If you were a girl that grew up in the '90s, you're bound to have a soft spot for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Growing up with them, they won over our hearts before they were even one-year-olds, both playing Michelle Tanner on Full House. Right after Full House ended, the duo jumped into creating their "Olsen Twins" brand, and their pearly whites were seen everywhere from books, movies, video games, and even cosmetics. As they grew, we grew with them, and their brand cleverly evolved from branding for children to branding for tweens. As per Nicki Swift, by the time they were 18, they were worth $150 million dollars each.
Unfortunately, as the twins grew up on camera, they never had much privacy or a normal upbringing either. As they evolved into teenagers, they became tabloid fixations, enough to wear on any young adult. After their final joint film as the Olsen twins, the girls decided they had enough of acting, and retreated from the spotlight. Instead of focusing on film, they launched two very successful clothing brands, and thus started a new empire - this time in fashion. Since becoming heavyweights in the fashion industry, the girls have come to the realization that clothes are truly their calling, even giving up re-joining their Full Life cast for a reboot of the show that happened back in 2016.
We've rounded up 25 photos of the Olsen twins, taking a trip down memory lane from the time they were children to the women they are today.
25 They Both Played The Same Character On 'Full House' When They Were Just Nine Months Old
With adorable little faces like this, it's no wonder Mary-Kate and Ashley were cast as Michelle Tanner in Full House back in 1987. According to Cosmopolitan, the two were chosen when they were just six months old and started filming just a few short months later. The girls definitely had star-appeal, and stole the show from the rest of the cast before they were even able to start speaking!
Wonder why they both got cast to play one character? It turns out, child-labor laws were pretty intense, and the series got around that by hiring the twins instead.
24 The Duo Had To Both Wear Dentures In The Initial 'Full House' Years
When someone mentions dentures, you immediately think of pensioners, but never kids or young adults. While on the set of Full House, the producers ran into a bizarre predicament that really required them to improvise for the sake of continuity. It turns out, twins don't lose their baby teeth at the same time. According to Nicki Swift, both Mary-Kate and Ashley had to wear dentures so their teeth matched when they took turns filming. This definitely may have taken a toll on the twins mentally at a young age, since it forced them to maintain looking exactly the same pretty much all the time.
23 They Jumped Into Their First Feature Film Together Just Months After 'Full House' Ended
Right after Full House ended in May of 1995, the Olsen twins jumped headfirst into their first feature-length film together, It Takes Two, in November just a few months after. From then on, thanks to their fans, their tween careers took off, with most of us fondly remembering their direct-to-video series along with later on their two starring shows, So Little Time and the animated series Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action!. If you take a look at their IMDb pages, you'll notice that the duo were little machines, and before Full House was officially over, they had already starred in 4 films, along with launching The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley in 1994, as well.
22 They Were Into The Boho Chic Look Even When They Were Kids
As the Olsen twins grew up, most of us have seen them looking like boho queens in recent years. The above photo, however, shows their bohemian-chic fashion taste goes back to being 8-year-olds. Sporting sunkissed skin, and layers upon layers of flowy frills and ruffles, the girls still rocked the look quite well.
Since then, the girls have mastered the art of the boho look, going for wearing oversized-anything and realizing that more is more, quite literally even in terms of their long, beachy locks and accessories galore. They love clashing with prints, tones, and silhouettes, always managing to look effortlessly stunning.
21 As They Got Older They Still Matched, But This Time Had Their Own Color Schemes For Their Outfits
As they grew slightly older they still matched their outfits, but not all the way as they did as tots. Still the queens of Y2K fashion, the twins are seen above sporting styles that girls have been flocking to in recent years again! From the jelly sandals to the very small sunglasses, the girls are simply fashion inspos, time and time again.
Not matching entirely means the girls started growing into their own, and shortly thereafter their films even started giving them stereotypes so both sisters had a very distinct personality, very different to the other.
20 By The Time They Were 12, The Girls Were Already Millionaires
Unlike most tweens their age, the girls were already millionaires by the time they turned 12, later turning it into a billion dollar empire. As per AOL, in 1993, the Olsen twins created and began co-owning Dualstar Entertainment Group, which was set up by their manager. This was the company that later went on to produce all of their well-known films and television series along with a collection of children's books and games. At only 10 years old, the girls became the youngest self-made millionaires in American history and once they were given the reigns on Dualstar on their 18th birthday, they became the richest teenagers in the world.
