The Row is an American luxury fashion label founded by Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen in 2006. Known for its minimalist yet luxurious designs, The Row has carved a high-fashion niche. The brand offers a range of ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, handbags, and accessories and boasts a global presence. Let’s dive into The Row's history and ownership, following a format akin to a beloved department store's history.
The Row Timeline: Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Ashley Olsen begins a personal project to create the perfect t-shirt. |
| 2006 | Official launch of The Row. |
| 2008 | Debut of the first full collection. |
| 2009 | Introduction of accessories including handbags and shoes. |
| 2011 | Opening of the first stand-alone retail store on Melrose Place, Los Angeles. |
| 2014 | The Row wins the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year Award. |
| 2018 | Opening of a flagship store in New York City. |
| 2024 | The Row continues to maintain its status as a leader in luxury fashion. |
Early Beginnings
2006 - The Birth of The Row
The concept for The Row began as a personal project for Ashley Olsen in 2005. She was determined to create the perfect T-shirt and tested her designs on women of all shapes and sizes to achieve a commonality in fit and attitude. In 2006, Ashley and Mary-Kate officially launched The Row with a seven-piece collection, including the iconic T-shirt, cotton sateen leggings, and a cashmere wool tank dress. Barneys New York bought the entire collection, marking the Olsens’ entry into the fashion industry.
2007 - Expanding Horizons
The Row quickly expanded its offerings. Initially focused on women's ready-to-wear, the brand added outerwear, suiting, handbags, and eyewear to its portfolio. Their understated elegance and exceptional tailoring garnered a dedicated following.
Establishment and Growth
2008 - Making a Statement
In 2008, Lauren Hutton modeled for The Row’s first lookbook, praising the minimalist yet luxurious designs. Despite their growing fame, the Olsens chose to let their clothes speak for themselves, refraining from giving interviews about the brand for the first three years.
2011 - Men's Wear
In 2011, The Row launched its first menswear collection, further cementing its place in the luxury fashion market. The collection included suiting, denim, and knits. The Olsens spent two years researching before launching a complete menswear collection in 2018, showcasing their dedication to perfection and quality.
Awards and Recognition
2012 - Industry Praise
By 2012, The Row had won its first Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Womenswear Designer of the Year award, followed by several other accolades in the years that followed. Their designs were displayed in prestigious exhibitions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion."
2014 to 2020 - Consistent Excellence
From 2014 to 2020, The Row won numerous CFDA awards, including Accessories Designer of the Year. The brand was a nominee for several other prestigious awards, continually receiving recognition for its timeless and high-quality creations.
Modern Era
2019 - Global Presence
By 2019, The Row had expanded its presence, opening offices in Paris and London. The brand was now available in 37 countries, a testament to its global appeal.
2020 - Challenges and Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for The Row. The brand experienced financial difficulties and had to lay off a considerable portion of its staff due to the pandemic and the bankruptcy of Barneys New York, one of its largest accounts. Despite these challenges, The Row managed to weather the storm, maintaining its reputation for quality and luxury.
2021 - Broadening Horizons
In September 2021, The Row launched its first children's collection, showcasing its versatility and commitment to providing high-quality fashion for all age groups. By this time, The Row was estimated to have reached $100 million in annual sales, highlighting its success as a luxury fashion label.
2024 - Continued Innovation
The Row continues to innovate and expand. Recent collections like Women's Winter 2024 and Spring 2025 demonstrate the brand’s evolution while maintaining its core values of simplicity, timeless elegance, and high-quality craftsmanship. In addition, the brand has expanded its footprint with new stores and collaborations, consistently staying at the forefront of luxury fashion.
The Olsens' Net Worth
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, with a combined net worth of approximately $500 million as of 2024, have leveraged their success to create a brand that is the epitome of luxury and elegance. They have effectively transitioned from their roles as actresses to influential figures in the fashion industry.
| Individual Net Worth | $250 million (each) |
|---|---|
| Combined Net Worth | $500 million |
Ownership Structure
Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen remain at the helm of The Row. The duo leads the brand with Ashley as CEO and Mary-Kate as the creative director. Their parent company, Dualstar Entertainment Group, offers a corporate umbrella for the twins' brands, including The Row, Olsenboye, Elizabeth and James, and StyleMint.
| Parent Company | Dualstar Entertainment Group |
|---|---|
| Other Brands | Olsenboye, Elizabeth and James, StyleMint |
