2009's Shooting Star Designers

There's no doubt about it, it's a stressful time to be a new store, a new site, and definitely a new designer. But for some young designers, this tough and ultra-critical environment will surely separate the strong from the weak. And after all is said and done a few new names will still make some buzz this year. Here are our picks for the top three designers you should be thrilled about.

Rad Hourani
Who He Is: A Canadian-born stylist-turned-designer with just three collections underneath his belt and a killer video for Mode Models that sky-rocketed him to cult-like status within the fashion elite.

Why He's Hot: Already garnering comparisons to Helmut Lang and Ann Demeulemeester, Hourani turned out an epic all-black third collection, proving that, though Canadian, New York might be where his heart is. Angular, sleek, intense, and did we mention unisex? These clothes prove that no matter what the season, true style (and solid talent) is timeless.

Frank Tell
Who He Is: A Spanish designer who is BFFs and studio-mates with Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and downtown "It" chick Pamela Love.

Why He's Hot: Sure, having friends in high places can't hurt, but it's his clothes—expertly tailored, daringly executed—that will propel him to cream-of-the-crop status this year. His spring '09 collection, a dazzling array of tulle and pleated cocktail frocks in a minimalist reduction of blacks and blues, held all the promise of a young Giles Deacon with the cool-girl turn-out (Leigh Lezark, Julia Reston-Roitfeld) of a Ben Cho show. Will 2009 be the Year for Frank? Time will tell.

Yeojin Bae
Who She Is: Australian-based designer named One to Watch by UK Sunday Times and Marie Claire, among others.

Why She's Hot: If a Target collaboration is a sure-fire indicator of success, then Bae is already headed for the big-time. Her capsule collection for the retail giant may not be available in the States, but we have a feeling Bae's main line, a feminine and delicate collection of separates and frocks, will be making major waves across the pond this year. Carried at Barneys and featured in Harper's Bazaar, we figure it's only a matter of time before it's worn by Park Avenue socialites and downtown tastemakers alike.