- Sydney-based couture bridal label recognised for its ingenuity in adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19
- Prize includes VIP tickets to attend the 2020 Australian Fashion Laureate, international shipping credits with DHL Express, and mentorship opportunities
- DHL is the Presenting Partner of the 2020 Australian Fashion Laureate
DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider has announced Sydney-based bridal couture label, Sant Elia as winner of this year’s ‘Supporting the Australian Fashion Industry’ campaign. The campaign aimed to support a small to medium-sized Australian fashion brand with the logistics of its business, following a year of industry challenges owing to COVID-19.
As part of the prize, Stephanie Caltabiano Cherrington, Founder and Creative Director at Sant Elia attended yesterday’s 2020 Australian Fashion Laureate as a guest of event Presenting Partner, DHL. Stephanie said, "Sant Elia is honoured to receive DHL’s ‘Supporting the Australian Fashion Industry’ award. This year, Sant Elia remained agile in the face of a global pandemic, reassessing our couture business structure to launch a collection of ready-to-wear bridal separates and bridal accessories produced in-house at our Sydney atelier.”
As part of the fashion logistics support package, Sant Elia will also receive AU$5,000 (€3,086) worth of international shipping credits with DHL Express, a one-on-one meeting with a DHL Fashion Logistics Expert and Matthew Orley, Vice President, Designer Relations and Business Management at IMG Fashion, and promotional exposure via DHL’s digital channels.
Stephanie Caltabiano Cherrington first started her career in commercial fashion before turning to fulfil her creative vision, establishing Sant Elia in 2013. Sant Elia combines traditional Italian bridal couture with modern designs, featuring intricate lace and hand pearl beading. The label offers both custom-made bridal couture, a range of bridal separates, and bespoke gowns for children.
Jamila Dlala, Director of National Strategic Group, DHL Express Australia commended the label for its strategies, “Sant Elia stood out amongst the more than 500 applicants this year for its creative strategies to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19. In launching a new brand of bridal separates and accessories online, the label has demonstrated adept ability to pivot and address evolving industry trends and consumer preferences.”
In her entry, Stephanie stated, “DHL’s services will help us to expand further to reach international brides. As the global wedding scene has developed this year, we have noticed a rising trend of micro weddings and elopements, particularly in the US and Europe. With our new brand of bridal separates, our aim is to provide accessibility without compromising style. With all Australian-made garments at a competitive price point on our website, DHL can help us export our product globally and catch on to this expanding facet of the wedding market.”
