Lady LUX

If The Row doesn’t ring a bell, maybe the designers do. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are the brains behind the brand, which is only 4 years old.

They held their first runway show in New York last February, revealing their Fall 2010 collection. The 19 looks – mostly in hues of navy and black – were feasted upon by A-list onlookers such as Chloe Sevigny.

On Jan. 11 in New York, they revealed their Pre-Fall 2011 collection, which is definitely a much bigger mix than last year’s looks for fall. Featuring furs, various neutral tones and funky cuts, the subtle collection was surprisingly sophisticated, even more so when you realize the designers are a mere 24 years old.

There’s an aloof sexiness to their collection. The pieces could easily be seen on an off-duty model or one of those beautiful women that claim, “I don’t even try.”

It’s obvious that the attention is on the tailoring. Trousers are cut perfectly, a leather suit hangs on a model’s body effortlessly and a simple satin dress hugs a lady’s curves in all the right ways. It’s difficult to nail down the designs to a specific time, which (to a designer) is considered the highest compliment of all.

The Row’s refinement is even more interesting because the sisters have entirely different styles. Mary-Kate is known as the reckless, risky one. She’ll wear bright red lipstick, dye her hair a funky color and don a coat that looks like a weird hybrid animal.

The one piece that stood out the most as “Mary Kate-inspired” was a navy lace floor-length dress with a provocative slit up the front. The quirky take on the Victorian style seemed right up MK’s alley.

Ashley has always been simple and elegant. She’s often seen prancing around Los Angeles in oversized sweaters, headbands and tailored blazers. So perhaps the line is a meeting of the minds?

What do you think?

Tagged in: fashion, runway, the row, ashley olsen, pre-fall 2011, mary kate olsen,

Fashion / Runway