BLACK BOY KNITS WINS 2022 “DHL LOGISTICS IN FASHION AWARD”

The emerging designer will receive a $15,000 grant and mentorship opportunities in journey to expand globally

DHL, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America Inc. (CFDA), a not-for-profit trade association whose members consist of more than 470 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, accessory and jewelry designers, has announced Black Boy Knits as winner of the 2022 “DHL Logistics in Fashion Award.” As the winner, Black Boy Knits will receive a $15,000 grant to further its business internationally and mentorship opportunities from the two organizations.

Black Boy Knits is an independent design studio founded by Jacques Agbobly during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Their goal is to highlight Black, queer and immigrant narratives and its cultural contributions through a global-focused lens. With a firm approach and aesthetic that is breaking down binaries, Agbobly’s designs draw parallels between the past and the present, showcasing how Black history and artisan traditions can inform the future of fashion.

“As an Afro-Indigenous queer immigrant, equity, diversity, and empowerment is at the forefront of what I create,” said Jacques Agbobly, founder of Black Boy Knits. “This recognition will allow me to not only expand my business, but also achieve my mission of celebrating our culture and identity across the globe through our unique and customized fashion designs.”

The DHL Logistics in Fashion Award is part of a larger partnership with CFDA to help fashion businesses capitalize on opportunities to grow worldwide. In March 2022, DHL Express U.S. announced it has returned as the exclusive Official Logistics Partner of the CFDA, a partnership geared toward helping fashion businesses capitalize on opportunities to grow worldwide.

“We are delighted to support emerging fashion designers, like Jacques, by giving them an opportunity to grow to new heights in the global marketplace,” said Cristian Vera, SVP of Sales and Marketing at DHL Express Americas. “Our partnership with CFDA and expertise in international logistics has helped hundreds of businesses in the fashion industry by allowing them to offer quick and reliable shipping to customers worldwide.”

As part of the partnership, CFDA members and interim members receive exclusive shipping rates and access to DHL Office Hours, where they can work directly with DHL shipping and logistics professionals and receive expert guidance regarding their global supply chain. 

“By facilitating the global supply chain, our partnership with DHL is making it possible for CFDA members and emerging brands alike to expand their businesses internationally,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said. “We are looking forward to seeing how Black Boy Knits leverages this incredible opportunity to reach even more customers across the globe.”  

For more information on Black Boy Knits, visit https://www.blackboyknits.com/.