GOING AWAY PARTY: Italy’s Camera della Moda and logistics firm DHL introduced Francesca Liberatore, one of the four winners of the inaugural DHL Exported contest, at a presentation Tuesday on the terrace of 10 Corso Como in Milan.
In all, four winners from four countries were selected in the contest.
Flanked by DHL Express Italy chief executive officer Alberto Nobis, Camera ceo Jane Reeve said that many Italian brands relied heavily on export, and noted that she had spoken to countless young designers about the challenges of combining creativity with hard business skills. For many, Reeve said, “having visibility abroad is fundamental. And it’s not easy… The opportunity to show in another country is almost a dream.”
She added: “I’m very happy because while I haven’t been at the Camera for long, two of the key themes I wanted to take up immediately were internationalization and the support and promotion of young talent.”
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Liberatore, a women’s wear designer and Central Saint Martin’s graduate originally from Rome, won the Italian fashion chamber’s Next Generation contest in 2009. She has now landed a spot for two consecutive runway collections — next September and February — on the official New York Fashion Week calendar, while American designers Nicholas and Christoper Kunz of Nicholas K will show theirs in Milan.
Liberatore said she chose New York because she believes “there is a great link between Milanese product and what a capital such as New York offers in terms of marketing and commercial [opportunities]. Considering the stage I’m in now, this was the right step to take.”
In a video message, Christopher Kunz said he viewed Milan as “the epicenter of global fashion” and a “stepping stone to Europe and the rest of the world.”
Other winners included Hakaan Yildirium of Turkey, who will show in London, and Henry Holland of UK-based House of Holland, who will show in Tokyo.