19 By The Time Their Popular Sitcom Ended, They Made It To The Top Of The A-List
Because they were so popular when their fans were children, when their following grew, they grew with them, becoming "It" girls well into their teens. As per Cosmopolitan, the above photo shows they were constantly invited to cool things, such as the release party for the *NSYNC album, Celebrity.
As the girls turned into teenagers, Dualstar made sure that the themes in their films were right on track with what would happen to girls their age, cleverly adding romantic subplots to keep their fans hooked. When in Rome and Passport to Paris, for example, both had teenage girls screaming with delight.
18 Skipping Prom To Host 'Saturday Night Live', The Twins Finally Graduated High School And Began Classes At University Just Months Later
Not many teens can say they skipped their prom to host Saturday Night Live, but that's exactly what happened to Mary-Kate and Ashley. According to Screen Rant, during the show's opening monologue, Ashley poked fun at their lives and prom, saying she was sad to miss out on prom because, "we'll never know what it's like to ride in a limo, and wear fancy dresses, and have someone do our hair."
Shortly after hosting SNL the girls graduated from high school and only months later began classes at New York University proving they weren't just hard workers at their jobs, but focused on their education, too.
17 The Girls Finally Grew Up In 2004 And Stopped Matching On Red Carpets, Along With Starring In Their Final Movie Together
2004 marked the year that the Olsen twins made their final movie together and with that, stopped coordinating their outfits. New York Minute showed the girls as two completely opposite characters, pushing their individuality to their fans quite clearly. Mary-Kate was seen as the free-spirit, while Ashley had more of a put together, prim and proper look.
As per Nicki Swift, the movie, unfortunately, tanked, showing that their transition into more mature roles wasn't something their fans or critics were necessarily looking for. The girls then decided to retreat from the spotlight, and put their time and focus on other projects, such as fashion.
16 The Time They Were The First Ever Twins To Be Placed On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is essentially an entertainment museum, hosting the names of famous celebrities and fictional characters that are written on the stars. According to China Daily, the twins were honored at the same time they promoted New York Minute, cleverly tying the press together. In unison, they told the crowd that it was "a great honor", with Ashley making sure to thank all their family and friends, cast members, Dualstar, and of course, their fans.
The girls posed with their mom and siblings, with Mary-Kate wearing a gorgeously slinky purple dress and sporting darker hair, while Ashley went more formal in her glittery white dress, channeling old Hollywood glam with her platinum blonde locks.
15 The Time They Infamously Got Slimed At The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
Having stars "slimed" was something Nickelodeon was known for, especially at the Kids' Choice Awards. Back in 2004, while promoting New York Minute, the Olsen twins got notoriously slimed, clutching each other in fear on stage as they got dosed in the sticky green goo. As per Daily Mail, the history of getting celebs slimed goes back to the late '80s and '90s, with the ingredients making it surprisingly edible, as they were mostly food coloring and various foods. Some ingredients in different versions included vanilla pudding, applesauce, and even oatmeal. It turns out, the Olsens didn't have much to be afraid of after all!
14 Moving Away From Film And Steering Into Fashion, The Duo Launched Their Own Line, The Row In 2006
In 2006 the twins were almost 20 and slowly began building their fashion empire. Only two short years after releasing New York Minute, Mary-Kate and Ashley launched their first collection for The Row, consisting only of seven garments. It originally started as a personal project with the challenge of creating the perfect t-shirt. According to AOL, it was a hit, and Barneys New York bought it all.
The very premium, high-end label has led them to win a total of four CFDA awards at the highest honor a fashion designer can receive. This proved that the girls really do have a knack for fashion, and their foray into clothes wasn't just another celebrity clothing line.
13 Becoming Millennial Fashion Icons, The Girls Brought Chic Oversized Sunglasses Into The Limelight As Their Trademark Look
Big sunglasses have had their time in the spotlight before, thanks to the likes of Jackie Kennedy, and hippie queens of the 1970s. Mary-Kate and Ashley gave this trend another whirl, making it their trademark look that caught on in the world of fashion.
