The Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded nine upcoming fashion designers, who are to receive financial assistance from Swarovski Crystal. Here are some of my favorites.

Alexander Wang
The label Wang launched in 2005 while still attending Parsons The New School of Design is steadily expanding. There’s been a full womenswear collection since 2007 and come July there’ll be men’s. Wang, a 25-year-old California native, says he’s appreciative of the recognition he’s received. (His runway shows are hot tickets: Sarah Jessica Parker attended the last one.)

Thakoon Panichgul
Thakoon Panichgul is, at 34, a veteran of the council’s emerging designer category — he was previously a nominee in 2006 and 2007. And while he has steadily gained buzz, it was first lady Michelle Obama, who wore a Thakoon dress at last year’s Democratic convention, who really ramped up his name recognition.

Patrick Ervell
He envisions a look in American men’s sportswear, one that’s more modern than the Americana epitomized by a more traditional designer like Ralph Lauren. His own personal uniform is “Levis and a T-shirt.”

Chic women’s fashion, the person who dresses the First Lady, and men’s sportswear. What else do you need?

The men finally had their day in the sun in the show MAN, during London Fashion Week which took place last week. The show featured Topman (the fashion-forward Brit label Topshop’s male side), and three other up-and-coming designers, JW Anderson, James Long and Christopher Shannon.

To get on the MAN show is a real coup as it pretty much dictates what the hip young men will be wearing that year.  However, I’m not so sure about things like JW Anderson’s man skirt pictured below:

All I can say is that a man has to have major confidence (in his masculinity or femininity) to pull that one off.

James Long also showed off more trends that were usually reserved for the ladies, like his red patent “man” bag and leggings (shredded). Christopher Shannon saw a lot of color banding, mixing thick bands of salmon and orange with neutrals in sand and greys for his jumpers and track suits (very 90’s raves)

Topman’s collection was obviously the most wearable, being the most commercialized of the three. Jersey was a big influence here, and the overall feel was that of the 50’s, the Spring collection reminiscent of childhood seaside holidays – check shirts, deck shoes and shorts in bright hues. Watch the video here.