well it depends on what type of consumer you are trying to target. "hip hop brands" may be able to generate a lot of buzz (and $$) but their brands are very fleeting. one minute a brand is in and then the next minute it's out. it's too dependent upon the popularity of the stars backing the brand up. anyway, i also think juicy couture/diesel is out, as that market is being really saturated with a lot of the same shit. se7en, earl jeans, juicy, lucky are all the same shit. i don't know if your stores carry more higher-end brand items, but i think a lot of the trendier, up and coming designers are in their moment right now. sigerson morrison, paper denim & cloth, pucci (making a come back), lulu guinness, citizens of humanity, buzz by jane fox just to name a few. these are typically found in higher end department stores such as barneys co-op..