Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen Give Rare Interview, Explain Why They're 'Discreet People'

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen very rarely speak out in interviews, but they just gave an in-depth look into their lives and their fashion brand The Row for a new feature.

The twin sisters, fashion designers, and former actresses spoke to i-D magazine and Mary-Kate even mentioned how they are a “bit out of practice” when it comes to interviews.

The Olsen Twins, who turned 35 this week, spoke about launching their brand The Row when they were just 18 and why they are “discreet people.”

Click inside to find out what they said…

The sisters explained that they intentionally decided to not become the faces of The Row and tried to separate themselves from the brand.

“We were raised to be discreet people,” Mary-Kate said.

Ashley said, “We really didn’t want to be in front of it. We didn’t necessarily even want to let people know it was us, in a way. I mean, it was one of those things where it was really about the product, to the point where we’re like, ‘Who could we get to kind of front this so we don’t have to?’ I think, to this day, you’ll see we really put the product first.”

Mary-Kate added, “At the beginning Ashley and I had been working in the fashion mass market so we had a pretty good idea of what sells, what doesn’t. But Ashley and I, we have an appreciation, and always have for fashion and certain brands. Even at the very beginning, I remember being like, just in case someone asks: We’re good with the gold chain for a logo. We thought that if these are quality items; if they do fit well; if this is true luxury – will it sell without a logo? Can it sit in a store with no name and will it sell? Will people want to buy it if the products are right?”

The sisters also discussed what was going on in their lives when they started The Row.

“I don’t know how conscious we were of what we were doing at that time, to be really honest. We had just moved to New York. We were 18 years old and I think what we did know was that we wanted to take that time to take a break from what we were previously doing and to explore things that interested us, and explore what life has to offer…” Ashley said. Mary-Kate then chimed in to say, “Creatively.” Ashley finished her thoughts, “We wanted to explore making something of ourselves.”

Gigi Hadid spoke to the magazine for the article and said she appreciated how the Olsens don’t put their face in front of the brand. She said, “They want to put out their art without feeling too exposed or too vulnerable or used for the wrong reasons. They don’t want people showing up like ‘I’m here for the Mary-Kate and Ashley show.’ They want people to come and respect the clothing.”

Elizabeth Olsen went viral a few months ago when she revealed the life advice she received from her older sisters.