StyleWatch Style News Now

Style News Now

Mary-Kate Olsen Is Happy with Fashion as Her ‘Day Job’

08/04/2010 at 03:30 PM ET

Courtesy Marie Claire

Mary-Kate Olsen may have grown up in front of the cameras alongside twin sister Ashley, but these days the former Full House star is more likely to be found immersed in fashion sketches than television roles. Since founding three successful and incredibly chic clothing lines with Ashley—including The Row, the lower-priced Olsenboye collection for JCPenney as well as Elizabeth and James—the September Marie Claire cover girl considers herself more of a designer than anything else. “I still read scripts, and if something great comes along, that’s great…but this is my day job. The Row is where I go every day,” she tells the magazine. The 24-year-old finds herself probably best known these days for her unexpected and always unique sense of style, which is as likely to land her on certain best dressed lists as other worst dressed lists. And while the actress is grateful for the opportunities her on screen childhood afforded her, it seems she wouldn’t trade her current situation for anything. “I look at old photos of me, and I don’t feel connected to them at all…I would never wish my upbringing upon anyone.” For more on Mary-Kate, check out marieclaire.com or pick up the latest issue on newsstands August 10. –Jessie Goldberg

Courtesy Marie Claire

Your Reaction

Follow Us

On Newsstands Now

On Newsstands Now

Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Oklahoma Tornado: Heroic Rescues
  • Michael Douglas on Catherine's Health

Pick up your copy on newsstands

Click here for instant access to the Digital Magazine

Advertisement

Add A Comment

Got something to add to this post? Fill out the fields below to make a comment, ask a question or share a tip. We'd love to hear from you.

Note: If this is your first time commenting on Style News Now, your comment will need to be approved by our moderator before it will appear. Thanks for your patience, and check back again soon.

Comments + Add a comment

Showing 54 comments

Style Statement With Exciting Fashion Accessories From Esprit | 生活因梦想而生! on August 4th, 2010

[...] Read more on People Magazine [...]

Eliza on August 4th, 2010

When I was young around 5 or so Mary-Kate and Ashley were my favourite!

Tim on August 4th, 2010

A multimillionaire at 24 and wouldn’t wish her upbringing on anyone. Poor little rich girl! It’s not like she had to do hard labor or even think.

Lisa on August 4th, 2010

Its funny how no one see’s past money. The child was thrown into acting at TWO… really you think that having millions of dollors makes up for the fact that her child hood was completely removed from her life? Hmm… do you have kids?

Sure the money makes life easier financially, but can you imagine being as famous as these two are because your parents decided you should have no privacy??

Lauren on August 4th, 2010

Lisa, she was nine months old when she started acting. It’s funny she says she wouldn’t wish her upbringing on anyone when she & Ashley were millionaires when they were five years old! They always seemed like happy kids with a solid family support system. Considering how many worst dressed lists she’s been on I think she better stick to acting. Her new movie Beastly is coming out soon so she hasn’t given up acting forever.

C on August 4th, 2010

I agree…I wouldn’t wish anyone to have such a selfish view on life either.

Christi on August 4th, 2010

Uhm maybe she missed out on some of her childhood..big whoop? so did i and most people i had an alcoholic mother to take care of so i grew up quick..but for her to say that is a joke..if she did nt go threw whatever it is that was so bad she wouldnt have the money to do pretty much whatever she wants designer teams to make her collections . she would be a nobody so in the end a person in her position still wouldnt change a thing unless they werent happy now..and if she isnt… you have all the money in the world..get out of the ‘spot light’ and go do things ur still young…im making it up for it and it made me who iam… Go cry and act all emo depressed so into fashion chic.. Shes like a 50 year old bitter woman already. Pathetic cry baby.

Mabes on August 4th, 2010

Good for her!! Love her style!!

Ellen on August 4th, 2010

I’m sure children of Detroit’s 30% unemployment rate wish that she would wish her childhood, and future opportunities on them…to say it was 100% enjoyable is one thing, but disregard it as a means to an end which makes her very happy is ungrateful

Mary-Kate Olsen says being a fashion designer is "her day job" | HollywoodNews.com on August 4th, 2010

[...] She has decided to become a fashion designer with the launch of her line “The Row” and “Elizabeth and James.” She said in the new “Marie Claire” issue, “I still read scripts, and if something great comes along, that’s great…but this is my day job. The Row is where I go every day,” reports People. [...]

