Studio Lumiere in Auckland’s Parnell created the perfect backdrop for yesterday’s announcement of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship. Three finalists were in the running for the award – Blak Luxe, Salasai and Twentysevennames…
Studio Lumiere in Auckland’s Parnell created the perfect backdrop for yesterday’s announcement of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship.
Three finalists were in the running for the award – Blak Luxe, Salasai and Twentysevennames. The scholarship included $10,000 in freight services and mentoring from DHL Express and membership to Fashion Industry NZ (FINZ) to help young design talent export their product overseas.
The judging panel was made up of New Zealanders who have vast experience in exporting to overseas markets; Kate Sylvester, Erica Crawford (Kim Crawford Wines), Linda Turner (DHL Express Strategic Account Manager) and Mapihi Opai (FINZ). The three areas being judged included design, strategy and financial performance.
Twentysevennames was called as the winner of the scholarship with Anjali Stewart accepting the award. The label, also made up of Rachel Easting started out in 2006 and success has followed quickly.
Kate Sylvester in summing up the winner said alongside the creativity they had a structured business plan in place.
Below: Dan Gosling, Kate Sylvester and Erica Crawford.
This was a key point I noted as part of the judging process. It is not enough to be creative you also need the business nous to succeed. "It’s essential in our industry" Kate said.
An appreciative and excited Anjali said she would use her scholarship to help cover costs of freight to the UK for a recent order from well-known UK online store ASOS.
An award like this will definitely give Twentysevennames further credibility and international exposure following in the footsteps of Stolen Girlfriends Club (SGC) who has won this award previously.
Linda Turner, Strategic Account Manager for DHL Express is thrilled to be a part of New Zealand fashion and being able to help the future of fashion designers overseas.
DHL Express is in its third year of offering the scholarship, their aim is to support and assist talented designers who are just starting out.
We look forward to many more designers stepping up.
Below: Runner-up Blak Luxe.
Pip Cucksey and Linda Turner.
Story and photos by Stacey Gillies www.fashionfairground.co.nz
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