Recently, I attended a couple of shows by Avenir, the Berlin-based upcycling brand founded by Sophie Claussen and Maximilian Luers, where the essence of everyday city life was transformed into striking performances. One show unfolded outdoors with a delightful blend of models and passersby, creating an intriguing tableau, while another embraced a traditional runway format infused with the casual vibe of a lively literary gathering—think of the stylish crowd that’s impressively cool because they actually read.
This past July, rather than putting on another show during Berlin Fashion Week, Luers guided me through key pieces in an installation format. He shared plans to unveil their spring 2026 collection during the Paris presentations and capture a lookbook over the summer. While some emerging brands might view this as a retreat from the excitement of live shows, Luers and Claussen remained grounded: Avenir is committed to authenticity and longevity. Their focus is on creating timeless pieces, emphasizing practicality paired with a touch of inspiration.
For the spring collection, Luers mentioned that they had named it TALIS, inspired by the idea of a talisman—something that embodies lasting significance and brings a sense of magical joy. He noted their influence by the artistry of early 20th-century female sculptors, including Renée Sintenis from Germany. This homage not only highlights the celebration of female creative voices in the predominantly male-dominated art world but also resonates personally with Luers. “We envisioned using fabric as if it were clay, embracing its intrinsic purity in form and volume,” he explained. “We aimed to highlight the essential qualities of our materials—transforming everyday textiles into something remarkable and elaborate.”
A prime example of this is the advancement of their denim embroidery technique, which began last fall. This approach involved cutting strips from old denim and applying them to garments in a dynamic fashion. For this spring, however, they shifted to a more fluid aesthetic, resulting in body-hugging tanks, a sleek skirt with raw edges, and various dress lengths. These designs used upcycled denim layered over a dissolvable base fabric, allowing for a light, ethereal feel as the base washes away, leaving behind only the robust denim. It’s an innovative concept, crafting items that carry a sense of uniqueness and memento-like significance.
Avenir also showcased a refined selection of contemporary wardrobe staples that are grounded yet touch whimsical creativity: “strong and functional,” said Luers, “but with distinctive details.” Their trench coats stood out, particularly in a soft ice blue, alongside a robust stone-bonded cotton version. Oversized shirts included a jacket-style piece in pink drill, featuring a pieced-together black and white portrait of Sintenis, striking a balance between chic and punk aesthetics.
Wide-leg trousers were available in luxurious emerald silk and raw denim, showcasing circular seams along the legs. Another signature piece was their roomy blazers, accentuated with a unique metal pin resembling a tuning fork. This detail feels especially relevant in today’s tumultuous climate, suggesting harmony amid chaos. While Avenir may maintain a quieter profile as a brand, that subtlety becomes a valuable trait in our increasingly noisy world.