Steve on August 4th, 2010

The picture with red boots is hot.

sue on August 4th, 2010

yeah its kinda hard to not bring money into this issue, because its all about money and whiney spolied people in this world. I wish my parents had done this torture to me, so now I could be a multimilliare. as a matter of fact if someone wants to follow me around day and night for money lets go? who gives a giant poo for these girls– they know they are washed up and probaly have numerous eating disorders as well as known drug problems.

sue on August 4th, 2010

Yeah steve, so hot wash your hand!!! when you are donedumba@@@

Taylor on August 4th, 2010

Ok christy boo hoo… Mary Kate and Ashley had a different kind of upbringing and if she would have wished it was different than so be it. She is allowed to voice her opinion.

JC on August 4th, 2010

It is really sad that the comments go to money, but not surprising. I am sure she is referring to the fact that she never experienced just being a kid. I always watch these shows with kids and think how weird it would be been to be having to go to a job at 5, 6, 7, 8.

Elda on August 4th, 2010

Whatever!! she is just trying to find an excuse b/c no one wants to hire her or her sister for any movie (maybe low budget)!!

RMM on August 4th, 2010

Like Taylor said, MK is allowed to have an opinion, and starting acting at such a young age, hardly more than a few years old, if that, must not have been easy. Personally, I don’t think that at a few years old you can make a life-changing decision. Maybe she wishes that she would have been older when she found fame, so that SHE could make the choices right for HER.

She even admitted she was grateful for the opportunities it presented, but maybe she wishes that it had happened differently.

Michele on August 4th, 2010

It’s too bad Mary Kate sees her childhood as a burden rather than a blessing. It was her fame and fortune that allowed her to become the fashion designer she is today. If not for her childhood celebrity she would still be working hard for her start in life.

Mary-Kate Olsen says being a fashion designer is “her day job” - Hollywoodnews.com | Fashionista 365 on August 4th, 2010

[...] Mary-Kate Olsen Is Happier Being a Designer Than an ActressPeople MagazineMary-Kate Olsen: 'I would never wish my upbringing on anyone'Daily CallerDigital Spy -Wonderwall -PopSugar.com (blog)all 63 news articles » AKPC_IDS += "35971,";Popularity: unranked [?]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Mary-Kate Olsen says being a fashion designer is “her day job” – Hollywoodnews.com", url: "http://www.fashionista365.com/2010/08/04/mary-kate-olsen-says-being-a-fashion-designer-is-%e2%80%9cher-day-job%e2%80%9d-hollywoodnewscom/" }); Share and Enjoy: [...]

DLJ on August 4th, 2010

Mary-Kate is beautiful. So is her sister Ashley.

Kara on August 4th, 2010

People shouldn’t make such horrible comments about a person they know nothing about. Unless you have lived her life you shouldn’t assume that everything was great for her just because she is rich. Life is about more then money and money doesn’t buy happiness.

Yes,It'sMe on August 4th, 2010

She should stick to her acting – her sense of style usually looks maudlin and “homeless chic.” I have very little admiration when someone as lucky and as rich as her whines about their childhood. Unless she was sexually, physically, or verbally abused as a child she should stop with the complaining-it won’t win her many fans. And yes. I personally would trade in my first 16 years of life (even though I had a happy childhood)if it meant I would live a rich life for decades – I think about how many family members & friends I could help now with that kind of money so yes yes yes I would trade it.

Claire on August 5th, 2010

The people making comments such as ‘poor little rich girl’ don’t seem to understand that money and fame don’t necessarily make you happy. That the levels of fame these girls have lived with all their lives carries with it unbearable levels of pressure and public scrutiny. Most people are thinking ‘oh I wouldnt complain if I had her bank account and people wanting to feature me in their magazines’ but living it is something most of you could never comprehend.

lala on August 5th, 2010

IDONT GET IT?

Jane Conrad on August 5th, 2010

Ashley wouldn’t wish her upbringing on anyone? Did it ever occur to her that it was her upbringing that directly led to her career that she has now? She made some great career choices & investments (that’s true), but the Olsen twins were a household name that opened doors. I hope she’s grateful.

Emily on August 5th, 2010

She wouldn’t wish her upbringing on anyone? Does she really think she’d be such a successful designer by age 24 if she hadn’t had that upbringing? No way! She’d be low man on the totempole, would have had to finish school, etc. She may not have had a typical childhood but she sure doesn’t seem to mind the perks that come along with that a-typical upbringing. Was always a fan until I just read that.

Emily on August 5th, 2010

The last Olsen girl movie that came out was a flop… so maybe its not even really her choice to be giving up the acting and holding out… but wow what a way to sound like a complete spoiled brat.

