Meditative, clean and focused. This is what defines Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row, with its seasonal approach to design being to perfect rather than to reinvent. As such, the cult label’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection stayed its course with yet another chapter of pristine wardrobe staples appealing to its minimalist-minded clientele.
Once again, The Row’s latest collection showed in their Greenwich Street studio, where unadorned walls and high ceilings gave a sense of calm gravitas. The collection opened with an unapologetically “simple” all-black outfit: a boxy, button-down short-sleeve shirt with the ideal amount of stiffness, and relaxed-fit ankle-grazing trousers that gave just a touch of movement. No jewellery or accessories, hair was a middle-parted low ponytail, and shoes were clear, single wide-strap sandals that were the closest thing to being barefoot. A series of entirely white and/or black staple silhouettes followed. Blazers were tapered ever so slightly in the waist for a sublime fit that defined the figure while keeping the louche tailoring; whispers of sportswear appeared via subtle zipper details and mock neck collars; and hems were crisp but limber.
A series of beige looks presented more novel designs such as a pleated dress with a smooth torso panel and another ankle-grazing number made of sheer organza rounded paillettes. But it was perhaps two all-black wardrobe staples — a strapless LBD and a black wool wrap coat with rounded quarter-length sleeves — that best demonstrated The Row’s ability to create timeless classics that feel fresh and relevant.
Editor
Joanna Fu