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Up-and-coming designers like Savant, Mischen, Cushnie et Ochs and more show strong Spring/Summer 09 collections. Some of the best:

Mischen

Launched: Fall 2006 by Carla Knapp

Best piece: Black high-waisted leather mini with deep pockets

While her Fall 08 turnout was undoubtedly stronger, her September 5 debut to the Bryant Park tents at Fashion Week was beautiful. The clothes used much more color than before and included great urban separates as well as printed dresses in 50s silhouettes. The uptown silhouettes has downtown sensibility, making this line perfect for an alternative to all of last year's adrogynous threads. Very feminine with an edge, these looks would be right at home at the chicest

www.mischenclothing.com

        

Cushnie et Ochs

Launched: Fall 2008, with their S/S 09 collection by Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs

Best look: White cropped top with high-waisted nude pencil skirt -- but it was hard to choose.

Inspired by Patrick Batemen from Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, the two designers, fresh out of Parsons, presented a cohesive, slick line. Their minimalist severity and pops of color were accomplished and perfectly executed. And the two designers themselves are so stylish! Love.

www.cushnieetochs.com

Savant

Launched: Fall 2008, with a S/S 09 presentation by Feng-Feng Yeh

Best look: Nude bodysuit under pink cut-out skirt with a loose white blouse

One-third of the Six Six Sick, Tuesday nights at Happy Ending, Yeh has made her very stylish name working  at Yves Saint Laurent while DJing and designing her own label, Savant. The ready-to-wear was shockingly avant garde, especially for a first-time collection. And the jumpsuit, which has appeared in almost every collection this season, was totally wearable! This line would look fabulous on Christina Ricci, especially the nude corset under the pink skirt, reminiscent of the Givenchy dream she wore to the Costume Institute gala in May.

www.savant-design.net

Other new labels to love:

Christian Siriano (No need for an introduction...)

Chris Han

Kai Kuhne

Andy & Debb

Form

Erin Wasson for RVCA (basically Wasson's version of Alexander-Wang-on-the-cheap, bringing the style back to the muse)

Photos: wwd.com and nymag.com and savant-design.net