SHar on August 5th, 2010

I dont know why all the negativity because while we see just how well she was marketed since she was a baby. Her parents were very good at managing their careers whereby they became millionaires at an early age. But did the girls really want this – we dont know that for sure do me. I honestly dont believe she is talking about her family life being a problem – I think she is saying she didnt have a childhood and felt like a puppet with her Dad always pulling the strings. I think for years she was doing what others wanted her to do and now she is finally doing something she is passionate about. Maybe just maybe she is finally calling the shots for her life and maybe all the millions they have made dont matter a damn and they are still searching for what they really want to do in life. Give the girl a break.

Cricket on August 5th, 2010

Mary Kate would not be where she is today without the upbringing she had. What does she want…to be a poor person working 9-5 everyday to eat! She certainly wouldn’t be drawing pictures of clothes. She’s 24 and a multi-millionaire for Christ’s sake…she can do anything in life she wants to do…somehow I don’t feel sorry.

Emily on August 5th, 2010

Wow,jealousmuch everyone? She never mentions money. Perhaps she regrets her upbringing because she would have preferred enjoying her childhood and siblings in a normal way. Maybe that would have included going to school, having friends, a normal body image, and not heading up a corporation before most kids read at a first grade level. I think given the circunstances of her life you all have no reason to “boo hoo” her. She has been triumphant.

Jennifer on August 5th, 2010

It would be hard to grow up in the public eye. If you didn’t grow up a child star, stop picking on her. We have no idea what it was like. I think she did a great job. They are wonderful at designing! I think they made a good choice to switch.

CIBBEE on August 5th, 2010

EVERYTIME I SEE BOTH OF THEM THEIR HAIR IS SUCH A MESS…. FASHION??? HOW ABOUT DOING SOMETHING WITH YOUR HAIR… MAYBE YOU’LL BE ON THE BETTER DRESSED LIST….

Maddy on August 5th, 2010

I really think that all of you need to stop hatin on mary-kate. None of you know what her really childhood was like or what she had to suffer through once the cameras were off. Yes she did become successful at a young age and like she said before she is grateful for that so why are all of you jealous. You say you wish you would have had her childhood…but in all actuality she didnt resally have a childhood. She was constantly in the spotlight and that is no way for a child to have to live. Point in case other childhood stars. My opinion to all the hatersw stop being jealous and thank God that you have the life you have.

sandy on August 5th, 2010

“wouldn’t wish my childhood on anyone”
Hmmm, I would imagine that without that so called childhood- there is no way you’d be where you are today in the fashion industry, without your fame & money. everything you did as a child IS what got you to where you are today! think about it.

Nicole on August 5th, 2010

She has had an amazing life, but that is not to say that she wishes it had been different. People who are thrown in to the spotlight at 9 years old are stripped of their childhood. I have always idolized these 2, I think they have done amazing things…and as much as I have always wanted to be this famous actress, I would NEVER give up the childhood that I was able to live. So kudos Mary-Kate! You have done amazing things with yourself and there is nothing wrong with the way she thinks!

Jon on August 5th, 2010

Good for her!

Nicole on August 5th, 2010

I meant to say 9 months! Whoops!

Jessica on August 5th, 2010

I don’t think money has anything to do with her disconnected childhood. Yeah, I’m sure she’s not complaining about having money, but who would want a chilhood they didn’t choose to have? I’m sure she didn’t go to her parents at 9 months and ask to be an actress on a sitcom and be in too many movies to count. I don’t think she’s playing the “poor little rich girl” card either…I think she’s trying to convey that what always glitters isn’t gold.

melisa on August 5th, 2010

She was an actress?

And why does she dress like a hobo?

Kim H on August 5th, 2010

I think that a lot of you are missing the point of her statement. Growing up in the spotlight is not easy. And while yes she is rich beyond most of our dreams, the constant attention to her and her sister is not natural and I think its those situations that she would not wish on anyone. If she is happy being a fashion designer, then I say go for it. At least she is trying to make a life for herself and isn’t as messed up as Lindsey Lohan. I give this young woman credit. She may not have had an easy life (and again, being a star in Hollywood at a young age isn’t easy), but at least she is trying to move past that and find a sense of purpose in this life. I say for all you naysayers…Give this young woman a break.

SusiQ on August 5th, 2010

Ha. . Ha. . Ha. .oh, wait, that’s not supposed to be a joke, is it?

