DHL opens doors for African fashion
DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider, along with IMG Fashion, have launched a new programme, aimed at supporting the fashion industry worldwide.
Dubbed DHL Exported, the unprecedented programme was launched to help designers who are already established in their local market and are gaining momentum internationally, to further their global footprint via the world’s most powerful fashion week platforms.
In the agreement, designers from around the world will submit an application package and select a foreign event of their choice. A committee of regional experts in each of these markets 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 all logistic costs of producing the collection that is, 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,” says the company’s communications manager for Southern Africa Khanyi Mamba in a statement.
Global sports, fashion and media business, IMG Fashion will open up the application process from today through April 2 at www.DHLExported.com. Finalists will be chosen in April for committee review and winners will be announced at exclusive press events in New York, London, Milan and Tokyo in May.
“DHL Exported will assist in breaking down international barriers for fashion’s brightest talent. DHL’s commitment to supporting the needs of fashion professionals will foster the designers’ brands in new markets by enabling them to debut their collection on the runway in either New York, London, Milan or Tokyo,” explained Mamba.
