Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen make New York appearance ahead of Met Gala

• Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen photographed in Manhattan ahead of the 2026 Met Gala
• The Row founders wore coordinated black ensembles and luxury crocodile accessories
• Speculation grows over their return to the Met Gala following a seven-year absence
  

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen made a rare and highly anticipated public appearance in Manhattan on Thursday, just days before the scheduled 2026 Met Gala.

The 39-year-old fashion moguls were photographed enjoying lunch with a friend at a sidewalk café, appearing healthy and relaxed.

Dressed in their signature "effortlessly chic" aesthetic, the sisters coordinated in sophisticated dark ensembles, featuring long black coats and tailored trousers, paired with matching black leather crocodile handbags from their luxury label, The Row.

The twins’ outing has sparked intense speculation regarding their attendance at the Met Gala on 4 May, which this year carries the theme “Costume Art.”

Should they attend, it would mark their first appearance at the event in seven years, having last walked the red carpet in 2019.

Since transitioning from child stardom to the pinnacle of high fashion, the sisters have maintained an extremely private lifestyle, focusing on the global success of their brand.

Their last notable appearance occurred in November 2025 at the CFDA Fashion Awards, where they were honoured as American Accessory Designer of the Year.

While the sisters remain tight-lipped about their personal lives, the recent sighting provided a glimpse into their current world.

Ashley secretly welcomed a son in 2023 with husband Louis Eisner, while Mary-Kate has remained focused on her professional pursuits following her 2021 divorce.

The duo’s successful pivot to the luxury market stands in stark contrast to the traditional television industry; recently, their Full House co-star Jodie Sweetin highlighted the changing landscape of media by revealing she received a residual check for only one cent for her work on the iconic sitcom.