British-made luxury swimwear brand Naeco, which makes swim shorts out of
recycled ocean plastic, has won the DHL Fashion Potential Award 2019.
Announced during London Fashion Week, Naeco, founded by Zak Johnson, out
of a passion for the ocean and the sports around it including surfing, kite
surfing and swimming, came out on top ahead of more than 350 applicants,
after impressing judges with his sustainable brand.
“This year, we were again thrilled by the creative and entrepreneurial
achievements showcased by the applicants,” said Abi Brodie, vice president
of sales – e-commerce at DHL and expert jury representative in a statement.
“It wasn’t easy selecting our four finalists from such an impressive field
of candidates and then picking a winner. But we are convinced that in Naeco
we have yet another award winner who more than does justice to this award.”
The DHL Fashion Potential Award has been presented annually by DHL in
partnership with the British Fashion Council as part of London Fashion Week
since 2017, with the aim of helping talented young designers expand their
businesses.
DHL Fashion Potential Award names winner during London Fashion Week
As winner, Naeco, not only scoops the 20,000 pound prize but will also
receive assistance from DHL with transport and logistics services.
“I’m absolutely shell shocked that we won, we were up against some
incredible businesses,” expressed Naeco founder Zak Johnson in over e-mail
to FashionUnited. “I have found the entire DHL Fashion Potential Award
process incredible. Not only did I have some fantastic mentors help me over
the past few months, but I also made great friends with the brands and
mentors.”
Johnson added: “I can’t thank DHL and the BFC enough for their support –
I’m looking forward to working with them all over the next year.”
Men’s swimwear label Naeco was up against tough competition from fellow
finalists Trakke, a Scottish accessories brand that began on a market stall
in Glasgow, premium womenswear brand Emile Vidal Carr, and contemporary
womenswear label Olivia Rubin, which debut her colourful spring/summer 2020
collection during London Fashion Week.
Each of the finalists had to present their brands and business plans to
the judging panel that included industry leaders from across the fashion
industry, including representatives of the BFC and DHL.
Naeco follows in the footsteps of previous winners, Rixo, founded by
vintage lovers Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey and Hades, a classic
British Knitwear brand handcrafted in Scotland and designed by Cassie
Holland.
Image: courtesy of Naeco
