Winter’s end is signaled to some by a groundhog’s shadow, the return of birds chirping or New York Fashion Week. This is the week that “Project Runway” contestants work towar, a chance to show their creative vision in front of potential clients, employers and the fashion industry.

This week is always important to professionals and fashionistas alike because of the multiple runway shows that unveil new trends, silhouettes and designers. According to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Web site, one week will see as many as 60 shows from Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and the “Project Runway” finale.

Magazines are always looking for fresh trends, colors and silhouettes to write about, but ironically, they often stay within the same family of high-profile labels to report on. Whether you are someone who is casually interested in this field or a budding fashionista, here are some designers you need to know and look for.

Narciso Rodriguez’s aesthetic is all about ultra-modern, sleek, chic and wearable trends for women’s clothing. Rodriguez abandons ruffles and frills for a geometric, tailored look. His designs reflect his passion for architecture with an added flair from his Cuban heritage. A graduate from Parsons The New School for Design, Rodriguez developed his own label after working for Anne Klein (under Donna Karan) and Calvin Klein.

Zac Posen is a New York City native known for his sultry, Hollywood-glamour-meets-urban-life designs. Posen’s view of feminine beauty translates vintage ‘30s and ‘40s styles to a chic body-conscious look. His designs have been featured on the red carpet, runway, film and the Victoria and Albert Museum in England where he studied. In 2001, Posen turned down offers from Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and Gucci to start his own label.

Catherine Malandrino is a French designer who creates intricate and exquisite garments hopelessly above the common college student’s price range and perhaps that of our parents as well. Malandrino is important to know because of her attention to detail in the play of fabric texture and drape. While her creations can err on the side of too much frill, Malandrino uses textures such as quilted leather and appliqued tulle to show a romantic but strong feminine style.

These are three very different designers who I admire and who inspire my own aesthetic. The thought of scuba black hooded knits and other hot trends may not excite your fancy, but keep in mind fashion is a type of art. You don’t have to be in the fashion world to enjoy the beauty it creates.