FABRIC Nights: Reading with Antonia

Antonia Valentina Herbort was born in 2000 and is a proud member of the much-discussed Generation Z. For this Hamburg native, being a fashion journalist means deciphering the interplay between fashion, people, and the spirit of the times.

In her work, Valentina is particularly fascinated by things that only reveal themselves at second glance. Whether psychological, cultural, or historical contexts—she has successfully conveyed on her social media channels that fashion is much more than mere appearance. She is annoyed by outdated dress codes, the arrogance of some fashion people, and anyone who takes themselves too seriously. That’s why it’s especially important to her to encourage everyone to use fashion for themselves and, above all, to enjoy it. So she’s not here to flex her knowledge, but to learn something herself, and she’s really looking forward to having a good time with everyone and enjoying fashion—definitely without the fear of judgmental glances or awkward questions, promised!

Selva Huygens is a Berlin-based sustainable brand that transforms discarded car parts and industrial waste into functional, wearable garments. Sustainable fashion is redefined by combining brutalist design with innovative material recycling to create eye-catching, avant-garde pieces that challenge conventional aesthetics.

Sustainability is a top priority, with cutting-edge fabrics made from recycled battery separators. The designs feature stainless steel hardware, metal components, carabiners, and hooks – elements that allow for customization to fit various body shapes and sizes. Much like brutalist architecture, the fashion rejects traditional distinctions between gender and identity, focusing instead on a strong, unified aesthetic.

AVA. straddles the line between high fashion and workwear, with a focus on reimagining materials and repurposing them. Sustainable fabrics are crafted into unconventional shapes – always with the goal of ensuring the pieces remain wearable and practical for everyday life.
The workwear ethos is particularly evident in the craftsmanship: reinforced seams, durable constructions, and a general focus on making things that won’t break easily. Upcycling plays a major role here – existing materials are reused and placed in new contexts, sometimes even beyond clothing.
Aesthetically, AVA. draws on natural forms and structures. The designs are minimalist, often dark in tone, and incorporate organic elements. This also explores the tension between design and the materials’ origins – without placing too much emphasis on it.