DHL Exported award winners announced

Global courier DHL this year launched its DHL Exported award in collaboration with IMG Fashion. The award allows designers to show their collections during global fashion weeks with DHL sponsoring the show production including logistical and shipping costs.

The company announced winners in four countries, including designer Henry Holland from the UK, Francesca Liberatore from Italy, Hakaan Yildirim from Turkey and Christopher Kunz from the US.

150 applicants from 36 countries entered the DHL Exported contest

A total of 150 designers from 36 countries entered the contest between February 17 and April 9, after which juries in Milan, London, New York and Tokyo picked three finalists for each show and then made their final decision.

Francesca Liberatore will present her designs at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Hakaan Yildirim will show at London Fashion Week, Nicholas and Christopher Kunz will show at Milan Fashion Week and Henry Holland will head to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo.

In order to qualify, designers have to be in business for a minimum of seven years, have developed a strong home market as well as be able to present a media press portfolio and proof of international distribution.

The selection panel consisted of representatives from the local industry, including media, retail, design, marketing and key fashion influencers as well as a representative from IMG, DHL and the British Fashion Council, Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana, and Japan Fashion Week Organization for their respective markets.

Image: Francesca Liberatore DHL Getty Images