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Influence
Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, known around the world for their individual, unique style have emerged as two of our shared culture's most influential women. In the pages of Influence, Ashley and Mary-Kate take readers on a journey through their celebrated young lives, pausing to reflect on what has helped shape them into who they are today. Influence will be filled with never-before-seen photographs from Ashley and Mary-Kate's private collections, pages of original material by Ashley and Mary-Kate, and interviews with some of the most influential tastemakers in the world. Internationally famous photographer Rankin shot the cover image and many interior shots. The book is designed by renowned book-designer Rodrigo Corral and edited by fashion and arts writer Derek Blasberg. Influence has 4 major sections: Fashion, Environment, Art and Giving Back, as well as an introduction and conclusion. This category-breaking book will show that with an open mind and a little bit of curiosity, everyone can have INFLUENCE.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 27, 2008
36 people are currently reading
2314 people want to read
About the author
Mary-Kate Olsen
31 books112 followersMary-Kate Olsen is an Daytime Emmy Award-nominated American actress. She has had a successful acting career beginning at a very young age, in roles with her twin sister Ashley Olsen. She and her sister are co-CEOs of Dualstar Entertainment Group, LLC.
Beginning in 2006, she has appeared in movie roles independent of her sister.
Beginning in 2006, she has appeared in movie roles independent of her sister.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 27, 2009
I saw this at the library and was curious, so I checked it out. This book should be called "Privilege". The Olsen twins are billionaires, thanks to their sweatshop manufactured goods for Wal-Mart and their direct to DVD films.... They decided to interview rich and famous people for this book, which looks like a cross between a hard cover coffee table book and Interview magazine. They fly to Coco Chanel's old apartment in Paris to interview Karl Lagerfeld, various hotels and restaurants in Paris to interview designers and a runway show producer during fashion week, and to artists' studios and lofts in LA and NYC. They constantly name drop, and talk about their new high fashion lines(The Row and/or Elizabeth and James)to the people they interview. They also frequently mention their disdain for the media, yet quote the media in their little biographies at the end of the book. They even interview each other(groan)as influences. Although I did enjoy reading about some of the artists and designers and their creative processes, this was way too self indulgent. The Olsen twins are trying to come across as "working their asses off" (they say this several times) and as "self taught", but really, who are they trying to fool? They also mention how much art they own (Picasso's, Basquiat's, a robe previously owned by Galliano), which is a bit obnoxious. I guess I give them credit for not flashing their nether regions to the paparazzi or falling down drunk while racking up DUI's, but I don't think those are things to celebrate. I think these two should focus their influence and money on charitable programs instead.
December 4, 2008
Did you know that Ashley Olsen's favorite author is Plato? Who decided that sounded believable?
The pictures that don't have any Olsen twins in them are interesting. The interviews are totally awkward but have some comedic value.
The pictures that don't have any Olsen twins in them are interesting. The interviews are totally awkward but have some comedic value.
May 31, 2016
My pal Melanie here got me onto this book, and I have to admit, the Olsen's oddly twisted cherubic visages kind of intrigue me, so I thought I'd go to the library and check the thing out. When I learned not one library in the city of Louisville had it, I got obsessed by the idea that I couldn't get it, and, of course, at that point had to have it, come hell or high water. It was no longer an issue of the book being something I wanted to read all that much, but the idea that it was being denied me that motivated me to buy a copy off Amazon for $15 plus shipping.
So, what is this book, exactly?
In a nutshell, each chapter is an interview the twins conducted with their fashion heroes, or people somehow related to the fashion industry: producers, models, journalists, designers, artists, and so on. Most of them come from the prehistoric days of the '60s, '70s and '80s, and, in the worldview of the Olsens, like a lot of kids of their generation, the world formed out of some primordial ooze that congealed and hardened in 1970. There was little history before that.
So who are their heroes, the ones who have "influenced" their "philosophy" and lifestyles? Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld, Bob Colacello, Lauren Hutton, Peter Beard, Alexandre de Betak, and many more.
I have to admit, I don't really give two shits about fashion, although I do wish average people would dress better. So, many of the names in this book are slightly recognizable to me or not at all.
The point is, then, am I learning anything reading this? And the answer is yes. Quite a lot, actually. And no, it's not all the things I thought I would glean, which is that the Olsens are spoiled brats who like to go to fancy restaurants all over the world to interview their fashion heroes and turn it into a vainglorious and largely self-serving, heavily illustrated coffee table book. There are cringe inducing moments in the interviews of ego stroking among these elites, but this is the way these people talk to one another. It's actually kind of insightful to see this in print.
