Logistics company DHL, in collaboration with IMG, announced the launch of the second edition of DHL Exported, a program supporting the global fashion industry, during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held in Berlin on July 6. This unique program, initiated last year, has helped four designers from different countries expand their brand operations internationally. DHL Exported provides an opportunity for designers known in local markets to expand their popularity globally through a runway show at one of the most influential fashion weeks.
– DHL Exported is a true success. We are pleased that this program has already helped several highly talented designers cross borders and bring their brands to new markets. As the most international company in the world, we believe we are committed to helping businesses of all sizes grow. We look forward to receiving applications from designers around the world and are excited to support them in their expansion into foreign markets – said Arjan Sissing, Senior Vice President of Corporate Brand Marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group.
Until July 31, 2015, designers from all over the world can submit applications to participate in the second edition of the program to present their collections at one of the following events: New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, or Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo. This year, the criteria for the length of time operating in the fashion market have been lowered – currently, a fashion designer’s experience can be as little as four years, instead of the previous seven. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of global and regional experts in each of these markets. The experts will select the designer who would potentially benefit most from presenting their collections at a given event.
– Following the success of the first edition of DHL Exported, we are excited to open this year’s program and enable designers to introduce their brands to new markets – said Catherine Bennett, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion. – The program support offered by the British Fashion Council, Camera Della Moda Italiana, and the Japan Fashion Week Organization is crucial for the international expansion of the participating designers. Together with our partner, IMG is excited to discover the next generation of global brands.
This year’s DHL Exported will sponsor four program finalists over two consecutive seasons at their chosen Fashion Weeks. Designers will receive a guaranteed spot in the event program as well as funding and production of a runway fashion show. DHL will also cover all logistics costs associated with producing and transporting the collections to New York, London, Milan, or Tokyo for the designers’ runway debut.
Applications can be submitted from July 8 to July 31 of this year. Finalists will be selected in August, with their entries reviewed by a committee, and the winners will be announced during New York Fashion Week in September.
The application, information about the program itself, and the jury are available at DHLExported.com. The DHL Exported program is supported by the British Fashion Council, Camera Nazionale Della Moda, and Japan Fashion Week.