DHL Delivers Popular Brazilian Swim Collection to Miami For Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim

Partnership with Cia.Maritima Sets Stage for U.S. Debut of 2008 Collection

DHL, the world’s leading global express delivery and logistics company, has partnered with Cia.Maritima, Brazil’s largest producer of high-end beachwear, for the U.S. debut of the label’s 2008 collection during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim shows.

DHL will provide its international delivery and logistics expertise to transport Cia.Maritima’s collection, which designer Benny Rosset debuted during Sao Paulo Fashion Week in June, from Brazil to Miami in time for its U.S. runway show debut on Wednesday, July 11th. DHL staff will also be on hand throughout the production with DHL “delivery men” removing the runway cover immediately before the start of show.

“We are delighted to be working with DHL for our Miami show,” said Benny Rosset, founder and designer of Cia.Maritima. “Our goal is to bring the Sao Paulo experience to Miami, and this requires a partner who is trusted, experienced and reliable working under tight timelines. DHL is just the partner we need to deliver all the elements of a true Brazilian fashion experience at our first Miami show.”

“DHL’s partnership with Cia.Maritima demonstrates how DHL is uniquely positioned to serve the international needs of the fashion industry,” said Karen Jones, Senior Vice President, Corporate & Marketing Communications, DHL Express. “South American brands have become increasingly popular in the U.S., and transporting these international designs into the U.S. with speed, accuracy and care is vital to their success here.”

The partnership is the latest initiative in DHL’s multi-platform program to serve the unique needs of the fashion, apparel and retail industries. In January 2007, DHL became the Official Express Carrier and Logistics Provider of IMG Fashion’s U.S.-based fashion events. The relationship with IMG includes sponsorship of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

In addition to sharing its delivery and logistics expertise, DHL, together with Cuca Fresca, the award-winning super premium brand of cachaca (sugar cane rum) used in caipirinhas, and Havaianas, the popular Brazilian sandal brand, is co-hosting an invitation-only afterparty for Cia.Maritima. The party, to be held in The Penthouse of The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach, will offer guests an added taste of Brazilian culture, featuring Brazilian music, South American delicacies, DHL Mango Caipirinhas and other Cuca Fresca cocktails.

BRAZILIAN FASHION INDUSTRY
From denims and dresses to swimsuits and flip-flops, the Brazilian fashion industry is making a name for itself by gaining solid footing in some of the most prestigious catwalks in London, Paris and New York. Brazil is already the world’s second largest denim fabric producer, third largest knitted fabrics producer and fifth largest apparel producer, a trend that has grown steadily in the past few years.

According to the World Trade Organization, Brazil’s textile exports have skyrocketed by more than 47 percent in the first half of the decade. In 2006, Brazil’s textile exports totaled over $2 billion, a 33.6 percent increase compared to 2003. Nearly a quarter of all exports go to the United States, Brazil’s second largest export partner in the category behind Argentina. More than 30,000 companies make up the industry’s productive chain with revenues totaling more than $25 billion in 2003.

UNIQUE SERVICES FOR FASHION
Because of its leadership position in Asia, Europe and Central and South America, DHL has resources in place worldwide to serve markets vital to the fashion industry.

In the U.S., dedicated DHL fashion staff in New York City offer services tailored to the industry such as sample room management, consolidation services and international vendor management. While DHL consolidation sweeps services combine shipments and reduce the number of consignments for DHL customers, DHL’s Import Express service allows fashion clients to navigate customs and government shipping regulations while ensuring critical deliveries arrive on time. With Import Express, shipments are handled by DHL from pickup outside the U.S. to delivery in the U.S., with all tracking, invoicing and single-currency payment through DHL.

DHL continues to expand its leading international services targeted to the fashion sector, most recently increasing its overnight door-to-door service from Asia with five additional flights to New York City.

ABOUT DHL
At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping. DHL’s mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for its customers.

DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, and contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL’s international network links more than 225 countries and territories worldwide with over 300,000 employees dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers’ expectations.

Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.corp.

ABOUT CIA.MARITIMA
Considered the hottest and most sought after swimwear line in Brazil, Cia.Maritima was launched by Benny Rosset in 1990. Cia.Maritima has become the largest producer of beachwear in its home country and one of the premier brands for the Rosset Group, Brazil’s leading textile manufacturer.

Benny Rosset created a unique marriage in Cia.Maritima: between decades of The Rosset Group’s fabric technology and expertise and the incorporation of detailed hand-work, fine embroideries, crystal beading and intricate lace. Cia.Maritima is designed as a high-end boutique collection and is sold in better specialty and department stores.

In the U.S., Cia.Maritima is distributed exclusively by Style West, who is staging the brand’s Miami Swim runway show. Founded by husband-and-wife team Dave and Kerri Sengstaken, Style West is a marketing and distribution company based in surf-side Oxnard, California.