NBC reality show 'Fashion Star' to premiere on March 8

David Appel - The Los Angeles-based designer has worked in the fashion industry for 12 years. His men's contemporary sportswear line Cohesive has been sold all over the country, including Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Kitson, Gilt, Planet Blue, Atrium and Neiman Marcus LC.

Silvia Arguello - Currently based in Milan, Arguello began her fashion career at Emanuel Ungaro in Paris shortly after graduating from Texas A&M. In 2008, she created the fashion line Rosa Clandestino, which has sold in boutiques around the world, including Fred Segal Couture in Santa Monica. In 2010, she was chosen by Vogue Italia as one of seven designers to watch in the fashion industry.

Hunter Bell - Originally from Florence, S.C., Bell is currently based in New York City. She is co-founder/designer of the brand Hunter Dixon, a contemporary women's fashion line, which has been carried in over 150 boutiques nationwide.

Priscilla Barroso - Barroso is an Austin, Texas-based fashion designer for Crowned Bird, a French retro-inspired women's apparel collection. She began her career as a custom tailor at Al's Attire atelier in San Francisco. She is a fashion design graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and has been recognized for her eclectic vintage styling and emerging talents in the indie fashion industry.

Johana Hernandez - The Los Angeles based fashion designer was raised in the garment industry while her parents worked in sweatshops. Despite her humble beginnings, Hernandez achieved success at the young age of 19, when she started designing for national brands. She has designed collections for Seven7 Jeans, Isaac Mizrahi, Eli Tahari Jeans and many more. Her collections for men and women, including Plus size, are available at mass retailers including Macy's, Bloomingdales, Lane Bryant and more. In 2010, she launched her own brand, GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez, which helps raise funds for underprivileged children in Latin America.

Cassandra Hobbins - The Canadian-born designer is currently working and living in New York City. Her first fashion job was with Orthodox Clothing and from there she went on to hold positions with a variety of companies, including most recently, head sportswear designer for Tahari ASL. She also devotes much of her time to PROSE IV, her own line, which has been sold at American Rag, revolveclothing.com, EVA and select boutiques.

Tori Nichel - Originally from Michigan, the New York-based women's wear designer is currently a creative design consultant for various corporate design companies in addition to running her namesake collection, Tori Nichel. Tori Nichel is sold online through eBay.

Amber Perley - Texas native Perley is the owner and designer of Pearl Southern Couture, a modern and fresh take on traditional Southern style. Her collection can be found in over 50 boutiques, predominately in the Southeast region.