Maurine on August 5th, 2010

If she hadn’t been an actress, she wouldn’t be a designer now and wouldn’t be able to sketch for her day job. What was so horrible about her childhood?

Rachel on August 5th, 2010

I think Mary-Kate should be entitled to her own opinion. I completely agree with her. Why do people have to bash everything celebrities say? Who cares that she feels that way. I think its most important to do what you love to do in life. If she feels that way then who cares. I think she is smart, and talented and I completely see where she’s coming from.

Mary-Kate Olsen: ‘I Would Never Wish My Upbringing On Anyone’ - MTV.com | Fashionista 365 on August 5th, 2010

[...] Found Her Calling in FashionAmerican Superstar MagazineHot Momma Celebrity Gossip (blog) -People Magazine -Daily Callerall 116 news articles » AKPC_IDS += "35983,";Popularity: unranked [...]

Mary-Kate Olsen Covers Marie Claire « Eaglefabrics' Blog on August 5th, 2010

[...] Read more HERE [...]

Britini95 on August 5th, 2010

Mary Kate and Ashley’s personal sense of style isn’t too great, but thier line, Olsenboye, has amazing peices. And the picture with the red boots is really nice. And I agree with all of those who said its not about money and that money isn’t all you need for happiness. She probably never got to be a kid. Going to work 6 days a week from early moring until late at night, never knowing who is REALLY your frien, it had to be stressful. All she said was “I wouldn’t wish my upbringing on anyone” not “My life was SO hard!” Yeah having money made her life easier as she got older, and her fame opened many doors for her, but do 6 year olds with no free time and no real friends care about thier millions? NO! has . But I agree, its not a good idea to complain publically, its just kind of annoying. We have/ had problems.

SuZQ on August 5th, 2010

How can these girls even say ohhh poor us. The child labor laws state they could be in the studio for 2 hours at 6 mths to 2 years and only during specific hours and HOW MUCH were THEY working at that age??? 6-9 yrs 4 hours work, 3 hours school, 1 hour play. 9-16 yrs 5 hours work, 3 hrs school, 1 hour play and 16-18 6 hours work. Most of us went to school for longer during the day than that and didn’t make money for it. Boo hoo hoo – cry me a river

I Sleep In Sequins » Blog Archive » Julia Roberts on Plastic Surgery; Mary-Kate Happy in Fashion on August 5th, 2010

[...] • Mary-Kate Olsen told Marie Claire, “I still read scripts, and if something great comes along, that’s great … but this is my day job. The Row is where I go every day.” [StyleWatch/People] [...]

Samantha on August 6th, 2010

Mary-Kate and Ashley had it tough. so have many people. mary-kate doesnt wish what she felt, what she went through in her eyes. people who have to grow up to quickly and become responsible wouldn’t want people to go through what they did. people feel different. people go through things different. people who want to be her because of the fame and/or money can want what they want. but did you ever think that maybe, not just mary-kate but others, would give it up to be in those people’s places? not that it will change anything, but its a “what if”. what if i could have money. what if i could have family. what if….

Mary-Kate Olsen Is Happy with Fashion as Her ‘Day Job’ | Buy Me on August 7th, 2010

[...] more on People Magazine Posted in Fashion Style Tags: fashion, Happy, Job’, MaryKate, Olsen, ‘Day « Half [...]

Jennifer on August 9th, 2010

She grew up to be such a beautiful lady.

MK and Ashley Olsen Alternate Marie Claire September Issues! – PopSugar.com (blog) | escalaneighbors.com on August 19th, 2010

[...] many projects …Mary-Kate Olsen: 'I Would Never Wish My Upbringing On Anyone'MTV.comMary-Kate Olsen Is Happier Being a Designer Than an ActressPeople MagazineMary-Kate Olsen on fashion and childhoodOsoblog (blog)Ok! Magazine -Hollywood [...]

MaryKate Olsen Is Happier Being a Designer Than an Actress itsachat writers on November 24th, 2010

[...] Mary-Kate Olsen Is Happier Being a Designer Than an Actress [...]

Prakash on March 5th, 2012

Best Xrumer service we plusibh your custom post up to 100K forums worldwide price starting only form $29Get great web traffic using amazing xrumer blast available. We can post your marketing post up to 100K forums around the web, get insane amount of backlinks and large web traffic in very short time. Most affordable and most powerful service for web traffic and backlinks in the world!!!!Your post will be plusibhed up to 100000 forums worldwide your website will get insatnt traffic and massive increase in seo rankings just after few days or weeks. Order now:

 

From Our Partners