The thing is, as much as I went into this book thinking I was going to pen a snarky pan, I am actually instead struck by the fact that I'm learning a lot about how the fashion world operates and who the people are who pull the strings in it. Whether -- like the Olsens -- you think that fashion is all that important, the twins do know their subject fairly well, do know the personages, and know the right questions to ask. The first, interview, with Peter Beard, does not bode well for the rest of the book; it's a bit trite, but I blame the subject rather than the Olsens, and things do improve after that. The team interview by MK and A with Bob Colacello is actually quite a good job; they take on one of the main journalists who documented the era of Andy Warhol's Factory days and elicit a fascinating and thought-provoking interview that covers far more than fashion, including the changing role of media in society.
So far, I've only read three of the chapters, but however much a vanity project this is, it is pretty informative for a fashion-world neophyte like myself. The Olsens are pretty, but this book seems to to offer evidence that they're no dummies.
reading on....
Well, I forgot to mention that the Olsens are shown in this book modeling a good deal of the weird shit designed by their "influencers." Oddly, they don't look at all comfortable in the stuff most of the time. Everything seems to fit them like loose skin on a shar-pei dog. Anyway, the book is an uber-paean to materialism with some Plato and Walt Whitman thrown in once in awhile to give things a pseudo philosophical justification. The book is about stuff and the people who make it, and the worship of same. For those who fantasize about having the ready cash (and plenty more where that came from) to walk into any store anywhere and buy it out (like the Olsens can, and undoubtedly have) this is a sort of dream book.
I like the girls. I mean they are girls and they like fashion, aesthetics, the feel of material, the fetishism and eroticism of it. Why the fuck not?
FINAL: The book wore me down a bit. I found a lot of these people insufferable, and their art in a lot of cases to be overrated. Still, I learned some things, and the book overall is quite attractive. It's printed on both glossy paper and a very thick non-glossy paper that is very pleasant to touch.
Oh, I managed to re-sell the book, so I came out even-Steven.
(KR@ky)
So, what is this book, exactly?
In a nutshell, each chapter is an interview the twins conducted with their fashion heroes, or people somehow related to the fashion industry: producers, models, journalists, designers, artists, and so on. Most of them come from the prehistoric days of the '60s, '70s and '80s, and, in the worldview of the Olsens, like a lot of kids of their generation, the world formed out of some primordial ooze that congealed and hardened in 1970. There was little history before that.
So who are their heroes, the ones who have "influenced" their "philosophy" and lifestyles? Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld, Bob Colacello, Lauren Hutton, Peter Beard, Alexandre de Betak, and many more.
I have to admit, I don't really give two shits about fashion, although I do wish average people would dress better. So, many of the names in this book are slightly recognizable to me or not at all.
The point is, then, am I learning anything reading this? And the answer is yes. Quite a lot, actually. And no, it's not all the things I thought I would glean, which is that the Olsens are spoiled brats who like to go to fancy restaurants all over the world to interview their fashion heroes and turn it into a vainglorious and largely self-serving, heavily illustrated coffee table book. There are cringe inducing moments in the interviews of ego stroking among these elites, but this is the way these people talk to one another. It's actually kind of insightful to see this in print.
The thing is, as much as I went into this book thinking I was going to pen a snarky pan, I am actually instead struck by the fact that I'm learning a lot about how the fashion world operates and who the people are who pull the strings in it. Whether -- like the Olsens -- you think that fashion is all that important, the twins do know their subject fairly well, do know the personages, and know the right questions to ask. The first, interview, with Peter Beard, does not bode well for the rest of the book; it's a bit trite, but I blame the subject rather than the Olsens, and things do improve after that. The team interview by MK and A with Bob Colacello is actually quite a good job; they take on one of the main journalists who documented the era of Andy Warhol's Factory days and elicit a fascinating and thought-provoking interview that covers far more than fashion, including the changing role of media in society.
So far, I've only read three of the chapters, but however much a vanity project this is, it is pretty informative for a fashion-world neophyte like myself. The Olsens are pretty, but this book seems to to offer evidence that they're no dummies.
reading on....
Well, I forgot to mention that the Olsens are shown in this book modeling a good deal of the weird shit designed by their "influencers." Oddly, they don't look at all comfortable in the stuff most of the time. Everything seems to fit them like loose skin on a shar-pei dog. Anyway, the book is an uber-paean to materialism with some Plato and Walt Whitman thrown in once in awhile to give things a pseudo philosophical justification. The book is about stuff and the people who make it, and the worship of same. For those who fantasize about having the ready cash (and plenty more where that came from) to walk into any store anywhere and buy it out (like the Olsens can, and undoubtedly have) this is a sort of dream book.
I like the girls. I mean they are girls and they like fashion, aesthetics, the feel of material, the fetishism and eroticism of it. Why the fuck not?
FINAL: The book wore me down a bit. I found a lot of these people insufferable, and their art in a lot of cases to be overrated. Still, I learned some things, and the book overall is quite attractive. It's printed on both glossy paper and a very thick non-glossy paper that is very pleasant to touch.
Oh, I managed to re-sell the book, so I came out even-Steven.
(KR@ky)
July 14, 2009
I actually just got this at a book signing in LA, so meeting them was quite a treat! They're so adorable in real life!
