Toms + The Row
Toms x The Row
The luxe minimalism of Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s The Row meets the One For One charitable giving of Toms shoes in Toms + The Row. This design collaboration yielded a capsule collection comprised of Toms’ classic slip-ons, rendered in Italian-sourced wool and cashmere blends. The fabrics include solids, plaids and herringbones, all in a neutral palette. Some styles are trimmed with leather. The styles debuted on The Row’s Fall 2011 runway.
The project marks the first foray into footwear for The Row, but not for the Olsens, whose Elizabeth and James contemporary label has an extensive shoe line. (The pair appeared in Dallas last week to promote Elizabeth and James.)
The Olsens recently traveled with Toms founder Blake Mycoskie and team on a shoe drop. (For each pair of Toms shoes sold, the company donates and delivers a pair to a child in need.) The experience left a deep impression on the designers.
“We just came back from Honduras, which was amazing,” said Ashley Olsen last week. “We got to go with Toms to give shoes to communities in need. We really got to learn a lot about their lives. It was incredible.”
“We were there for five days, giving away shoes, learning about the communities, and connecting with the kids and families,” added Mary-Kate Olsen.
Ashley Olsen described the collaboration as a one-off project, “but having been introduced to Blake and his company and their philosophy, we [want to be involved] for a long time, even if it’s just privately,” she said.
Toms + The Row is available in Neiman Marcus stores this month and on NeimanMarcus.com for $98 to $150, a range that puts the sophisticated, clean lines of The Row within reach for far more of its fans.
