DHL and Canadian Industry Experts Kick Off World MasterCard Fashion Week with 3rd Edition of DHL Fashion Industry Panel

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 22, 2013) - As top designers from Canada and around the world unveil their Spring 2014 collections, DHL returns as a sponsor and Official Logistics Provider for World MasterCard Fashion Week, where it will host the third DHL Fashion Industry Panel. The panel, consisting of Canadian designers and industry executives, will discuss the challenges facing designers entering the industry, with a specific focus on financial pitfalls and navigating the online eCommerce space. DHL has also partnered with George Brown College on a design contest to support the education and career development of three up-and-coming Canadian designers.

"Fashion is one of the most challenging industries for a young entrepreneur to enter and be successful," said Greg Hewitt, President of DHL Express Canada. "With the DHL Fashion Industry Panel we bring together Canadian experts, including top designers, who share their experience and advice on the challenges these entrepreneurs will face -- as well as the solutions that have allowed them to thrive."

The DHL panel discussion will be moderated by Leesa Butler from Fashion Group International and include:

• Stephan Caras, designer

• Adam Taubenfligel, Triarchy

• Jarrad Clark, Global Creative Director, IMG Fashion

• Mark Zimmerman, Senior Advisor & CIO at MaRs

• Greg Hewitt, President of DHL Express Canada

The panelists will discuss the state of the industry, challenges for new entrants of breaking into the business, navigating the global landscape when it comes to e-commerce and a comprehensive online platform, and key brand promotion strategies behind starting a new label. Panelists will also examine how a company like DHL can help young designers overcome logistical challenges and the importance of having a strong partner with fashion expertise.

"Behind the glamour of the red carpet and global runways is an incredibly demanding schedule and DHL excels at delivering the collections anywhere in the world, whether it's for a renowned designer or small entrepreneur just starting out," said Jarrad Clark, Global Creative Director for IMG Fashion Events and Properties. "Its worldwide network, knowledge and experience of the fashion industry have proved invaluable to our designers during World MasterCard Fashion Week."

DHL's commitment to supporting emerging fashion designers also led to a partnership on a design contest with the School of Fashion Studies at George Brown College. Students were tasked with creating Haute Couture looks using DHL colours and materials. Students uploaded their designs online, where users voted for their favourites. The top five contest finalists will be present at the DHL Fashion Industry Panel, where their designs will be judged by the attending panelists. The overall winner will receive a $4,000 scholarship to George Brown College and will spend a day at World MasterCard Fashion Week shadowing Triarchy's Adam Taubenfligel. The second place finalist will receive a mentoring session from Adam and a $2,000 scholarship, and the third runner up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

DHL has developed specific logistics solutions to meet the demanding needs of the fashion sector. As a global company operating in 220 countries worldwide, DHL can deliver optimized supply chains, reduced lead times and easy access to new markets for up-and-comers and established fashion icons. DHL's fashion industry solutions include distribution centre management, international supply chain management, analysis and design, e-commerce management and a European Fashion Network that delivers over 200 million garments per year.

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 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2012.