That said, this book is very eccentric, odd, eclectic, and bizarre just as I'm sure the girl's lives are. It really gives the rest of us a glimpse into what couture exclusivity these girls have access to!
That said, this book is very eccentric, odd, eclectic, and bizarre just as I'm sure the girl's lives are. It really gives the rest of us a glimpse into what couture exclusivity these girls have access to!
December 24, 2008
I anxiously awaited for this book to become available with my library request. FINALLY when it did I couldn't stop flipping through pages. The photography and editing of this book is nothing short of phenominal. I felt inspiration in my fngertips just glancing through.
.... Then I started to read. HOLY CRAP. Mary Kate and Ashley got together a bunch of people (some household names and some hugely infulential behind the scenes) and interviewed them. Well... by interview I mean conversed about themselves with them. I could make it through only about 5 "interviews."
This really is a great coffee table book. Pictures, Inspiration, something to flip through. As a read, I couldn't force myself through it.
.... Then I started to read. HOLY CRAP. Mary Kate and Ashley got together a bunch of people (some household names and some hugely infulential behind the scenes) and interviewed them. Well... by interview I mean conversed about themselves with them. I could make it through only about 5 "interviews."
This really is a great coffee table book. Pictures, Inspiration, something to flip through. As a read, I couldn't force myself through it.
Read
December 17, 2010When I heard last year that the Olsen twins would be releasing a book chronicling their fashion influences, my mind immediately flashed towards the Paris Hilton-penned
Confessions of an Heiress
- after all, it seemed like another set of tabloid darlings were trying to add “author” to their resumés. But, to their credit, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s coffee table book, Influence, is not another collection of gaudy images depicting Chihuahuas in pink tutus. True, neither one of the Olsen twins is a particularly innovative writer, but the content of the book is mostly made up with of the words of others, composed largely of in-depth interviews with a total of twenty fashion designers, models, photographers, artists and editors.
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What Mary-Kate and Ashley lack in writing skill, they more than make up for with their eye for talent and knack for asking intelligent interview questions that other publications seem to gloss over. Granted, the artists they talk to are interesting enough on their own, including the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Terry Richardson and Peter Beard, but the interviews cut to the core of their work, focusing on the entire span of each career from their origins to the struggles faced along the way. They are accompanied by richly detailed visuals, including a 1976 Newsweek cover featuring Diane Von Furstenburg and a letter Diana Vreeland wrote to journalist Bob Colacello concerning a magazine article about Josephine Baker.
[image error]
Considering that the Olsen twins are probably more used to giving interviews than conducting them, they manage to keep the focus on the subjects at hand. Oftentimes, their own gushing admiration shines through, but the effect is more endearing than anything else. The twins’ enthusiasm for and knowledge about those that they interview create a casual tone, making each interview seem like a conversation between good friends. Model Lauren Hutton shares advice about relationships and men, and Proenza Schouler recounts jokes about Jack McCollough’s hippie phase, in which he had “dreadlocks down to [his] nipples.”
Of course, Mary-Kate and Ashley haven’t totally omitted themselves from the text. There is a solid 36 page chunk in the middle of the book that serving serves as a scrapbook for of the twins’ more material influences -childhood images, vintage book covers, LPs, mementos from famous friends. While the accompanying text can get a little self-indulgent, especially when each girl takes a turn answering the Proust questionnaire (really, Mary-Kate? Your favourite heroine of fiction is Cleopatra?), there is no denying that the Olsen twins have access to some beautiful, one-of-a-kind stuff; you aren’t very likely to find an signed Ghesquière sketch in just any scrapbook.
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Unlike other starlets who try to convince the public that they’re “normal, typical girls,” Mary-Kate and Ashley make no such attempt to relate to their audience, for better or for worse. While it might be hard to identify with a couple of twenty-somethings who can easily spend a grand on a Balenciaga frock, it’s easy enough to get caught up in the Olsen twins' blatant passion for art and fashion. Ultimately, they reached the goal they set out for - in allowing yourself to get sucked into the detailed images and insightful interviews in this book, you can’t help but feel a little bit inspired. (reviewed by Anna Fitzpatrick)
[image error]
What Mary-Kate and Ashley lack in writing skill, they more than make up for with their eye for talent and knack for asking intelligent interview questions that other publications seem to gloss over. Granted, the artists they talk to are interesting enough on their own, including the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Terry Richardson and Peter Beard, but the interviews cut to the core of their work, focusing on the entire span of each career from their origins to the struggles faced along the way. They are accompanied by richly detailed visuals, including a 1976 Newsweek cover featuring Diane Von Furstenburg and a letter Diana Vreeland wrote to journalist Bob Colacello concerning a magazine article about Josephine Baker.
