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• January 8, 2009
• Profiles

Shooting Stars

Eight designers you need to know in 2009. By Xiyin Tang

There's no doubt about it: It's a harrowing time to be a new store, a new site, and definitely a new designer. But for some young mavericks, this tough and ultra-critical environment will surely separate the wheat from the chaff. 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 eight designers you've got every darn right to get excited about:

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.

Natascha Stolle

Who She Is: The Charlottesville, Virginia-born native and London-raised Stolle was one of our fave designers from this past Fashion Week, and has also worked closely with another one of our fave designers, Peter Jensen, for nearly a decade.
Why She's Hot: Quirky Stolle makes the kind of clothes we can imagine the fashion-forward girl in high school wearing…you know, the one who gets flack for refusing to follow the trends, only to come back as the coolest girl in school at the 10-year-reunion. There is a reason her spring '09 line was titled "Women Who Wished They Were Sluts in High School," after all.

Jeffrey Monteiro

Who He Is: After stints as Design Director at both Derek Lam and Mayle, Monteiro broke out on his own to launch his eponymous line in fall 2008 (he also co-designs for Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth's line, Mirror/Dash).
Why He's Hot: If anyone can take on Alexander Wang's reigning title as the go-to label for cool-girls-in-the-know, we're willing to bet Jeffrey Monteiro is it. The cut-out minidresses with oversized pockets and slouchy shorts have hints of Wang, but the beautifully draped maxidresses and soft, romantic blouses are all Jeffrey.