By Candy Washington

New York, NY, February 20-22, 2011 – Mini stampedes of fierce fashionistas dressed head-to-toe in black gracefully made their way into the coveted Coterie trade shows on a warmer-than-usual February day in New York City. And like any self-respecting industry insider, they are always on top of the latest craze before the ink dries on the trends section in WWD, and today was no exception.

Black is the new black married to a modern grunge look with a splash of minimalism was the defiant theme throughout Coterie. However, there seemed to be a halo over the TMRW section, a designated spot for some of the most provocative and young designers out there today. TMRW prides itself with representing some of the most innovative and creative people within the industry, including designers, musicians, artists, writers, retailers, and thinkers. They definitely brought their A-team to Coterie.
In case you missed it, here’s the complete list of TMRW’s designers and some of their stand out pieces:

Alex & Eli: Alex & Eli make a distinctly masculine white and black sheer button-up but wear with just a black bra underneath to make this into the ultimate sophisticated sex kitten look.

Anagram: The must-have piece from this capsule collection from designer Gary Graham, is the embellished crocheted charcoal tunic.

Blondes Make Better T-shirts: This hysterical line of blonde spoof tees make a great gag or birthday gift. Choose from the iron burned tee, the pen inked tee, and more.

Byeunns: This was the first time at Coterie for this Korean designer.

Bolongaro Trevor: If you want to channel a 50′s siren, pick up their silk black and white polka dot dress and pair with a red flower for added flair.

Carlos Campos: If you need a gift for your beau, Carlos Campos is your one-stop destination, especially for blazers and colorful button-ups.

Dear Creatures: To rekindle your Catholic schoolgirl days, rock the Buttercup Dress in brown plaid with cream tights.

Eighteenth: Known to take the jersey top to the next dimension, offers a phenomenal black top with an elongated symmetrical bottom, wear with shorts or tights.

Jardin de Chouette: Look no further for the perfect slouchy menswear-inspired trouser in white, beige, and light blue.

JUMA: If you want to add some life to your accessories collection integrate one of JUMA’s oversized printed scarves.

Kal Rieman: Kal Rieman perfects the nude jumpsuit which is surprisingly flattering on most shapes and sizes.

Lala Berlin: Lala Berlin has one of the most dazzling cocktail dress in the market. The Nande dress is positioned above-the-knee with pronounced sides.

Morgan Carper: Choose the Angelina Jolie-esque long cut-out black dress with gold studs down the front and attached black leather belt.

NKWON: The strapless double-layer dress with a side bow is to die for.

Nohke J: Need a new black leather jacket? Nohke J has a complete SS11 collection dedicated to the leather jacket. Cropped, simplistic, embellished, long, and motorcycle, they are all here.

Reborn Process: Awesome vintage pieces, and here’s a tip Hyoni herself, “Whenever you want to look classy, wear a trench coat with a little accent. One thing to keep in mind is that you should keep everything else simple. I would wear our trench coat with retro print silk belt and skinny blue jeans and simple gray t- shirt.”

Rosel: This line is ideal for the girl who can’t let go of the grunge. Frolic around town in their comfy black long-sleeved sweater with a white skull on the back.

Stripe by N: Espress your inner child with Stripe by N’s tulip black and white skirt

Stinabaaz: This collection is essentially all black save a few pieces. Their black leather skirt with pockets is a staple for any fashion girl’s closet.

Sunghee Bang: Sunghee’s collection was inspired by astronauts and samurais which is evident in their sought-after  metal and studs vest from their SS2011 collection. Please be sure to also peruse their new FW2011 collection here.

Thvm Atelier: If you buy nothing else this season, you must purchase the classic white tee from Thvm Atelier, it is the quintessential piece that you can dress up or down and where everyday.

WHIT: WHIT offers the cutest navy blue ruched skirt out there. This line is truly girly, fun, and femme.

Also in attendace: Cotte D’ Armes, Haden, JaneHOW, J. Apostrophe, Muir K, Sena, Sonodrs, S=YZ, The Studio K, The Riff, and Yoonmi Lee.