Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen to Pen a New Book, Influence, for Penguin Young Readers Group

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Wednesday, February 27, 2008, New York, NY - Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen will pen a new book, Influence (the working title) for Razorbill, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, it was announced today. Influence will be published Fall 2008. The deal was brokered by Ben Schrank, President and Publisher of Razorbill and Jill Zimmerman, Executive Vice President of Dualstar Entertainment Group.

Influence introduces readers to respected artists, seasoned designers and others who have influenced Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen over the past decade. The book will feature influential figures including; Christian Louboutin, Lauren Hutton, Bob Colacello, Terry Richardson, Jack Pierson and Robert Lee Morris. A coffee table book, Influence includes exclusive photographs of Ashley and Mary-Kate from world renowned photographer Rankin, and a wide variety of other never-before-seen materials and interviews from Mary-Kate and Ashley's personal collections. This unique book is edited by fashion and arts writer Derek Blasberg and designed by eminent book designer Rodrigo Corral.

Ashley Olsen said of the project, "Mary-Kate and I have filled Influence with the most interesting, challenging, creative people we know-the ones who helped pave the way for us and our generation."

Mary-Kate Olsen said of the project: "Our collaboration with Penguin on Influence is exciting because we are bringing something unique to the market. Ashley and I interviewed the people who have inspired us, with the hope that they will inspire and teach others."

Ben Schrank said, "In Influence, Ashley and Mary-Kate will share what has influenced them during what has been an astonishing and brilliant rise to icon status at the age of 21. Mary-Kate and Ashley have synthesized a set of tastes for an entire generation of young women. This book will continue this tradition."

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen are among the world's most recognized and admired young women. Now 21, they have emerged as international business moguls and global fashion icons. Their taste and aesthetic has influenced the fashion elite, and millions of girls and women who have grown up admiring them and their fearless style.

About the authors:

Ashley Olsen

Admired for founding the luxury brand The Row, Ashley Olsen is a designer, entrepreneur, actress and style icon, not to mention one of the most influential young women in the fashion and entertainment industries. The Row, launched in 2006, was quickly picked up by high end retailers globally. Following on the heels of its success, Ashley ventured with her sister Mary-Kate into the contemporary market with the Elizabeth and James brand. Ashley was recently named "Fashion's New It Girl" by Harper's Bazaar.

Mary-Kate Olsen

Revered for her eclectic style and old Hollywood soul, Mary-Kate Olsen is an actress, designer, style icon and entrepreneur. Her influence in fashion has been recognized around the world and she currently co-designs The Row and Elizabeth and James with her sister and business partner, Ashley. Most recently, she has completed a recurring role on the hit TV show "Weeds" and wrapped the film "The Wackness" with Sir Ben Kingsley. The Hollywood Reporter named Mary-Kate one of the "Most Powerful Women in Hollywood."

young readers, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Razorbill, books, Penguin Books