Fashion’s Power Players

The fashion industry is a notoriously glamorous and cutthroat world. Fashion designers, public relations moguls and it-girls move voraciously from one "it" bag to the next. Inside Beat takes a look at some people to keep your eyes on for fall 2010.

1. Sarah Burton

The Central Saint Martins graduate takes on one of the most daunting design tasks in the fashion world — designing for the Alexander McQueen label after the eponymous designer's suicide. McQueen — fashion's undisputed bad boy — was notorious for high drama runway shows featuring elements of performance art. Ever capable, Burton has produced sumptuous fall collection, featuring a mashup of Gothic and Oriental brocade designs.

2. Kate Lanphear

Despite the onslaught of overtly feminine dresses on the runway, Lanphear has determinedly stayed focused on her androgynous and edgy personal style. As Elle Magazine's style director, Lanphear is known for her choppy white-blond hair, parachute pants and sky-high heels. Fashion bloggers love to photograph her at runway shows throughout the year. She brings a unique voice to Elle, often highlighting avant-garde designs for her magazine readers.

3. Billy Reid

A Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)'s Fashion Fund finalist, Billy Reid is attempting to bring back "Southern luxury" to the American menswear market. His clothes bring to mind the troubled men of William Faulkner novels downing whiskeys.

4. Jen Brill

Brill is today's fashion party princess. Brill currently serves as Director of Business Development at Fred & Associates and is engaged to celebrity photographer Terry Richardson, whose work is frequently featured in Rolling Stone.