Everyone knows Dior, Chanel and Versace - top designers in the fashion world. But the names M. Patmos, Bibhu Mohapatra and The Lake & Stars? Not so much. Although these names may not sound familiar now, they are ones to look out for. These designers, as winners of the 2011 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Contest, got to show off their collections at New York's fall fashion week.

The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, created by Ecco Domani Wines in 2001 to support emerging fashion designers, has now, at tFheir 10th anniversary, given over 1 million dollars to fashion designers. These designers have gone on to become big names in fashion, like Zac Posen and Erin Fetherston.

So, expect this year's new winners to be the next big names in fashion, said spokesperson and style expert Robert Verdi. "You immediately recognize them as important talents because, historically, (the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation) has awarded the most prolific and talked about emerging talent working today," Verdi said. "So, I think that yes, without a doubt, we will be keeping our eye on all of them."

And when he says "we," Verdi means even the biggest celebrities - like in the case of The Lake & Stars, who design lingerie as fashion expression, not just costume.

"I'm sure Lady Gaga will find her way to them, and not because their stuff is outrageous," Verdi said. "It's the modern day Madonna. Their stuff is that good."On the other end of the spectrum is the elegant evening wear of Bibhu Mohapatra.

"He's been able to unleash his vision because he honors traditions of India but really has this edgy - and he described it as 'sinister' - look," Verdi said. "It's this edgy, modern, embellished and detailed look for evening."

"I'm from India," Mohapatra said. "But at the same time, I'm also trained here and I know the market here in the West, so my creative Indian heritage and influence comes out in a very refined and restrained way, to give it a special edge."

Mohapatra said his designs have an "unexpected communion of really classic technique mixed with modern fabrics and really architectural shapes, all done with one common goal - to compliment the clients' body, mood and style."

"You've not seen 75 girls wearing his stuff," Verdi said. "Although, I'm sure after this season, 75 girls will be wearing it."Looking to the future, Mohapatra wants to branch out his brand, but keep the spirit of it the same. "I'm already thinking on some ideas about shoe wear, bags and accessories," he said.

For those on the lookout for accessories, the jewelry of Pamela Love could be a good place to start, whose pieces reflect the statement jewelry trend, but emphasize detail.

"The pieces are not tiny," Love said. They are big and at a lot of times 'statement-y,' but there's a lot of detail work that makes everything specific and special."However, Verdi agrees that although Love's pieces are statement-like, it feels like "it's the elements, the details that individualize it," Verdi said.  "I really like exaggerated sizes and unusual shapes," Love said, describing her jewelry as, "sort of a mixture of pretty and hard, sort of a contrast between the two."

"My customers are somebody who is a little different, likes interesting, likes to have fun with what they wear," Love said. "I think it is a smart-mannered woman who really appreciates detail and special things."These designers were successful because they have shown that they understand the trends and what people are looking for, Verdi said.

"Knitwear is certainly a new trend," Verdi said, and one designer that exemplifies this is M. Patmos, whose designs reflect the big sweater trend, hand knitwear and the technology brought to knitwear. "I'm thinking about how the look is intellectual, and earnest, and strong and modern day Annie Hall," Verdi said. "It's (for the) strong, smart, intellectual woman."

Androgynous sweaters also are very popular right now, Verdi said. For evening wear, an emerging trend is dresses that are unique, Verdi said. "The red carpet isn't going to be cluttered and noisy with all of the same thing, but with one of a kind, original and inspired designs," Verdi said. "The dresses are so unique and dynamic."

Other trend ideas are "feminine fabrics and tough men's fabrics together," Verdi said. "For example, an organza dress with a tweed coat is a popular idea, not only in emerging talent but across the board."Whatever kind of trends or designs people want, they can find diverse choices with these new designers. "They have an original idea, they know their customer, they have a vision, they're consistent," Verdi said, "and that's what people look for."