[image error]
Considering that the Olsen twins are probably more used to giving interviews than conducting them, they manage to keep the focus on the subjects at hand. Oftentimes, their own gushing admiration shines through, but the effect is more endearing than anything else. The twins’ enthusiasm for and knowledge about those that they interview create a casual tone, making each interview seem like a conversation between good friends. Model Lauren Hutton shares advice about relationships and men, and Proenza Schouler recounts jokes about Jack McCollough’s hippie phase, in which he had “dreadlocks down to [his] nipples.”
Of course, Mary-Kate and Ashley haven’t totally omitted themselves from the text. There is a solid 36 page chunk in the middle of the book that serving serves as a scrapbook for of the twins’ more material influences -childhood images, vintage book covers, LPs, mementos from famous friends. While the accompanying text can get a little self-indulgent, especially when each girl takes a turn answering the Proust questionnaire (really, Mary-Kate? Your favourite heroine of fiction is Cleopatra?), there is no denying that the Olsen twins have access to some beautiful, one-of-a-kind stuff; you aren’t very likely to find an signed Ghesquière sketch in just any scrapbook.
[image error]
Unlike other starlets who try to convince the public that they’re “normal, typical girls,” Mary-Kate and Ashley make no such attempt to relate to their audience, for better or for worse. While it might be hard to identify with a couple of twenty-somethings who can easily spend a grand on a Balenciaga frock, it’s easy enough to get caught up in the Olsen twins' blatant passion for art and fashion. Ultimately, they reached the goal they set out for - in allowing yourself to get sucked into the detailed images and insightful interviews in this book, you can’t help but feel a little bit inspired. (reviewed by Anna Fitzpatrick)
April 1, 2012
Everyone is familiar with the Olsen twins. You either remember them because of Full House or because of their celebrity status.
Either way, they are not only actresses or businesswomen, they had written some little books of "twin adventures" that I'm not familiar with at all.
Influence is about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen interviewing some of the most influential people in art and fashion. Some are famous, others are more independent. The interviews aren't what I expected, but it was good enough.
The pictures were pretty and I kind of like the little questionnaire between the twins. (Mary-Kate is apparently the darker twin. For the question "What's your favorite bird?", she responded with "crow". And with the question "How would you like to die?", "In your arms(her sister's)" was her answer. And it seems that their favorite color is black.)
This book was heavy and self-indulgent, but it was a good coffee-book and I did learn something from it.
Either way, they are not only actresses or businesswomen, they had written some little books of "twin adventures" that I'm not familiar with at all.
Influence is about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen interviewing some of the most influential people in art and fashion. Some are famous, others are more independent. The interviews aren't what I expected, but it was good enough.
The pictures were pretty and I kind of like the little questionnaire between the twins. (Mary-Kate is apparently the darker twin. For the question "What's your favorite bird?", she responded with "crow". And with the question "How would you like to die?", "In your arms(her sister's)" was her answer. And it seems that their favorite color is black.)
This book was heavy and self-indulgent, but it was a good coffee-book and I did learn something from it.
July 26, 2010
Boring. This book is just interviews and pictures of various celebrities and fashion designers they like. It's a shame because it would have been much more interesting if Mary-Kate and Ashley would have written a book about their own lives. The few pages dedicated to themselves left me unsatisfied. The rest is fluffy photography. Nice pictures... but it is disappointing being that most people get this book to read about and look at the twins themselves, not their high society friends.
November 12, 2008
This book gives me the creeps.
February 26, 2009
me love mary kate and ashley. tee hee.
Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, known around the world for their individual, unique style have emerged as two of our shared culture’s most influential women. In the pages of Influence, Ashley and Mary-Kate take readers on a journey through their celebrated young lives, pausing to reflect on what has helped shape them into who they are today.
Influence will be filled with never-before-seen photographs from Ashley and Mary-Kate’s private collections, pages of original material by Ashley and Mary-Kate, and interviews with some of the most influential tastemakers in the world. Internationally famous photographer Rankin shot the cover image and many interior shots. The book is designed by renowned book-designer Rodrigo Corral and edited by fashion and arts writer Derek Blasberg.
Influence has 4 major sections: Fashion, Environment, Art and Giving Back, as well as an introduction and conclusion. This category-breaking book will show that with an open mind and a little bit of curiosity, everyone can have INFLUENCE.
Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, known around the world for their individual, unique style have emerged as two of our shared culture’s most influential women. In the pages of Influence, Ashley and Mary-Kate take readers on a journey through their celebrated young lives, pausing to reflect on what has helped shape them into who they are today.
Influence will be filled with never-before-seen photographs from Ashley and Mary-Kate’s private collections, pages of original material by Ashley and Mary-Kate, and interviews with some of the most influential tastemakers in the world. Internationally famous photographer Rankin shot the cover image and many interior shots. The book is designed by renowned book-designer Rodrigo Corral and edited by fashion and arts writer Derek Blasberg.
Influence has 4 major sections: Fashion, Environment, Art and Giving Back, as well as an introduction and conclusion. This category-breaking book will show that with an open mind and a little bit of curiosity, everyone can have INFLUENCE.
