Book Details:
- Format: Hardcover
- Publication Date: 10/20/2008
- Pages: 272
- Reading Level: Age 12 and Up
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
144 of 163 people found the following review helpful
By horace wimp
Format:Hardcover
I'm torn on this. Let's start with the cover. It could be said that having two versions of the book, each with a different cover depending on which twin you end up with, is artistic. Since I am in the marketing business, I'll put that down to marketing - an attempt to make enthusiasts and collectors buy 2 copies (it works by the way, just look at the sales of magazine that do the same thing).
On the one hand this book contains some good insight into scions of the fashion world, but on the other hand it is yet another example of the efficient and admirable marketing machine that is the Olsen twins... yet it has very little of any substance that is built on their abilities or talent, and you start to wonder if they have any, other than the fact that they were born twins and cute. Without question they know how to market themselves and their product, and for that you have to admire them and their success, but when they stand next to the subjects of their interviews, what becomes very apparent is that they are not in that same class from an artistic and raw talent perspective, even though they are financially more successful than most of them. I think what the twins have managed to expose in this book is that they find themselves in a very privileged and fortunate position of power in the fashion industry because they have declared fashion their creative outlet through their Elizabeth & James line. They have access that many less fortunate, but far more talented purveyors of the craft, would kill for and as such they are able to parlay that into a book that seeks to elevate their credibility through association. Again, I give them credit in the marketing department for recognizing that their cutesy tween image is long past due and this book could give them a stepping stone to longer term credibility in an adjacent field to their acting alma mater.
Sure, the book will appeal to Olsen twin fans (and there are many of those), but it never really reveals anything about them and what they are going to do with the position of privilege and access that they have been given. So, they have received the "Influence" of an impressive cadre of iconoclasts, but now what are they going to do with it? This really should be categorized as a brand marketing text book rather than a coffee table fashion book.
All that being said, the book is interesting and worth a read, but there are many other books I'd spend the money on before this if I had a real interest in various aspects of fashion and those who define it. For Olsen twin fans, just buy it, and it probably won't disappoint.
On the one hand this book contains some good insight into scions of the fashion world, but on the other hand it is yet another example of the efficient and admirable marketing machine that is the Olsen twins... yet it has very little of any substance that is built on their abilities or talent, and you start to wonder if they have any, other than the fact that they were born twins and cute. Without question they know how to market themselves and their product, and for that you have to admire them and their success, but when they stand next to the subjects of their interviews, what becomes very apparent is that they are not in that same class from an artistic and raw talent perspective, even though they are financially more successful than most of them. I think what the twins have managed to expose in this book is that they find themselves in a very privileged and fortunate position of power in the fashion industry because they have declared fashion their creative outlet through their Elizabeth & James line. They have access that many less fortunate, but far more talented purveyors of the craft, would kill for and as such they are able to parlay that into a book that seeks to elevate their credibility through association. Again, I give them credit in the marketing department for recognizing that their cutesy tween image is long past due and this book could give them a stepping stone to longer term credibility in an adjacent field to their acting alma mater.
Sure, the book will appeal to Olsen twin fans (and there are many of those), but it never really reveals anything about them and what they are going to do with the position of privilege and access that they have been given. So, they have received the "Influence" of an impressive cadre of iconoclasts, but now what are they going to do with it? This really should be categorized as a brand marketing text book rather than a coffee table fashion book.
All that being said, the book is interesting and worth a read, but there are many other books I'd spend the money on before this if I had a real interest in various aspects of fashion and those who define it. For Olsen twin fans, just buy it, and it probably won't disappoint.
37 of 42 people found the following review helpful
By Sarah
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
So, I grew up with Mary Kate and Ashley, watched Full House and bought their movies. But, kids grow up. I outgrew them, they seemingly outgrew their targeted demographic and for anyone who paid attention to them, it was obvious.
Forward through their attempt at NYU to now. Ashley has all but dropped acting and now heads the Row, which is really fantastic. She has captured how to make couture lines wearable to the every day. She was the first person to put couture seams on a tee/tank. That's pretty remarkable for a now 22-year-old. Mary Kate is still acting (well) and does a good job with Elizabeth and James, their more affordable (though still expensive) line.
