Is the MFA more about design or sustainability? The answer is: both. The evaluation criteria for the award were defined in consultation with experts of the Advisory Board. While sustainability is – on the first sight – the main focus of the MFA, the topic of design and aesthetics also plays an important role in determining the market relevance of collections. That’s why the MFA rates aesthetics and sustainaibility the same. Accordingly, Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of Fashion Council Germany and former editor-in-chief of Vogue Germany, was asked to organise a panel on the following topic: The need for aesthetics in a future sustainable fashion system.
„Let‘s put our heads down together and solve some of the problems we have. But within esthetically the highest level. It is very, very important to me that I can propose esthetic and that -within this frame – innovation and responsible design is also communicated.“
Martin Niklas Wieser
All panelists come from the world of high fashion: Tina Lutz Morris (winner MFA Contemporary Sustainable Accessories) worked at Issey Miyake and Calvin Klein before starting her own minimalistic, timeless leather brand. Martin Niklas Wieser (winner MFA Contemporary Sustainable Fashion) worked for Proenza Schouler, among others, and Herbert Hofmann, who worked for Henrik Vibskov and Stine Goya, knows the importance of design as VP Creative & Buying at Highsnobiety.
In this panel discussion, they talk about their careers, their experiences in the fashion industry, what they have learned, how the market works, and the importance of sustainability, whether through supporting local craftsmanship, vintage clothing or the beauty of handmade products, which they now integrate into their businesses.
About the speakers:
Christiane Arp shaped the German fashion scene as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Germany (2003–2020) and as a stylist on major productions. In 2015, she launched Der Berliner Salon during Berlin Fashion Week to promote emerging German designers. As Chairwoman and founding member of Fashion Council Germany, she continues to support projects that drive lasting change in fashion and design. Christiane is part of the Munich Fashion Award advisory board and the jury.
Tina Lutz Morris studied fashion at ESMOD Paris and started her career with Issey Miyake and later Calvin Klein New York. In 2000, she co-founded Lutz & Patmos, collaborating with creatives like Julianne Moore.
Since 2015, she runs her handbag label Lutz Morris, known for craftsmanship and responsible production in Germany. She is a CFDA member and winner of the 2020 FGI Sustainability Award and the 2025 Munich Fashion Award (Accessories).
Martin Niklas Wieser studied fashion at Berlin’s Weißensee Academy of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. After launching his brand in 2015, he worked with Proenza Schouler and Nicolas Andreas Taralis and consulted for MyTheresa China. His designs challenge luxury norms with a focus on craftsmanship and longevity. In 2024, he won the Fashion Award of the City of Vienna — and in 2025, the Munich Fashion Award in the category contemporary sustainable fashion.
Herbert Hofmann began his career in PR for brands like Weekday, Stine Goya, and Henrik Vibskov. In 2011, he became Buyer & Creative Director at Voo Store Berlin, shaping its unique curation. Since 2019, he serves as VP Creative & Buying at Highsnobiety, leading collaborations, private label HS05, and creative strategies. He is a member of the MFA jury for the frirst edition in 2025.