Hamilton designers take Fashion Export Scholarship

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Hamilton designers take out DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship

Auckland, 30 November, 2011 – The designers of Kiwi fashion label Nyne have been awarded with the $10,000 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship for 2011, and are set to make an impact on the global fashion market.

DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, today announced the designers behind Nyne; Jacob Scott-Simmonds, Miranda Scott-Simmonds and Tina Patrick, are the winners of the 2011 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship, establishing them as New Zealand’s top emerging fashion exporters.

The scholarship, in its fourth year, was open to New Zealand fashion designers who have been selling offshore for less than four years. Applicants were asked to submit a design portfolio and key trading figures, as well as an export and marketing strategy for the next 12 months.

The trio that comprise Nyne were entrants in the scholarship in 2010, but didn’t make the finals. This year they have scooped the winner’s prize.

Megan Wildermoth, national strategic account manager (fashion and textiles) at DHL Express says, “Nyne presented an impressive submission. They have a clear strategy, and particularly impressive export growth. We can’t wait to start working with Nyne and help them grow their business internationally.

Erica Crawford, one of the judges of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship, says, “It’s great to see Nyne return so strongly after last year. They’ve ticked all the boxes both creatively and commercially, and they have great distribution in New Zealand and Australia.

“It’s not easy to take the step into exporting, particularly in the current climate. Nyne has considered its approach carefully and are reaping the rewards. The overall strategy is focused, strong and the most exciting.”

Margarita Robertson, another judge says, “Nyne has got the formula right. The trio has achieved the balance between brand, price, appeal and customer loyalty. The garments are creative with a strong wearable element. They’ve developed a point of difference that translates well for the export market.”

Mapihi Opai, executive officer at FINZ, who was also a member of the judging panel, commented, “Nyne has been exporting for little more than two years and is already stocked in 30 international stores, which is phenomenal growth for a New Zealand designer fashion brand. Furthermore, this expansion is underpinned by a strong business foundation here at home, including a concept store in Hamilton, The White Room, and 30 domestic retail stockists.”

The winner of the scholarship will receive international freight to the value of NZ$10,000, as well as coaching in freight and logistics from DHL Express, plus all three finalists will receive individual export mentoring and an annual membership subscription from Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

In a new addition to the scholarship this year, all three finalists will also be invited to join the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) Path to Market programme for apparel exporters, which aims to improve the rate and speed of market entry to Australia.

Entrants were invited to complete an official application and submit a design portfolio, which was judged by fashion and exporting industry leaders. The judges were:

• Margarita Robertson, creative director and co-founder of NOM*D; one of New Zealand’s most iconic and enduring fashion brands

• Erica Crawford, prominent New Zealand entrepreneur and exporter; co-founder of Kim Crawford Wines and managing principal at Tentpole Holdings

• Megan Wildermoth, national strategic account manager (fashion and textiles) at DHL Express

• Mapihi Opai, executive officer at Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

2011 finalists and previous winners
The two finalists for the 2011 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship were Blak and Lela Jacobs.

Stolen Girlfriends Club won the inaugural scholarship in 2008, and Lonely Hearts was awarded the scholarship in 2009 and Twenty Seven Names won in 2010. The scholarship was launched in Australia for the first time in 2010 and Sydney based label bec & bridge was awarded the scholarship.

EVENT PARTNERS:
Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
M.AC Cosmetics
RYDER Salon
The Langham Auckland

ENDS

About the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship
The scholarship was developed as a joint initiative between DHL and Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) in 2008. DHL went on to launch the programme in Australia in 2010.

Judging criteria
The judges measured the three finalists on their ability to sustain and expand export growth. They considered their total revenue in sales both in New Zealand and export dollars, and their ability to fund more export sales. They overviewed their existing export accounts and the potential to gain new accounts in other markets.

They measured their design based on creative and individual design handwriting; a definite point of difference that showed it was unique, commercially relevant and would appeal to an international buyer. They viewed look books and PR material and considered all the PR and editorial achieved so far.

DHL – The Logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010.
www.dhl.co.nz

Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)
FINZ is the voice of New Zealand’s fashion and apparel industry. Established in 2002, the non-profit organisation was founded by the industry to provide professional representation and support for the industry. “Our mission is to ensure the future growth and development of the fashion and apparel industry. And, to see it valued for its economic, creative and cultural contribution to New Zealand.”
www.finz.co.nz

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
NZTE is New Zealand’s economic development and trade promotion agency. The Path to Market programme seeks to improve the rate and speed of market entry for new to export companies. It bundles existing NZTE tools and services into coordinated programmes targeting specific sectors and markets.
www.nzte.govt.nz

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