Womenswear designer Michael Lo Sordo has added another award to his mantle.
Lo Sordo has been awarded the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship.
The win comes on the back of securing Net-A-Porter as an exclusive international stockist from September 2014.
Lo Sordo will receive AU$10,000 worth of international freight and mentorship to supercharge his export strategy.
For the first time, mentoring from IMG Fashion in the US will also be on offer.
Lo Sordo will be flow to New York for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week where he will meet with an international buyer.
He said the award is a huge win for his business.
"Since the label began, I knew it was important to cement our foundation strongly within the Australian market before branching out overseas.
"Over the years we have built a reputation for our designs with strong support from celebrities as well as local and international media and buyers."
The designer is currently working on building a new website to feature a regularly updated blog and e-boutique.
The judging panel for the award included: IMG Fashion director of strategy and brand development Elle Turner; designer Alice McCall; Sunday Telegraph fashion editor Prue Lewington; and DHL Express sales manager Michael McManus.
McCall commended his range planning, ability to appeal to a range of demographics, successful export strategy and huge potential for international growth.
"Michael has that subtle gift in that he can make collections stand out, but not shout.
"You can imagine his collections fitting in seamlessly at Barneys or Bergdorf Goodman. Finding this balance is critical for international success.
"But taking a brand to the global market is about more than just the aesthetic, it is about delivering on time; understand the fit of the garments; and having a great quality product.
"Michael has all this and more. He shows a real balance between commercial appeal and having a unique twist – I can’t wait to see where he goes from here."