Sydney-based fashion house, An Ode to No One has clinched the 2012 DHL Fashion Export Scholarship, winning out against fellow local labels Shona Joy and Kahlo.
The scholarship, which has previously helped local labels such as We Are Handsome and Bec & Bridge, will see An Ode to No One designer Adi Setiadi receive $10,000 of international freighting and a mentorship to help take his label global.
Setiadi was selected for the prize based on the elegance, meticulous detail and creativity of his designs, by a panel of judges including IMG Fashion director, strategy & brand development Elle Persson, local designer Michael Lo Sordo, and head buyer Madeleine Allman from My-wardrobe.com.
Commenting on the winning selection Lo Sordo said Setiadi showed great potential for further success, both in Australia and on the global stage.
“An Ode to No One was selected for having the perfect mix of international exporting potential, domestic success, design aesthetic and sound expansion strategy. Having just expanded my own label internationally I know that Adi has what it takes to succeed globally and his label will really showcase the amazing fashion talent in Australia.”
On accepting the scholarship prize, Setiadi said:
“I’m honoured to have been selected for the DHL Fashion Export Scholarship, I am speechless really. It is a truly amazing opportunity for me to grow and expand my label internationally, which has been a dream for me since An Ode to No One’s inception.”
An Ode to No One was launched in 2009. The brand has since won the 2011 Chambord Shine Award and also made its debut at Australian Fashion Week earlier this year, with Setiadi growing the business profits by 900 per cent via the label’s seven collections.