My creative path


I'm Anne-Kristin, designer, founder of MIO ANIMO and the AENN VAN DEN BERGH collection...
...and, if I'm honest, so much more.


Fashion has always been my medium for telling stories, expressing emotions, and inspiring people. For me, it's not just about designing clothes. Fashion is a language, a way of expressing ourselves, how we feel or how we want to feel. But behind this creative journey lies a very personal story that has shaped my path as a designer and continues to do so.


I grew up in a small town. From an early age, I felt that I wanted more. I longed for the outside world, for opportunities, for inspiration. Berlin had a magical pull on me. For me, it epitomized creativity, freedom, and diversity. And so, from a young age, I knew: I would move to Berlin. And I loved it! The energy of the city, the creative chaos, the seemingly endless possibilities. All of this had a profound impact on me and helped shape my work as a designer. Berlin became a part of me. And even today, the city remains a place of inspiration for me, a part of my identity that lives with me forever. But at some point, something changed. When my daughter was born, I began to take a fresh look at my life. I loved Berlin, but more and more often I felt a desire for something different. For more peace, for a certain simplicity, more nature, more time for myself and my family. I dreamed of a slower-paced life. Of a place where I could pause and draw my creativity from a different source. And so, almost five years ago, I decided to move to Braunschweig with my family. It wasn't an easy decision. After all, it meant leaving the city where my label was born and organizing commuting between two places. But at the same time, it felt like a necessary step. Here, in Braunschweig, I found something I hadn't expected: space for myself. The proximity to nature, the tranquility of a smaller city, and this lifestyle not only changed my everyday life but also rekindled my creativity. Today, I commute regularly between Braunschweig and Berlin. Berlin remains a place of inspiration for me. A place where my label is rooted, where I meet my team, organize a lot of things, and feel the energy of the city. But since living in a smaller city, my perspective has also broadened. My desire to discover new places and gain new perspectives has grown. One place in particular has taken up even more space in my heart in recent years: Mallorca. The gentle colors of the landscape, the play of light and shadow, the calm yet powerful energy. All of this influences my work and my collections. There, amidst nature and the Mediterranean lifestyle, I often find clarity and new ideas. The island is not only a place of retreat for me, but also a source of inspiration. I've been returning to Mallorca repeatedly for well over ten years, not least because one of my oldest friends emigrated there. Even back then, I felt a sense of longing, as if the island were calling me, even if I didn't yet dare to answer its call. This feeling has never left me. Since then, I've repeatedly experienced a variety of connections to Spain. Through travel, encounters, and stories that have not only connected me with the country, but also more strongly with myself.


What defines me as a designer


is my passion for creating clothes that not only look good, but also feel good. I design for women who want to feel strong, beautiful, and connected in their clothes. With themselves, with the world, with their very own story. I am guided by my own experiences.
By the challenges and changes I have experienced myself, by the women in my family whose stories of courage and strength have shaped me, and by the vision of creating fashion that is not just a shell, but an expression of personality and soul.

For me, fashion is more than clothing. It's a way to express yourself, feel good, and tell your own story. My life in a smaller city, commuting to Berlin, and the inspiration I find in places like Mallorca are all parts of this story. They flow into my work, giving it depth, emotion, and meaning.


If you are interested in the stories behind MIO ANIMO, I invite you to join me on my journey. Discover my collections, learn more about my work, and be inspired by the idea that fashion can be so much more than just clothing. I'm excited to share this journey with you.


From the bottom of my heart, Anne-Kristin