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February 10, 2012
I found it to be a brilliant insight into the lives of whose interviewed. While it was an interview, the chatty feel to it made it much easier and more enjoyable to read. It made you feel as though you were there, as the scene would be set and photos are included.
You see designs of theirs [the designers in the book] everywhere- shop windows, catwalks, red carpet events, in magazines, so reading an interview which gives you so much insight into their lives is quite fascinating. The photos are also great [especially those of the photographers], some are included with each interview. For example, if it’s with an artist- photos of their artwork are included.
Overall, I found it to be an amazing book with interviews with some of the most celebrated designers, artists and photographers of all time. I will [and have!] re-read this multiple times, I love it!
You see designs of theirs [the designers in the book] everywhere- shop windows, catwalks, red carpet events, in magazines, so reading an interview which gives you so much insight into their lives is quite fascinating. The photos are also great [especially those of the photographers], some are included with each interview. For example, if it’s with an artist- photos of their artwork are included.
Overall, I found it to be an amazing book with interviews with some of the most celebrated designers, artists and photographers of all time. I will [and have!] re-read this multiple times, I love it!
September 5, 2011
Boring, and had really nothing whatsoever to do with them other than these designers and stuff. Just an oversized book filled with their influences(none of whom I even know)and nothing interesting in my opinion. Pretty cover though. Got to give them that. Totally just flipped through it, and ended up just looking at the pictures. Bleh. Good thing I didn't buy this.
September 11, 2009
..a fashion book for fashion people..
I like lookin' at candids of the Olsen twins probably as much as they hate being shot. They are pretty much the only celebrities I follow captivated by their artfull boho style. So romantic and decadent it makes you dream of the parallel reality those two live in. Although fully satisfying my visual greediness they leave me intellectually starving. Their interviews are boring and lack the eccentricity one would expect judging by their appearance. For the most part their movies are dumb with a few exceptions I could name - Mary-Kate in Weeds, in Factory Girl, and in The Wackness. All of them I’d recommend as extremely pleasurable.
The same applies to the book. It’s wonderful to look at – artistic, a bit nostalgic to different eras, beautiful. But not a good read. It’s a fashion book for fashion people and in the offensive sense. The little talks with those big people are anything but influential and if it gets interesting at some point the credit entirely goes to the artist being interviewed, not to the Olsens’ skills.
I like lookin' at candids of the Olsen twins probably as much as they hate being shot. They are pretty much the only celebrities I follow captivated by their artfull boho style. So romantic and decadent it makes you dream of the parallel reality those two live in. Although fully satisfying my visual greediness they leave me intellectually starving. Their interviews are boring and lack the eccentricity one would expect judging by their appearance. For the most part their movies are dumb with a few exceptions I could name - Mary-Kate in Weeds, in Factory Girl, and in The Wackness. All of them I’d recommend as extremely pleasurable.
The same applies to the book. It’s wonderful to look at – artistic, a bit nostalgic to different eras, beautiful. But not a good read. It’s a fashion book for fashion people and in the offensive sense. The little talks with those big people are anything but influential and if it gets interesting at some point the credit entirely goes to the artist being interviewed, not to the Olsens’ skills.
November 26, 2016
These two sisters have changed a lot over the years and their style have developed into something almost magical and out of this world. I love how they see fashion, and how they express their individuality.
[Sunday, October 28, 2012] Two days ago I got the book and flipped through it and read about the influential people in the Olsen twins life. But the book wasn't what I expected, it was very nice, I LOVE fashion but I wish there was more photos for the Olsen twins, more fashion photos from The Row.
[Sunday, October 28, 2012] Two days ago I got the book and flipped through it and read about the influential people in the Olsen twins life. But the book wasn't what I expected, it was very nice, I LOVE fashion but I wish there was more photos for the Olsen twins, more fashion photos from The Row.
May 13, 2011
This is one of my all-time favorite coffee-table books. It is incredibly inspiring and definitely a worthwhile read, particularly for someone who is interested in pursuing a creative career. Mary-Kate and Ashley have given us access to people we would otherwise never have access to and asked all the relevant questions! It is the kind of book you can read again and again and it contains lots of pretty pictures and insights... I definitely cherish this book.
January 25, 2014
Although I couldn't make it through all the interviews I did enjoy the visual aesthetics of this book, and the general idea of it. I'm always fascinated by these girls and what motivates them. Definitely will re-visit in the future.
October 14, 2017
I don't know why I forgot to mark this book as read. I read it in 2016 and honestly sometimes I still think about it. I really really loved it. I, of course, like many, am a fan of the Olsen twins (when they were young and cute HA...apologies but you know what I mean).
This book was out of the ordinary for me. For one, it's non-fiction. For two, there are a lot of photos and three, it was about photography and style and artsy. It is a collection of interviews with people that Mary Kate and Ashley have come across in their lifetime and admired. I thought the format and writing were brilliant.
