Michelle Obama–approved designer Jason Wu is expanding his brand with a new collection called the Exclusives. Consider it similar to Thakoon's new line, Thakoon Addition, and less like a Target diffusion one. The capsule collection will have eight pieces, according to WWD: three dresses, two jackets, a knitted cardigan, a knitted T-shirt, and a skirt. The prices range from $390 to $780 wholesale, and the line hits stores in June.

What brought on this expansion? Why, the economy, of course! "In this economic climate, it's important to zero in on what our clients want," Wu says. The designer is also launching a fur line with Saga Furs for his fall 2009 collection, debuting on February 13 at Exit Art. "It will be fur garments mixed with fabric," Wu told WWD, noting that he used mainly minks. "In certain stores, they would hang with clothes, and in bigger department stores, they could hang in the fur departments." So not only does the new First Lady wear him, but he's possibly reaching a new audience with his Exclusives line and fur lovers at the same time. Well done.

Jason Wu to Launch The Exclusives Collection [WWD]
Related: Is André Leon Talley Responsible for Michelle Obama's Jason Wu Dress?