When athletes, actresses, musicians and musicians' girlfriends start clothing lines, everyone enjoys a good chuckle. But when bona fide style icons like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen start a clothing line, everyone gets in line for a dressing room. Named after their younger sister and older brother, Elizabeth and James is Mary-Kate and Ashley's new contemporary sportswear line. It's a collaboration with Peter Koral and Jane Siskin (LaRok), with the twins serving as design consultants for the brand. At Coterie (NYC) in February, we asked Mary-Kate about the nature of the "consultant" title. Mary-Kate assured us that she and Ashley are not just faces to sell the brand, that they have a direct hand in designing the Elizabeth and James collection, even sourcing some of the fabrics. Their direction shows up in the personality of the Elizabeth and James brand, as the line takes a little from each sister's style aesthetic.

Mary-Kate's willingness to do couture every day is evident in the corset inspired detailing of the body conscious Kitten Dress (that's a detachable halter bra so you can wear it strapless!), as well as the luxe drape and volume of the bubble hemmed Cocoon Dress. Ashley's dressed up androgynous looks are captured in pieces like the Tux Shirt and Charlie Pant. But what exactly is the Elizabeth and James story?

And, who is the Elizabeth and James girl? Ashley envisions a girl in her "early 20s, figuring out life and just experimenting. It's a sophisticated woman with a playful side and is still chic. It's someone that understands fashion and understands details and expects that as well."