I may have picked it up because of who the authors are but I kept reading it because it was amazing. I was introduced to a world I know nothing about but that has always captivated me. I might be creative but only in my spare time. People here don't know this but I've always read and written and sometimes I draw. For a career, I chose a stable 9 to 5 profession (although I currently work 8 to 4), therefore I am always curious about those who have chosen creative career paths. This book was very fascinating and enlightening in that regard.
Some might say "Pfft pictures, that's for children's books."...NOPE. For this book, the photos really aided with enhancing the experience. If we were to talk about a photographer's or artist's work, we might as well see it on the page while we're reading. It helps to engage you, as a reader, in the artist's life and story. It was also interesting to understand how these people and their accomplishments inspired Mary-Kate and Ashley. I think reading about Diane Von Furstenberg was my favourite. Reading about a couple photographers was something I also enjoyed since I have no personal knowledge of photography but their motivations and inspirations are captivating.
I may pick up this book from the library again and re-read it in the near future. It honestly gave me such a calm, relaxed feeling. And, as a bonus, it inspired me to create more, to surround myself with beauty, to feed my soul.
This book was out of the ordinary for me. For one, it's non-fiction. For two, there are a lot of photos and three, it was about photography and style and artsy. It is a collection of interviews with people that Mary Kate and Ashley have come across in their lifetime and admired. I thought the format and writing were brilliant.
I may have picked it up because of who the authors are but I kept reading it because it was amazing. I was introduced to a world I know nothing about but that has always captivated me. I might be creative but only in my spare time. People here don't know this but I've always read and written and sometimes I draw. For a career, I chose a stable 9 to 5 profession (although I currently work 8 to 4), therefore I am always curious about those who have chosen creative career paths. This book was very fascinating and enlightening in that regard.
Some might say "Pfft pictures, that's for children's books."...NOPE. For this book, the photos really aided with enhancing the experience. If we were to talk about a photographer's or artist's work, we might as well see it on the page while we're reading. It helps to engage you, as a reader, in the artist's life and story. It was also interesting to understand how these people and their accomplishments inspired Mary-Kate and Ashley. I think reading about Diane Von Furstenberg was my favourite. Reading about a couple photographers was something I also enjoyed since I have no personal knowledge of photography but their motivations and inspirations are captivating.
I may pick up this book from the library again and re-read it in the near future. It honestly gave me such a calm, relaxed feeling. And, as a bonus, it inspired me to create more, to surround myself with beauty, to feed my soul.
August 20, 2019
As far as the format of this book goes - it's much better than what I've expected it to be.
What I've thought would just be a narrative about the lives, led on by their portraits embellishing the cover, turned out to be something completely different. A gorgeous book full of inspiring interviews with influential people working in the art, fashion and design industry. Diane von Furstenberg, John Galliano, Lauren Hutton, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Loboutin or Terry Richardson... Each of them had a story to tell (some more compelling than others) and each of them at least had a little detail after which you could, "Ok, well at least reading this wasn't a complete waste of time.."
The thing I enjoyed the most during the reading & browsing experience was the layout. It was simply beyond incredible! I've been taking snapshots of countless pages as inspiration, this is pretty much what I want a book to look like, if there's ever one released under my name :D Take a mix of polaroid snapshots, gorgeous high quality photographs, stunningly arranged collages, with some surprisingly added in scans of letters or other memorabilia. And there you go, perfection at your fingertips. Oh and the typography. That was just love at first sight.
The only thing which was a bit of disappointment are the interview skills and techniques of the Olsens'. They were the ones leading the talks with all the participants of this collection of "influence" stories. I believe that if they would've been thought through and prepared with a bit more details, the full potential of storytelling would have been taken advantage of, rather than just barely touched on the surface.
All in all, it's just been a huge pleasure every time I held in my hands, so a well deserved 4 out of 5 stars. For the twins age of 22 back when the book has been put together, it definitely turned out well. Though my biggest shoutout goes to people like Rodrgio Corral & Ben Wiseman (the art director & designer of the book)!
What I've thought would just be a narrative about the lives, led on by their portraits embellishing the cover, turned out to be something completely different. A gorgeous book full of inspiring interviews with influential people working in the art, fashion and design industry. Diane von Furstenberg, John Galliano, Lauren Hutton, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Loboutin or Terry Richardson... Each of them had a story to tell (some more compelling than others) and each of them at least had a little detail after which you could, "Ok, well at least reading this wasn't a complete waste of time.."
The thing I enjoyed the most during the reading & browsing experience was the layout. It was simply beyond incredible! I've been taking snapshots of countless pages as inspiration, this is pretty much what I want a book to look like, if there's ever one released under my name :D Take a mix of polaroid snapshots, gorgeous high quality photographs, stunningly arranged collages, with some surprisingly added in scans of letters or other memorabilia. And there you go, perfection at your fingertips. Oh and the typography. That was just love at first sight.
