For the 76th edition of the Berlinale, we shot a special editorial for YOOX at the Theater im Palais in Berlin, bringing together three women who are currently shaping a new chapter of German acting. Nhung Hong, Lorna Ishema, and Julia Seeger stepped in front of the camera – three distinct voices, three perspectives on fashion, identity, and the question of what they choose to wear when their profession constantly requires them to become someone else. For these artists, clothing is far more than surface.
YOOX, the Italian online retailer, stands not only for carefully curated designer fashion and luxury pieces at compelling prices, but for a mindset: quality over quantity, longevity over fleeting trends. Values that closely mirror the craft of acting itself.
For Nhung Hong, the essence of acting lies in transformation. With each role, she seeks to integrate as many facets of a character as possible, while still allowing a personal nuance to shine through.
Clothing plays a central role in this process – both privately and professionally. Only once she steps into makeup and costume does the character truly begin to live for her. She describes herself as persistent when it comes to costume design, often spending hours with the team refining a ‚focus look‘ that feels authentic rather than like a disguise.
"My character has to feel comfortable. It can’t feel like a costume – the person has to truly be able to wear it."
In film, the visual comes first: before acting is perceived, the figure is seen. “I can only fully immerse myself in a character after the costume fitting,” she explains.
Beyond acting, she has a deep interest in fashion and draws inspiration from everything around her. Clothing, to her, is deeply personal. In her profession, she enjoys the freedom to experiment with different identities through costume. Privately, she applies different standards. Her wardrobe is carefully curated; nothing is bought randomly. Every piece must carry personal meaning and lasting quality.
"I don’t want to wear something just for a moment – but ideally forever."
For Nhung Hong, style is not about constant change, but about thoughtful selection – pieces that endure, pieces that say: this is you.
Lorna Ishema is a German actress who has appeared in both film and series productions, often portraying complex, layered characters – young women caught in moral conflicts, figures marked by inner tension or quiet strength. It is the work itself that shapes her: the constant immersion into new identities, the meticulous preparation, the willingness to throw herself into a character until it gains contour. She is particularly drawn to morally ambiguous roles – figures who are not immediately likable or easy to decode. Complexity is what excites her.
On set, she loves the process: the preparation, the fine-tuning, the deep dive into character. Acting, for her, is not just presence in front of the camera, but research, reflection, and detailed craftsmanship.
“I love throwing myself into it and really working on a character.”
“If a pair of trousers is well tailored, if the seams are done right, you simply feel different.”
Photography by @mclareren
Julia Seeger is one of the young voices of contemporary German cinema, known for her work in recent film and television productions. On set, what matters most to her is staying calm, flexible, and present. “I think it’s important to keep your composure, remain flexible, stay present and never give up.”
When Julia speaks about fashion, she immediately connects it to her profession – while still drawing a clear distinction.
“One is clothing, the other is emotion – but they definitely go hand in hand.”
For her, fashion can amplify and make visible what is already felt internally. Clothing does not just decorate a person; it often reflects character even more clearly. Through fabric, cut, and silhouette, personality takes on a tangible form.
What fascinates her most about fashion is its ability to empower.
"Sometimes it feels like putting on armor. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, nothing can really get to you. A strong outfit can create a sense of invincibility."
Longevity and quality are values she believes should matter to everyone today. Her favorite pieces are either high quality at fair prices or inherited from family – garments with history, with emotional value.
More about YOOX here.
CREDITS
Photography by Lara Schles
Photograph Assistent by Marcus Arthur
Creative Production by Nina Maria Dahms, Johanna Erdl
Styling by Lena Lauer
Make-Up by Emina Cviko
Hair by Sophia Hunt
Talents Nhung Hong, Lorna Ishema, Julia Seeger