Basically, these are young women who grew up in fame, so their perspective on it is more jaded, deservedly. Moreover, they grew up admiring these people just like us, except they can actually afford them and go out with them. poor us.
Regardless, my point is these are girls that actually have a clue what they're talking about and they're asking questions that aren't entirely typical because they know how to dance around cliche questions. They've obviously been there.
There's a pretty heavy-handedness to Mary Kate's love of Warholian culture just in terms of who she interviews and the questions involved. Ashley, you can tell has more of a designer's appreciation for these people. She loves them like a wearer, but also can be considered a colleague, and I think that comes across from time to time.
If you have an interest in fashion, photography, the culture that surrounds that and you care about them in a way that you aren't looking for the next YSL biography, I'd definitely recommend this to you. Its a fantastic read and I think it really helps you get over the fact that these are the Olsen twins and now they're using their entity (read: influence) to prove their talent.
Forward through their attempt at NYU to now. Ashley has all but dropped acting and now heads the Row, which is really fantastic. She has captured how to make couture lines wearable to the every day. She was the first person to put couture seams on a tee/tank. That's pretty remarkable for a now 22-year-old. Mary Kate is still acting (well) and does a good job with Elizabeth and James, their more affordable (though still expensive) line.
Basically, these are young women who grew up in fame, so their perspective on it is more jaded, deservedly. Moreover, they grew up admiring these people just like us, except they can actually afford them and go out with them. poor us.
Regardless, my point is these are girls that actually have a clue what they're talking about and they're asking questions that aren't entirely typical because they know how to dance around cliche questions. They've obviously been there.
There's a pretty heavy-handedness to Mary Kate's love of Warholian culture just in terms of who she interviews and the questions involved. Ashley, you can tell has more of a designer's appreciation for these people. She loves them like a wearer, but also can be considered a colleague, and I think that comes across from time to time.
If you have an interest in fashion, photography, the culture that surrounds that and you care about them in a way that you aren't looking for the next YSL biography, I'd definitely recommend this to you. Its a fantastic read and I think it really helps you get over the fact that these are the Olsen twins and now they're using their entity (read: influence) to prove their talent.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Sabrina
Format:Hardcover
I bought the book and I find it interesting and inspiring. Lots of beautiful, high-quality photos of the Olsens as well as of famous people and LOTS of fashion items - drawings, exhibits, artwork, etc. Also candid and revealing letters from famous people as well as personal letters from one Olsen twin to the other. And, of course, interviews of fashion icons and famous designers.
An inspiring, charming, and visually pleasing book.
An inspiring, charming, and visually pleasing book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Influence Book
Great book for anyone that is an Olsen lover, like myself. It is a very large book, so be prepared.
Published 7 days ago by barroyo
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE this book
Having been a big fan of both Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for years, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It highlighted their fashion inspirations and favorite designers. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Labels&Love
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Coffee Table Book
Cute book, not exactly a real read, but it looks cute in my living room! Somehow those twins that I've loved since I was a child have inspired so many people, so it is... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jenna Gatlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Obsessed
I love this book. Such great and inspiring interviews conducted by two people who inspire me. A great coffee table book and a nice pick me up when the inspiration well runs dry.
Published 7 months ago by Diamondstuddedtea
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Condish
The book was in great condition. Its so informative and a light, fun read. Ashley Olsen will always be the smarter sister.
Published 7 months ago by Jenny
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reading Under the Influence
If you are looking for a book on style or how to dress, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for a tell all book on the Olsen twins, this isn't the book for you. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Aisha Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Influence by MK & A
The book was sent quickly, and was in perfect condition. It is very interesting, fill of information about the twins I had not know. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Jade
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not visually pleasing...
I am not a MK&A fan (or hater), I bought this book because I loved the idea of a collection of interviews from the people I admire. Read more
Published 11 months ago by TheReader
4.0 out of 5 stars
glamorous
I'm old enough to have no deep interest in (and only vague recollection of) the Olsen twins from their Full House or tween made-for-VHS movie days. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Angela Copeland
2.0 out of 5 stars
dont judge a book by it's cover
Ever since I seen Influence in Urban Outfitters I have always wanted to purchase it being a huge fan of Mary kate Olsen. Read more
Published 23 months ago by carolyn
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