PARIS, May 27, 2003/ FW/ --- The Fédération Française de la Couture France's fashion governing body announced last week that a total of 9 new designers have been added to their membership roster.

Alexandre Herchcovitch, Alexandre Matthieu, Barbara Bui, Haider Ackermann, Junko Shimada, Marc Le Bihan and Mispleare have been elected during the last executive board meeting of the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt à Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode.

In addition, two new guest members have been elected to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, following the board's last meeting on May 12, 2003.

Grimaldi Giardina, who was sponsored by Emanuel Ungaro and Elie Saab, who was sponsored by Hanae Mori, now join the lists of haute couture fashion houses which include Christian Lacroix, Christian Dior and Chanel among others as members.

The names maybe new in the Federation's member roster, but the designers have definitely made their mark in the fashion world.

Elie Saab catalputed to world fame when he dressed Halle Berry during the 74th and 75th Academy Awards.

Yvan Mispleare used to work at Louis Feraud. When he left Feraud, he launched his own label 'Mispleare' and debuted it during the Fall 2003 Paris Ready-to-Wear season.

Alexandre Herchcovitch has been showing in Sao Paulo, during Brazil Fashion Week, while Alexandre Matthieu, Barbara Bui, Haider Ackermann, Junko Shimada, Marc Le Bihan has been showing in Paris for the past several seasons.