NEW YORK, Jan 27, 2011/ FW/ — Some of them are world famous like G-Star RAW, some of them are new names but already well known like Irina Shabayeva, winner of Project Runway Season 6, but for the Fall 2011 season they have one thing in common. They are all Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week debutantes.

There are 17 of them – Allegri, Callula Lillibelle, CHRISTIAN COTA, Elene Cassis, Frank Tell, G-Star RAW, GUiSHEM, Irina Shabayeva, Joy Cioci, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Maisonette 1977, Porter Grey, Sachin + Babi, Son Jung Wan, Tess Giberson and VACCA.

  • Allegri

Founded in 1971, Allegri has specialized in outerwear and rainwear and it is known for its extensive fabric research to create garments that offer the ultimate protection from the elements.

  • Callulla Lillibelle

Designers William Calvert and Melanie Fraser Hart create their collections to reflect the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort, and price.

  • CHRISTIAN COTA

This Parisian designer attributes his passion for design to his first muses, his mother and his late grandmother, saying “their manner of dress and their poise was always an education in elegance. They define the word.”

  • Elene Cassis

Long Island native, Cassis started her own signature collection in June of 2009 and has already caught the attention of top retailer Neiman Marcus, along with over 30 other noted specialty stores nationwide.

  • Frank Tell

Frank Tell describes his new collection in light of the recession, “the Recession killed cocktail dressing. It’s too precious. Women don’t want to buy something they will only wear once and then sit in their closets. What is needed are extraordinarily crafted pieces that can be worn in an everyday way.”

  • G-Star RAW

Pierre Morisset, G-Star’s head designer, is one of the most important stylists in the denim world. He is creating tomorrow’s authenticity today. He is considered by many to be the denim specialist “le chirurgien du jean” (the jeans surgeon).

  • GUiSHEM

This Latin American designer, Guillermo Jop specializes in eveningwear; Jop’s designs incorporate draping and innovative pattern cutting.

  • Irina Shabayeva

Born in Georgia, Shabayeva honed her skills there creating luxurious garments for celebrity clientele, positioning her as a talent to be reckoned on the 6th season of “Project Runway.”

  • Joy Cioci

Sexy, romantic and influential personal inspirations play into each one of Cioci’s meticulous designs to provide a versatile collection that women gravitate to for everyday effortless wear.

  • LUBLU Kira Plastinina

Inspired by her own lifestyle, Kira Plastinina designs prêt-a-porter clothes for a girl who is always on-trend.

  • Maisonette 1977

Jane Ibrahim, originally from Hong Kong, brings an expressive, innovative spirit tempered by taste and expert execution to her designs.

  • Porter Grey

New York based designers Alexandra and Kristen O’Neill build on versatile foundation pieces to create beautiful garments infused with an urbane elegance and relaxed sophistication.

  • Sachin + Babi

Sachin and Babi have successfully translated their vision of modern luxury into a lifestyle brand that is accessible for today’s design savvy consumer. Their designs feature an array of exclusive products including pillows, bedding, ready to wear, and accessories.

  • Son Jung Wan

Son Jung Wan is one of the largest Korean designer labels in the country with over 37 billion won (34 million dollars) in sales for 2009 and a total of 37 stores carrying the brand.

  • Tess Giberson

In addition to Giberson’s success in the fashion industry, this American designer’s work has been commissioned for exhibitions by several galleries in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

  • VACCA

Julie Vacca aims for her line to have a balance of fashion, tradition and luxury. She explains, “I am a person who loves to work but at the same time I have a balance of life where I need clothing for many occasions including travel and cocktail receptions. The most important is for me to feel comfortable in what I am wearing.”