Tramp Iconic

Attaining showbiz status whilst still in nappies has given Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen the time to perfect their famous looks. Creators of successful fashion lines The Row and Elizabeth & James, these fashion icons have more than earned their style credentials. Although it’s been some time since we’ve been graced with a classic Olsen made-for-DVD film (‘Our Lips Are Sealed’ was definitely my favourite), these twins are still on topic amongst the fashion savvy. The world has watched the petite sisters grow up on screen, whilst off screen we have witnessed the evolution of their signature styles. Long gone are the matching, wholesome premiere outfits of their earlier press appearances. These sisters are now more famed for their unique street style.

Mary-Kate and Ashley encompass the lasting success of the tramp-chic trend. Both as a pair and as individuals they emulate the ability to look oh-so expensive in the most bedraggled of fashions. In fact, these days Mary-Kate is better known for her ability to pass as a well-dressed Magic Bus Lady than for her and Ashley’s on-screen achievements. Ashley has a similar style but definitely resembles the more ‘chic’ side of tramp-chic. Together they bring together the best aspects of fashion by showing how dressing down can be so much more effective than constantly glamming it up.

Unlike the identical outfits of their younger days, they now dress to complement rather than copy one another. Take, for instance, their ensembles of choice for the 2010 CFDA awards: the hair that is shiny and expensive looking yet still tousled; the fur that shows they have no problem being controversial, and then we turn to the bags. Yes, they are both clutching Hermés Kelly bags, but let’s be honest- we’re only looking at one! Mary-Kate’s distressed, high end accessory shouldn’t work, but it does. Why? Here we have the perfect example of the contradictory nature of the tramp-chic phenomenon. Mary-Kate’s bag is not torn and old looking because she can’t afford a new one- she could buy millions more. No, this fashion mogul has chosen the worn-in look as a statement. Going against the mainstream is always on trend, and thus the Olsens forgo the prim and proper look meaning they stand out amongst the red-carpet masses.

It’s safe to say that with their growing fashion empire, the Olsen twins will continue to influence trends- whether it’s amongst the tramps or the chic.