Customer Reviews

Influence

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

Two actresses and designers provide a powerful blend of interviews with creative contemporary fashion visionaries with stunning black and white photos of same in INFLUENCE, charting the dreams and insights of such modern artists as Peter Beard, Francisco Costa, Lauren Hutton, and more. From artists promoting new brand name fashion lines to different approaches to fashion marketing challenges, INFLUENCE is a fine pick for any college-level fashion library or any fashion designer seeking creative insight.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

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.

I grew up on the Olsen twins - I was one of those girls who watched the movies, read the books, watched the TV shows... and I knew which one was which, which twin wore glasses, and which one was left-handed. In short, I was obsessed. But as they disappeared into their own world and I grew up, I found myself less and less interested. Or so I thought. I came across an add for the book a while ago, and finally bought it... and you know what, it was wonderful. It's insightful and suprisingly sincere. There are no cliches or ingenuine "we'll show you" crap like you'll find in many other books of this kind. They aren't giving you a "tell all", but instead they're exposing the reader to their interests.
For all those who find their style weird, to each their own, but personally, anyone who can find their own style, stick with it, and not caught up in the negative comments should be commeneded. These girls proved that they are unique of both each other and Hollywood.

I was truly looking forward to reading and owning this book. I find these two very interesting and always love thier style. This book was much more than I could have expected. I have now bough a copy for each of my fashion-forward girlfriends. Its a great sneak peak into the lives of two mysterious fashionistas.Influence

This book did exactly what its title says, Influenced. It was a way of looking into peoples lives that we read about and see pictures of but really know little about. It opened my eyes to the world of different forms of art and peoples thought processes behind what they do, something that allows you to appreciate their work more. It was wonderful to see the passion in these peoples lives. I think of Mary Kate and Ashley in a whole different light, their style while maybe weird, is definately their own. It was a great read! I would 100% recommend this book!

I bought this as a gift for my 18 yer old daughter. She absolutley LOVED IT!!! I think this was her favorite gift. I dont think anyon who is interested int the Olsen twins will regret this purchase

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. However, I have admired their style over the past few years and decided to take a look through "Influence". It's a very lush and glamorous book, perfect for leisurely spreading across one's lap on a lazy Sunday; for that alone it gets 4 stars from me. I enjoyed the interviews with photographers, designers, stylists, and the like. If anyone was looking for proof that Ashley and Mary Kate are all grown up with a wide variety of interests and vague street cred, it lies here. However, the twins do not seem to be unusually cerebral and it does come across in these pages. I put down the book thinking the Olsens are very wealthy, savvy young women with good taste...not brilliant artists of the fashion world. And that's fine, because this book is about people who influence them and not the other way 'round.

Ever since I seen Influence in Urban Outfitters I have always wanted to purchase it being a huge fan of Mary kate Olsen. But what I mostly regret before purchasing this book is not looking through it when I had the chance. I know that the book cover self explains what Influence is about but I felt that the book was kinda bland, dry and boring full of interviews of people who influence the two twins, and just a whole buch of questions and answers back and forth. All I can say is that this will become an addition to the collection of old magazines or an extra book for a coffee table.