Three lucky finalists are a stitch closer to the Big Apple after applying for the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship earlier this year.
The scholarship offers emerging Australian designers and labels the opportunity to chase their dreams of international success with winners receiving $10,000 worth of international freight and DHL Express mentorship to prepare their export strategy. The successor(s) will also be granted the opportunity to fly to New York to attend the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and receive mentoring from IMG Fashion USA and meet with an international buyer to present their collection.
After plenty of talented designers and labels entering the competition DHL announced the three stand-out finalists: Designers By Johnny, Christopher Esber and Viktoria + Woods.
Emily Weight (director, strategy and brand development, IMG Fashion Australia) says, “with twice the number of applications from last year, many of them from prominent labels, narrowing down the finalists to just three was a difficult task. It is fantastic to see so many talented Australian designers readying their businesses to expand globally via the opportunities the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship provides. The three finalists have done more than just design beautiful collections; they have clear international expansion plans and a business strategy ready to take them global.”
Johnny SchembriBy Johnny
Energetic Sydney-based designer Johnny Schembri started the By Johnny label in 2009 at the Fringe Bar markets and soon after was featured in the New Generation runway show at Australian Fashion Week in 2010. He went on to star in the Australian series of 'Project Runway' in 2011 in which he was a finalist, and has since signed a much-coveted contract with prestigious Australian department store, Myer.
By Johnny He has a legion of celebrity fans, with Jennifer Hawkins, Katy Perry, Gigi Hadid, Kelly Osborne, Jodi Anasta, and Dannii Minogue all spotted wearing items from his collection. Johnny has also shown the ability to innovate, having created a limited edition ‘Shop the Runway’ collection as part of MBFWA 2015 that was exclusive to Myer and available online immediately after the show, and in selected Myer stores.
Christopher EsberChristopher Esber
Christopher Esber, who studied at East Sydney TAFE Fashion Design Studio with fellow designer Dion Lee, launched his label in 2010 and has been on a meteoric rise ever since. He made his Australian Fashion Week debut at just 23 years of age, and his 'Cruise' 2015/ 16 collection shown during MBFWA 2015 was met with critical acclaim.
Christopher EsberIn the last 12 months Christopher has signed with major international stockists, Forward by Elyse Walker, Moda Operandi, and Net-A-Porter, and his designs have been worn by major celebrities such as Cara Delevigne, Kylie Jenner, Karolina Kurkova, Phoebe Tonkin and Lara Bingle.
Maggie Woods and Lisa ReynoldsViktoria + Woods
Viktoria + Woods is a partnership between Maggie Woods and Lisa Reynolds that has brought them great success in the Australian market since launching in 2005. With over 70 Australian stockists, including David Jones, Designer Forum, and Tuchuzy, and a range of international stockists such as Frockaholics and Revolve Clothing, the label has fans everywhere. Earlier this year they produced a capsule collection in collaboration with Lindy Klim, which was released in tandem with their show at Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF).
Viktoria + WoodsThe winner of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship will be announced on 29 June.