The only thing which was a bit of disappointment are the interview skills and techniques of the Olsens'. They were the ones leading the talks with all the participants of this collection of "influence" stories. I believe that if they would've been thought through and prepared with a bit more details, the full potential of storytelling would have been taken advantage of, rather than just barely touched on the surface.
All in all, it's just been a huge pleasure every time I held in my hands, so a well deserved 4 out of 5 stars. For the twins age of 22 back when the book has been put together, it definitely turned out well. Though my biggest shoutout goes to people like Rodrgio Corral & Ben Wiseman (the art director & designer of the book)!
June 18, 2017
I have been a fan of Mary-Kate and Ashley since I can remember. I basically grew up with their movies, felt inspired by their sense of style, fashion and pretty faces. Having my hands on this book was absolutely a must.
It's fantastic for someone who loves the history of fashion. For those who have watched their style evolve over the years. You will get an idea of how the twins developed their sense of style and fashion based on people who have influenced them. Influenced. Get it?
You don't have to be a fan of the Olsen's as performers, or age 25 or younger to like this book. Just a true fashion history fan and someone who likes great pictures.
It's fantastic for someone who loves the history of fashion. For those who have watched their style evolve over the years. You will get an idea of how the twins developed their sense of style and fashion based on people who have influenced them. Influenced. Get it?
You don't have to be a fan of the Olsen's as performers, or age 25 or younger to like this book. Just a true fashion history fan and someone who likes great pictures.
February 20, 2015
I have been wanting to buy this book, but I could not find it anywhere. Then one day I was looking for another book in the non-fiction section of the library when I found a copy. I grabbed it off the shelf like I was the five year old girl I used to be when I saw the Barbie I was dying for. I started instantly flipping through the pages, the pictures where beautiful and the people they interviewed where great people. Some I have never heard of and some I have been adoring for some time now.
I keep reading that people thought this book made them conceited flying to all these different places and talking to the big names of the fashion and art world. Sure they are privileged, but that is beyond the point. The book is suppose to be about their influences and help inspire the people who read the book. To me it felt like it was a backstage look on their lives.
My favorite interview was with Lauren Hutton, I believe she was the most inspiring of all the people who were interviewed. Following shortly was Diane Von Furstenberg.
Anyways Influence really did influence me. After I closed the book for the last time I glanced at my own life and I am like a robot and I could work way harder for things I want. I don't live in the moment and I don't take chances. I think it is time to do these things.
I keep reading that people thought this book made them conceited flying to all these different places and talking to the big names of the fashion and art world. Sure they are privileged, but that is beyond the point. The book is suppose to be about their influences and help inspire the people who read the book. To me it felt like it was a backstage look on their lives.
My favorite interview was with Lauren Hutton, I believe she was the most inspiring of all the people who were interviewed. Following shortly was Diane Von Furstenberg.
Anyways Influence really did influence me. After I closed the book for the last time I glanced at my own life and I am like a robot and I could work way harder for things I want. I don't live in the moment and I don't take chances. I think it is time to do these things.
March 22, 2015
Influence is a collection of fashion, beauty and life inspiration put together by Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen in the form of interviews. Being massive fashion icons to almost anybody who sets eyes on them, the Olsen twins are the ideal authors of this book. Although this book is listed as a 'biography' on Amazon, I wouldn't necessarily agree with this as it's more of a collection of interviews collated by two young style icons.
The book takes us through interviews with Designers such as Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld and so many more influential people from the fashion industry, often annotated and presented like the girls' own notebook with highlighted sections and scribbles dotted around the pages. Each designer is interviewed from a personal perspective - we are shown the conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee and it feels very personal and like you're there with them. The photography throughout the book is gorgeous and well chosen for each page. Included are pictures of the twins themselves, Kate Moss and lots of shoes & fashion pieces.
The aspect I most like about Influence is the fact that the twins haven't just interviewed any old designers, they've specifically selected the ones they respect and admire the most. Anybody interested in fashion and designers should definitely check out Influence. The photography alone is worth buying it for!
The book takes us through interviews with Designers such as Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld and so many more influential people from the fashion industry, often annotated and presented like the girls' own notebook with highlighted sections and scribbles dotted around the pages. Each designer is interviewed from a personal perspective - we are shown the conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee and it feels very personal and like you're there with them. The photography throughout the book is gorgeous and well chosen for each page. Included are pictures of the twins themselves, Kate Moss and lots of shoes & fashion pieces.
The aspect I most like about Influence is the fact that the twins haven't just interviewed any old designers, they've specifically selected the ones they respect and admire the most. Anybody interested in fashion and designers should definitely check out Influence. The photography alone is worth buying it for!
