DALLAS, May 8, 2004/ FW/ --- UPS is not a stranger to high fashion having sponsored high profile runway shows in Bryant Park such as the B Michael Fall 2004 (see photo left) catwalk presentation last February. On Tuesday, the company is raising the ante with the sponsorship of a design contest at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

The catwalk show will feature the designs of six semi-finalists in a competition to create a mock UPS uniform for every region of the world the shipping company serves. Entry designs ran the gamut from a kimono-inspired jacket to a safari-style jumpsuit.

Although the winning outfit won’t become an official UPS uniform, its designer will gain exposure to high-profile fashion industry experts who are judging the contest. The winner, to be announced at an event immediately following the show, will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize from UPS.

FIT student Demeatris Davis, who designed a striking blue and chocolate brown suit for North America, said his design reflects the modern role of women in American society.

“In our ever-changing society where traditionally male-dominated professions are now being taken up by women, the new UPS woman does just as good of a job as her male counterpart; she’s just dressed better,” Davis said.

“We are working with FIT to support designers of the future and to illustrate how UPS is the perfect fit for the fashion industry’s global business needs,” said Kurt Kuehn, UPS senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing.

“From logistics to trade finance, UPS helps fashion businesses manage the complexities of international shipping so they can focus on what they do best – creating fashion for consumers around the world.”

For more information about UPS and the fashion industry, log on to www.ups.com