really. I could not agree more with you on the fact that all the hype and buzz is about the girls, not really the clothes.

Unknown said...

Forget the Olsen twins. I'm waiting for Dave Coulier clothing line!

Anonymous said...

the clothing sells? wow. a few months ago, when they had that article on vouge or bazaar or... some fashon mag, the concept using couture to create the 'perfect t-shirt.'

i remember thinking, 'isnt' the perfect t-shirt one you can lounge around the house in with spagetti stains on the front?' oh dear. is nothing sacred? even sloth?

great post, love!

g+m said...

I could cut a hanes tshirt up and sew a french seam into the back, and it would cost me a whole lot less than 400 bucks.

Ama said...

I agree with you.
There are one or two pieces that are ok - the sheer black top could be a nice as a layering piece; if it were cheaper. I think this is my major problem with it. The collection seems really really overpriced for what it is. Even though their names aren't splashed all over, I think that is precisely what you'd be paying for.

Fiona said...

I agree that anyone could find basics as good as those for less. Some of the necklines remind me of some of my favorite shirts...which were indeed cheaper! The lamb coats are rather randomly thrown in there (and gross, but thats me)

Clare said...

"You could buy a pack of Hanes tees at Wal Mart and few people would know the difference."

I couldn't agree more with this line. These clothes may seem nice because of the way they've been photographed (sure, it's depressing, but I find that there's something about the pictures that's really attractive), but I don't see anything special besides the fact that the Olsens were involved... and even then I wonder if the Olsens would be valued so highly if they weren't twins.

Unknown said...

"I realize that it is considered cool to stand around looking emaciated and bored while wearing $200 tank tops and $400 leggings, but to me all of this is just the baby cousin of heroin chic."

Ditto on the "baby cousin of heroin chic." Besides, given some of the anorexia/drug issues that Mary-Kate has suffered, I am disappointed that this emaciated, drugged out look is what they are offering to the thousands of little girls that look up to them.

Ariana | Paris To Go said...

It bores me. Just like the last Olsen twins movie, New York Minute.

Disneyrollergirl.net said...

Oh dear am I the only one that likes it? I think the quality on these looks 100 times better than Hanes. I love it, they're luxury basics, a niche market but I can see it selling.

M About Town said...

I agree with you assessment. Without The Olsen branding factor the press would be minimal (non-existent). Their name is sononymous with the label, regardless if it's actually on the clothes or not.
Why pay $200 for a c-thru t-shirt that you can get a Club Monaco, just coz it has one seam. Sorry, but unless they get a better desing appeal it's a no go for the row. BORING!