THE RUNDOWN
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen made a rare public appearance in New York City on April 30.
- The sisters matched in black coats and alligator-leather handbags from their brand, The Row.
- They styled their coordinating keepalls with an unexpected accessory trend.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have long stood against the churn of the trend cycle with their brand, The Row. But during a rare outing in New York City yesterday, the Olsens flirted with one of the most polarizing accessory trends in recent years—albeit executed in a way that was so quiet, it was merely a whisper.
Out for lunch, the two opted for layered spring looks punctuated by handbags from their own label. Mary-Kate chose the Lady bag, while Ashley toted its slightly slouchier and roomier sister, the Agnes. Mary-Kate’s top-handle comes with a built-in hang tag, but it was Ashley’s that stood out. She looped a gold Lisa Eisner medallion around one strap of the handle. It was an ultra-subtle, “if you know, you know” take on the usually kitschy bag charm trend.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in New York City on April 30.
The rest of the Olsens’ looks were characteristically understated. Mary-Kate chose head-to-toe black in the form of wide-leg trousers and a sleek overcoat, styled with a cream scarf. Ashley chose slouchy mid-wash jeans, a wool car coat, and round-toe slip-on shoes. Both sisters wore glasses, with Mary-Kate sporting a rectangular pair and Ashley trying out a rounded style.
Ashley’s subtle adornment in particular speaks to the phenomenon of Jane Birkin-ifying one’s bag—the practice of personalizing a luxury handbag with charms, cords, or trinkets to give it a more individual feel. The movement has gained traction in recent seasons, leading stars like Anne Hathaway and Dua Lipa to charm out their high-end bags, like the Hermès Birkin and Kelly. Considering Ashley’s Agnes bag retails for a cool four figures, shall we dub this Olsen-ifying?
