Expanding their empire in Fall 2008 with a jewelry line, twin trendsetters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have yet again decided to branch out their contemporary line Elizabeth & James by foraying into shoes and Menswear! Taking a cue from their designer label, The Row, that recently debuted menswear for Fall 2009, E & J is following suit.  The busy twins have added fine jewelry with a collaboration with jeweler Robert Lee Morris this past fall and is debuting their women’s shoes through a partnership with Steve Madden this Spring.

The shoe line will be more expensive than Steve Madden products, because Steve Madden is merely distributing them.  They will be manufactured in Italy and therefore deserving of a higher price point of $200 and up. Ashley Olsen was inspired by a trip to Greece and poof! Inspiration for a gladiator sandal. Other shoes rumored to look out for include a fur loafer and black suede open toe sandals.

For the menswear line, Ashley had the instinct that this would be the next step, “We knew eventually there would be a guy, a James”, she says. The label currently reflects a feminine/masculine dichotomy and now will literally encapsulate that feeling. The menswear line  will have a “downtown flair”, and aims to continue in their aesthetic of unfussy and solid pieces that are durable and figure flattering. Pleated flannel trousers is the current standout piece of the collection and retails for $265.

Barney’s New York will launch the men’s line in the U.S., even though the retailer doesn’t carry Elizabeth and James women’s wear. The shoe collection will be available at all retailers that sell Elizabeth & James, including mall staples Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.