June 23, 2009
It's fun to peruse...but not a cover to cover, to be sure. A little self-indulgent, but it's the Olsen twins. Given their life story, I'd say they've turned out surprisingly well. Fashion is clearly their thing, and a form of art, expression and their "serious" factor. While it's easy to brush aside as another substance-lacking component, it suffices. Jackie Kennedy apparently spent 121,000 in 1961 on a wardrobe. To put that in perspective, JFK's salary as President was 100,000. If Jackie's "style" equals grace and her European poise and love of culture, why can't the Olsen twins make it their serious factor?
The book got a bit self-indulgent. I could do without the self-promoting question forms filled out by each twin, and I don't care much about the "things Mary Kate" loves collages, but the idea of an Olsen interviewing style icons and designers is actually pretty cool.
Oh, and their obviously young--but you knew that. Mary Kate wants to be a wise woman like Lauren Hutton. Godspeed, MK, godspeed.
The book got a bit self-indulgent. I could do without the self-promoting question forms filled out by each twin, and I don't care much about the "things Mary Kate" loves collages, but the idea of an Olsen interviewing style icons and designers is actually pretty cool.
Oh, and their obviously young--but you knew that. Mary Kate wants to be a wise woman like Lauren Hutton. Godspeed, MK, godspeed.
June 7, 2013
Twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (of Full House fame) interviewed people in the art and fashion world who have influenced and inspired them in their own artistic and fashion endeavors. The interviews, though focused on their subjects, do reveal thoughts, motivations, tastes etc of the interviewers (the Olsen sisters) through points of connections with the interview subjects.
This is great book for diving into something completely different. It has a great energy as it features people and ideas from all over the world and the work, both of the girls and the guts they had to sit across the table from some pretty powerful people as well as that of the individual artists, is inspiring.
I really liked the premise of this book in that all of the interviews and ideas tied into an overall theme as large as "influence." It was an exploration of people, art, expression, connection, and growth.
This is great book for diving into something completely different. It has a great energy as it features people and ideas from all over the world and the work, both of the girls and the guts they had to sit across the table from some pretty powerful people as well as that of the individual artists, is inspiring.
I really liked the premise of this book in that all of the interviews and ideas tied into an overall theme as large as "influence." It was an exploration of people, art, expression, connection, and growth.
May 4, 2009
My biggest problem with this book was that it was not the book I picked up expecting to read. Somehow I really thought this would be more of a memoir, but it's something else entirely - a collection of interviews with 20 people that have inspired the Olsen twins - and not mainstream, during their career kind of inspire, but more like fashion designers and artists that they admire. Which is cool, but it wasn't what I'd wanted to read about. The book is much more of a coffee table book, it doesn't read like a story in any way - I think it's an interesting idea for a book, it simply didn't interest me.
Read
January 27, 2009I love this book. I found it at Urban Outfitters in the "cool books" section with Nylon guides and such and bought it at the airport as a present to my girlfriend. At UO, it was by the reissues of vintage Holga cameras. The book consists of interviews with fashion people and artists they like. The one with Karl Lagerfeld is great, among others, and there's one with Diane von Furstenberg. What's also cool is that they interview each other towards the end and it's accompanied by a show-and-tell fashion story featuring their favorite stuff/accessories...
May 27, 2009
I really loved reading this. I'm a big Olsen twin fan, so I didn't think twice about buying it. The pictures are awesome, and the interviews are pretty intriguing. The Lauren Hutton one is one of my favorites. I felt pretty inspired after reading this. I think the girls did a good job with the interviews, and it was interesting to see the celebrities from a different perspective.
I think this book is a great example of why Mary Kate and Ashley should be taken seriously. They're creative, talented, and smart young women.
I think this book is a great example of why Mary Kate and Ashley should be taken seriously. They're creative, talented, and smart young women.
October 11, 2010
This book is definitely more of a coffee table book, or something to browse through different sections that interest you. The book is a culmination of interviews of individuals that have influenced Mary-Kate and Ashley in their short lives--mainly celebrities of fashion. The book is part interviews part scrapbooks of images. I find Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen interesting people, and enjoyed reading interviews with famous people in fashion, but I wouldn't recommend this as a book to read cover-to-cover.
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January 8, 2013
I didn't finish this one. it's got some beautiful photos in it, and it's interesting to learn about some of the people, but mostly, I just didn't care about any of the interview subjects, so it didn't hold my interest. I think it'll be a nice book for people who like reading about photographers & designers and whatnot though. the interviewing was well done. my biggest gripe was how tiny the font was... even my good eyes had a hard time reading it.
January 22, 2009
There are some highlights (like the Lagerfeld interview: "How tall are you? My people told me you were four-foot-eight."), and Mary-Kate and Ashley as interviewers kind of works because people are a lot more honest with them than with actual journalists. But unless you're really into all the "inspiring" people in the book, the interviews go on a bit too long, and tend to sound much the same.
January 29, 2011
I have an 'obsession' with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I think they have impeccable style and constantly look chic but so effortlessly. The book is a set of interview between M-K and A and various designers and other influential people in the fashion industry. The book is inspirational and has great pictures in. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the Olsen sisters or Style.
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