The girls have popularized other trends as well, oversizing practically everything in their closets - not just their sunglasses. Wonder where the twins find inspiration themselves? Pick up a copy of their book that they co-authored called Influence, which was published back in 2008 and featured interviews with designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as other high-profile photographers and celebrities.
12 After Ditching Acting, The Girls Still Supported Their Younger Sister Elizabeth As She Started Gaining Traction In Her Acting Career
As the twins left the acting spotlight of Hollywood after New York Minute, their younger sister Elizabeth gained traction, especially after starring in The Avengers. Despite all her success on camera, it turns out Elizabeth almost quit acting due to watching how it affected her sisters, according to E Online. When Mary-Kate had a health scare back in 2004, the media frenzy that surrounded it was ruthless, showing Elizabeth the harsh realities of the business. She's been quoted as saying, "that was when the media was what I found to be abusive to my sisters, and I thought I really didn't want to be in the industry. They would follow us shopping and [Mary-Kate and Ashley] would almost get into car accidents because of the paparazzi, and I didn't want to be a part of it."
11 Showing No Signs Of Letting Go Of Their Fashion Empire, The Girls Became Creative Directors Of Italian Tennis Shoe Brand Superga In 2011
Proving their worth with The Row, then moving on to their second line Elizabeth and James of a lower price point, the girls decided to expand their empire more and became creative directors of Italian shoe label Superga, as of 2011. According to Refinery29, what started as the hunt for the perfect t-shirt has now resulted in the hunt for the perfect sneaker. Ashley has raved about Superga in past saying, "I really don't think there's anything like this brand. It's a tennis-shoe brand with 100 years under its belt." With its minimal design, it's no wonder the Olsen Twins have taken over.
10 After Taking A Break From Going On TV Together, The Twins Met Up On 'Ellen' Once More To Answer Some Fun Questions About Themselves
As per Us Magazine, after avoiding being on TV together for years, the twins reunited in 2014 for an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. After being in hiding for so many years, they kept things light and answered fun facts about each other such as who got to kiss a boy first and who is the better dancer (Mary-Kate was both).
It's not the first time Mary-Kate beat Ashley in romantic milestones, as months after the Ellen interview news broke that she was the first out of the duo to get engaged, now happily wed to French banker Olivier Sarkozy.
9 They Have A Secret Sister Sign Code They've Used Since They Were Kids
Growing up in the spotlight when they were both under a year old, the Olsen twins have always had a special bond that they could not share with anyone else. With all their joint TV shows and movies, interviews, and countless paparazzi moments together, it's no surprise that the girls had to form a special handshake and code that they use with one another in public. According to Vanity Fair, videos have been uploaded in recent years of the Olsen twins hugging and squeezing each other's hands in quick succession. When asked about it, Mary-Kate has said, “We have this little thing when we love each other where we’ll squeeze each other like three times,” she said. “Then I’ll squeeze her hand back four times. Like, ‘I love you, too.’”
8 This Photo, Which Marked The First Time The Girls Ever Selfied
After retreating from the public eye, Mary-Kate and Ashley are known to rarely give interviews and mainly keep private, not even using social media. As per Us Magazine, Mary-Kate explained why they've chosen to abstain from it, "We've spent our whole lives trying to not let people have that accessibility, so it would go against everything we've done in our lives to not be in the public." Ashley then added, "Twitter gives me anxiety."
2016 marked the year the Olsen twins briefly made their Instagram debut, taking over Sephora's feed to promote their new Elizabeth and James fragrance and post their first ever public selfie together.
7 Mary-Kate Has Loved Horses Since She Was Little, And Still Competes And Rides To This Day
Back in 1993, Mary-Kate declared her love for horses in a song called "My Horse and Me" featured on their Olsen twin album, I Am The Cute One. She continued with her adoration as she got older, and as per Us Magazine hinted to her horseback-riding skills in 2001 with her and Ashley's movie Winning London, where she shows off her riding talents in a game of polo.
