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The staff of Designer Exchange are asked on a regular basis who are our favorite designers. While we love Prada, Escada and Dolce & Gabbana there are other designers who we think deserve a mention. Here are two designers we think deserve notice not just for their designs but also for the use of materials and the quality of workmanship.

YOANA BARASCHI provides an interesting blend, a mixture of vintage references with edgy elegance and a women's perspective. Trained as a sculptor, Yoana has an instinctive appreciation for the female form. She began her career in Paris where she trained with a range of visionary designers including Emmanuelle Khan and Mario Valentino. She worked in New York as a design director for Guess and creative director for Betsey Johnson. In the fall of 2004, Yoana presented her first collection under her own name. Yoana Baraschi's fashions are instantly recognizable for her use of quality materials and superb craftsmanship. Her collection unites opposites: volume + tailored, sensual + fun, dark + luminous. Designed from a women's point of view, every piece embodies an edgy elegance while addressing an ageless woman that is totally feminine and utterly desirable.

ABI FERRIN while literally changing the world one outfit at a time, Abi Ferrin is redefining the meaning of fashion designer. Over the last year, Abi has taken the fashion world by storm. Her collection features form flattering dresses, tops, skirts, pants, and jackets all made using the finest fabrications. It does not stop there. Abi's motto, Fashion with Freedom and Purpose, is the driving force behind her brand.Call her a freedom fighter. Call her a trend-maker. Call her the next big thing. Abi Ferrin will continue to smile and call herself a designer.