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Christopher Esber wins Australian fashion export prize

17 October 2016

Christopher Esber has been named the winner of the 2016 DHL Fashion Export Scholarship. The scholarship will enable the label to explore and grow export opportunities through exclusive mentoring from DHL Express and IMG.

In addition to mentoring, the label will receive AU/NZ$10,000 of international freight and the chance to attend New York Fashion Week in 2017.

Despite the high quality of entries this year, Christopher Esber stood out against the finalists, fellow Australian label Ephemera and New Zealand brand Penny Sage, for its immaculate, graceful aesthetics as well as sound business and export strategy.

Since launching in 2010, the Christopher Esber label has achieved milestones – from winning the National Designer Award in 2012 at L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival to garnering the attention of celebrity fans and bloggers such as Yasmin Sewell, Fashion Director of style.com, Caroline Issa of TANK Magazine and Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl.

Christopher Esber believes winning the DHL Fashion Export Scholarship will provide the drive required to take the label to the next stage.

“I am beyond ecstatic to be named as the winner of the DHL Fashion Export Scholarship. With this support, I look forward to further developing the overarching vision of my brand, plus capitalising on the additional visibility and growth on the international stage.

“Continuing our international expansion has been a key priority for Christopher Esber, the label, and the past 12 months have been the strongest yet for our export business.

“We’re seeing particularly strong interest from USA, China and Europe – and also Dubai, Hong Kong and Kuwait. I can’t wait to attend New York Fashion Week next year and further grow our international presence,” Christopher Esber said.

Jamila Dlala, National Group Sales Manager at DHL Express Australia said Christopher Esber’s entry displayed great development over the past three years he has entered the DHL Fashion Export Scholarship.

“His win is very well deserved, and in judging the winner we recognised the label’s growth potential, domestic success and strength of designs. We are delighted to award this opportunity to a promising Australian label and look forward to providing mentoring support in the future.

“Supporting the Australian fashion industry is a key focus for DHL Express. With the growth in online shopping and international connectedness, we are seeing an increasing number of local fashion brands develop an expanded presence and market on the world stage,” Jamila Dlala said.

DHL Express has been supporting Australian and New Zealand designers through the Fashion Export Scholarship since 2010 and 2008, respectively. DHL is committed to assisting the industry and designers achieve international success through growing their export business.

For more information on Christopher Esber's label, visit christopheresber.com.au