For something that started with a T-shirt in their sophomore year, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have worked little short of a miracle with her designer brand “The Row”, which has blossomed into 110 looks for Fall 2008.

“What it always comes down to is simple, clean lines and beautiful fabrics,” Ashley Olsen said at a promotions event in Dallas yesterday. “The whole collection is based on fit and quality.”

“It’s been great,” she added of the label she produces with her twin, Mary-Kate, via their Los Angeles conglomerate, Dualstar Entertainment Group. “It’s been a lot of work, but fun. Everything is made in the U.S., with the exception of the cashmere knits, in order to keep tight control.”

The Olsen twins worked together on the design, but Ashley appears to have taken the lead role at The Row while Mary-Kate continues acting. “Ashley is there full time, every day,” said Rae Miles, commercial director. “She’s in all the fittings, picking all the fabrics and making the final decisions.”

The Row is sold in 25 top specialty stores in the U.S. and 72 worldwide, and Fall bookings have already crossed a total of $2.5 million wholesale.

And take a guess at who’s fronting the Row’s sprink book? None other than the glamorous Lauren Hutton, whose signature smile which has graced 28 covers of Vogue (more than any other model). It’s easy to see through her energetic spirit and the natural elegance and understand how, at 64, she’s still the muse of many, and a modern-day style icon.

Obviously, Hutton made an impression on the Olsens, who were frequent visitors to her garden.

“I’ve always looked up to her as a fashion icon,” says Ashley. “And she’s become a mentor to us both professionally and personally.”