Designs by Penny Sage (left) and Ephemera (right) who are DHL Fashion Export Scholarship 2016 finalists.
DHL have announced the three finalists for the DHL Fashion Export Scholarship 2016 from Australia and New Zealand, with Auckland label Penny Sage designed by Kate Megaw chosen as a finalist. She will be competing with Australian labels Ephemera and Christopher Esber for a prize of $10,000 worth of international freight, mentorship from IMG and DHL Express and a trip to New York Fashion Week 2017.
The prize is always hotly contested with the judges citing quality of designs, calibre of entrants and business strategy development as key factors in their selections. All three finalists have proven that they have potential to take their brand to the next level and are at a stage where they can make their mark on an international audience.
The judging panel for this year share a great deal of expertise in the field of fashion and export and includes Danielle Ragenard, Director, IMG Models Australia, Pip Cucksey, National Account Group Sales Manager at DHL Express New Zealand and Jamila Dlala, National Group Sales Manager, DHL Express Australia. “We had a very high calibre of fashion labels enter this year’s 2016 DHL Fashion Export Scholarship, so judging was incredibly tough," says Pip Cucksey. "The finalists were ultimately chosen based on originality, market potential, business acumen, creative aesthetics and overall visual appeal. Congratulations to these three brands and we look forward to announcing the winner in the weeks to come.”
“To be selected as a finalist for the DHL Express Export Scholarship is hugely exciting," says Kate Megaw of Penny Sage. "To be an independent label who is passionate about producing locally and sustainably, it is wonderful to be recognised for our ?international potential.”
Previous New Zealand winners of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship include Georgia Alice Currie of Georgia Alice, Commoners, I Love Ugly and Stolen Girlfriends Club who have each succeeded in utilising the prize to grow their export business overseas.
The winner of the DHL Fashion Export Scholarship 2016 will be announced in September. Best of luck to all the finalists.
Design by Christopher Esber who is a DHL Fashion Export Scholarship 2016 finalist.
Images supplied.