Recently Mary-Kate has honed her horseback prowess by competing in the Hamptons Horse Show, looking like a professional rider suited up in khaki riding pants, boots, a navy blue blazer, and an equestrian helmet, of course.
6 Because The Twins Keep Their Personal Lives So Private, This Photo Of The Duo As Laughing Bridesmaids Warmed Our Hearts
Since deciding to step out of Hollywood and take a more behind-the-scenes approach to being celebrities, the twins haven't been photographed much besides the few instances they've been on the red carpet. When they do have their photos taken, they usually look quite refined and reserved, rarely showing too much expression as opposed to their wide smiles as children.
This is why it was so nice to see the girls laughing and dancing in an intimate shot at their friend's wedding last year as bridesmaids, according to Marie Claire. Wearing adorably printed kaftans with long pom-pom necklaces and flower crowns, the duo was in high spirits, dancing across the grass together.
5 That Time The Twins Proved They Still Do Everything Together, Like Deciding To Break Up With Their Boyfriends One After The Other Just Weeks Apart
It turns out, just because the Olsen twins are grown up, doesn't mean they've stopped being in sync and doing things together, intentionally and unintentionally. As reported by Your Tango, the girls even split from their long-term relationships at the same time. Back in 2011, Mary-Kate ended her relationship with artist Nate Lowman and shortly thereafter Ashley called it quits with The Hangover actor Justin Bartha.
Of course, it's not certain why the couple broke up just weeks after Mary-Kate's relationship, but one can assume the sisters were there for one another, both offering shoulders to cry on.
4 Mary-Kate, All Grown Up, Has Been Living The Family Life With Her Beau In New York Since Tying The Knot In 2015
Of course, in true Olsen twin fashion, when Mary-Kate got married to 47-year-old French banker beau Olivier Sarkozy in 2015, she kept things intimate, opting for a secret ceremony in Manhattan that resulted in no public photos. The ceremony only had around 50 guests and was held in an outdoor garden, staying true to Mary-Kate's ever-present bohemian aesthetic. According to Glamour, they now live in New York with his family in a $6.25 million townhouse. Mary-Kate opened up about the married life, gushing, " I have a husband, two step-kids and a life; I have to go home and cook dinner."
3 When They Stayed Ridiculously On Trend Earlier This Year By Giving Out Crystals As Fashion Week Party Favours
If the Olsens do one thing correctly, it's that they stay on-brand no matter what. At this year's New York Fashion Week they debuted their Fall collection for The Row, and fans and critics saw them in their signature oversized coats and sunglasses, sipping coffee in silence. According to W Magazine, they kept things on par with their aesthetic by handing out goodie bags containing one crystal for each guest, either white (to promote harmony) or black (for protection from negative energy). According to a note that came with the black crystal, recipients of the "black tourmaline" can expect all the benefits of a crystal that "repels and blocks negative energies" and "works in reducing fear and increasing focus."
2 The Twins Attended The Heavenly Bodies Met Gala This Year, Looking Absolutely Ravishing And Proving They're Still Fashion Icons To This Day
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen prove time and time again that although they're mostly out of the public eye, whenever they come out to grace the red carpet annually for the Met Gala, they steal the show like the fashion icons they truly are. This year's past Met Gala had the theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. The twins impressed everyone, with Mary-Kate sporting an all-black, off the shoulder dress with decadent necklaces, while Ashley wore a red, black, and bronze gown that had an absolutely mesmerizing sheen to it. They both stayed true to their brand and kept their clothes oversized, yet totally chic.
1 In Recent Years, The Twins Only Grace The Red Carpet For Two Annual Events, The Met Gala And The Youth America Grand Prix, Staying Intimately Private Otherwise
The Olsen twins have become so private in recent years that they don't even attend red carpet events as much as they used to, solely sticking to two annual functions, the Met Gala and the Youth America Grand Prix, in support of a youth dance competition which awards scholarships to dance schools around the world. According to the Independent, Elizabeth Olsen called her sisters very reserved, saying, "There are always ways you can be private - my sisters are intimately private and I respect that. They showed me that you can be private, but also accessible to journalists, for those reasons. It’s helpful that I learnt my value system from them."
References: Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Screen Rant, Daily Mail, E Online
