?DHL’s fashion export scholarship has been supporting emerging Kiwi designers since 2008 but now it’s launching another programme, DHL Exported, for established labels to boost their global foothold via an international Fashion Week.
Designers from around the world can submit an application package and select a foreign event of their choice: Fashion Week in New York, London, Milan or Tokyo. A committee of regional experts will review applicants and decide which designer demonstrates the most promise to benefit from debuting their collections at the event.
DHL will sponsor a chosen designer for two consecutive seasons at each of the four Fashion Weeks. Designers will receive a guaranteed spot on the schedule along with a funded and produced runway show. DHL will also underwrite the logistic costs of producing the collection (i.e. international shipping and exporting of hard goods) as well as exporting the collection to New York, London, Milan or Tokyo for the designers’ runway debut.
DHL Exported is supported by IMG Fashion, the British Fashion Council, Camera Nazionale Della Moda, and Japan Fashion Week.
“DHL Exported stands out from other programs as it aims to help designers who are already locally notable but need that extra boost to further reach their international goals,” says Jarrad Clark, VP and global creative director at IMG Fashion Events and Properties.
“While there are many successful programmes to help emerging talent or designers succeed within one specific country, this programme is truly designed with the global mindset that brands today need to adopt in order to grow their brand into international successes.”
Applications are open through April 2. The winners will be announced in May.