About

Nina Valentina, a brand that encompasses the values and vision of its founder Nina Ollenburg, was set it in motion from 2020 with a vision to design and create unique and expressive clothing. However, the passion for clothing and what they bring to the world did not start just there, but quite some time ago.

Nina has from a young age had a passion for creativity, and whether knowingly or unknowingly, for apparel too. As someone who was once shy and socially anxious to the core, clothing helped her express herself without needing to speak a single word. With the power of self-expression, from the inside out Nina was able to grow and challenge herself throughout her youth; and that power is something she wishes to return tenfold to her customers.

Nina Valentina is a brand that strives to not only be expressive, but to challenge the norm and help push society’s perception of what is acceptable and not acceptable, what is ugly and what is beautiful and what can and or cannot be done.

Sustainability

Questions I have heard in the past include: “What is the point in being cruelty free if others are still doing it?” or “I don’t understand, why would a fashion brand say it is sustainable, when it’s existence itself is unsustainable?”, and it’s true those questions got me thinking, but I always have an answer. I, Nina, am aware that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, and I often ask myself what gives me the right to be selfish and pursue my passion, when ultimately, it is possibly just another fashion brand being added to the endless other options?

Firstly, I believe that thinking “I won’t make a difference” is literally that, it won’t make a difference. Each person making an effort is something. If evry brand does something to make an effort for the future, than that will all make a big difference, and influence others to do the same. Secondly, I want to use whatever skills I have to make a difference to the world, to comfort people, and educate, and if my skill is fashion, that is how I wll do it.

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In the 21st century, humans have the technology and the means to research and acquire the knowledge to minimise the cruelty inflicted both environmentally and ethically. It is for this reason, that Nina Valentina from start to finish upholds the humble core value that there is always a way to learn and improve its practice in some way or another. Nina Valentina recognises how the fashion industry has had a tremendously negative impact on the environment and those within it. It is for this reason, and also as it is a core value of Nina herself, that this brand strives to bring it’s products to its customers with as little detriment to the environment as possible.

Nina Valentina strives to not only have products that are sustainable in some way, whether it’s in the design, material or the life-cycle of the product, but also to make the process of development also as sustainable as possible. The testing and development of new products can be quite consuming in its materials and resources, and this brand spends its time and energy to unpick and re-use materials in order for the world to not have to use its energy to clean up after our mess.

Ethics

At Nina Valentina, products are handmade with love and care to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. Here at Nina Valentina we also acknowledge and respect that not just one person contributes to a collection or a creative vision, but many, who deserve to be credited fully.

In saying that. With many social and ethical issues being highlighted, the content and products that come from Nina Valentina are ones that will be researched and developed to pose as non-offensive, fun products, and the brand will always be learning, researching and developing ways to be better and more supportive to those who need it most. In other words, not using any offensive imagery, appropriation and symbolism will be the priority in all research processes.