Events – Numéro Berlin

SCHAU, FENSTER AT KADEWE: IN CONVERSATION WITH SEBASTIAN HOFFMANN

Anna Klusmeier — Fri, 02 May 2025 11:15:13 +0000

From April 22 to May 10, 2025, KaDeWe becomes a site of transformation – turning its iconic display windows for the first time into a public exhibition space. Curated by Sebastian Hoffmann and featuring contributions from ten different artists and galleries, SCHAU, FENSTER at KaDeWe is an official part of the Gallery Weekend Berlin 2025 program.

Sebastian Hoffmann shares how the project came to life, the curatorial thinking behind it and what shifts when display windows are reimagined as an art gallery.

Numéro Berlin: To start with, could you tell us a bit about your background and your work as a curator?

Sebastian Hoffmann: I worked in the art trade for quite a bit, as a co-gallerist organizing exhibitions and programs. Two and a half years ago, two friends and I founded an interior firm called Tadan – we like to call ourselves “decorators”. So I’m surprised curating has remained a part of what we do and as important to me as before. The spectrum between decorating and curating is narrower than I thought. They’re really not the same, however, they’re both about relating things to each other and spaces, situations.

How did your collaboration with KaDeWe come about?

We’d done a couple of smaller projects before, including a loan for the brasserie upstairs – black-and-white photographs by the Latvian artist Edgars Gluhovs, of a wine tasting and paired with a quote from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”: “Anybody with their nose pressed against a glass is liable to look stupid.“ After that, I jokingly ended an email with: “Next up – the windows…”

So it started out as a joke?

That kind of joke you wish becomes a reality. And then, a few weeks later, they somehow picked it up and asked if we could talk about it. KaDeWe had collaborated with artists before, but I wanted to do something with no products from the store. Then we had the idea to align it with Gallery Weekend. That’s why all participating artists are represented by galleries involved in the festival’s program.

What’s your personal connection to KaDeWe?

I’ve been going there since the ’90s – mostly with my grandmother. Whenever she said her lipstick had run out, I knew we were going to KaDeWe. In hindsight, it was probably just an excuse, no lipstick’s gone that quickly – but it becamone of our rituals. I live nearby now, still go often, even just to wander around.

What were the biggest challenges in curating this kind of gallery?

How did you combine your own curatorial vision with the commercial demands of the project?

Very much. They were in for all the irritation. And it works – if you hang around the storefront for 20 minutes, you’ll see all kinds of reactions from passersby and learn so much. Highly recommended!

You also talk about the window as an artistic medium. What exactly does that mean for you?

Each window is a different case. Benjamin Heisenberg’s video piece, for example, runs on old TVs – like in a vintage electronics store. Isabella Ducrot’s large-scale painting functions like a stage set. Every window required its own approach.

How does curating in public space differ from working in a gallery?

You reach people who didn’t actively decide to look at art. Most come across this exhibition by accident. Sometimes one person stops and others follow, changing the dynamic entirely. That’s also why we wanted the windows to be as heterogeneous as possible.

How thin is the line between art and commercial display when art is shown in a shop window?

Very thin – and that’s what makes it exciting and adds more potential to the works shown. Pamela Rosenkranz’s “Pour Yourself“, a set of Evian bottles could easily be mistaken for a product display. John Miller’s “Dress Rehearsal for the Revolution“ is a band consisting of mannequins, this band is entirely confusing in all their dead-pan glory. For this work, the project is a „homecoming“, somehow.

What did you focus on when selecting the artists?

Some names and even works came to mind immediately – Josefine Reich, John Miller, Saâdane Afif who, with his ready-made approach, created a minimal yet effective work using reflective road sign foil – even the windowpane becomes part of the piece.

You reference the tradition of 1960s New York window displays. What inspires you about that?

Artists like Warhol, Rauschenberg, or Jasper Johns worked with or for department store windows with creative freedom of sorts but always with products from the stores.

What does it mean for art to be accessible around the clock, outside of institutional opening hours?

It’s a gift. The displays are especially striking at night – with movement, light, reflections. The city becomes part of the work. People are more focused, less distracted. The viewing experience is different at every part of the day.

What happens when curated art meets an accidental audience?

New meanings emerge. Alexandra Bircken’s window shows a sculpture containing motorbike gas tanks, hair, fire – familiar but disorienting elements. It catches people and that tension between recognition and confusion creates engagement.

What do you take away from this project for your future work?

Optimism. The collaboration was smooth – with all the galleries, especially the artists and the store. And it’s a reminder: irritation is a good thing. It opens doors, especially outside traditional spaces.

And finally – if someone passes by a window and stops, what would you consider a successful encounter with the art?

People actually stopping, really looking – maybe even missing their bus. Or the father who came with his daughter three days in a row to pick a new favorite window each day. That’s the best thing that could happen.

Running meets Fashion during Berlin Half Marathon: the adidas x ANTE Pop-Up Experience

Anna Klusmeier — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:37:42 +0000

It’s one of Berlin’s event highlights of the year – the Half Marathon. But even those who aren’t competing in the run have something to add to their to-do list: visiting the adidas x ANTE Pop-Up which celebrates the legendary running shoe adizero EVO SL as well as ANTE‘s latest collection.

It makes sense, then, that the adidas x ANTE Pop-Up on April 5th and 6th, 2025, will be a dynamic hub where running enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and the city’s creative community come together to experience customization and innovation. The event takes place in the heart of Berlin, set against the industrial vibe of Tor86. These program highlights await the fans:

Day 1: Shake-Out Run & Customization (April 5, 2025) The event kicks off with an energizing Shake-Out Run at 10:00 AM, open to 35 lucky runners who will receive an exclusive, customized pair of adizero EVO SLs. The run starts and ends at the event space, with a coffee station from LAP Coffee ready for runners afterward.

From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the pop-up opens to the public. Visitors can take part in a sneaker customization session with J.W. Studios, take a look at ANTE’s latest collection, and explore the space, which is designed as an interactive installation. Guests can bring their own adizero EVO SLs to customize them with pink, blue, or orange highlights guided by a local dyeing expert . The pop-up remains open until 8:00 PM, so everyone has the chance to immerse themselves in the experience.

Day 2: A Celebration of Creativity (April 6, 2025) Those who missed customization on the first day can still take part from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM while taking a look at ANTE’s collection. Later in the day, the space transforms into a high-energy Day Gathering, with a live DJ set and snacks. Guests can connect, explore last-minute customization opportunities, and engage with the party both in person and online.

Curious for more? We met with the founders of ANTE, Berlin-based creatives Julian Weigl, Christian Zellin, and Marcus Butler, before the event – to discuss their love for running, their vision of a community and their personal highlights of the weekend.

Running is said to impact not only the body but also the soul. What role does running or sports in general play in your life beyond physical training?

Julian: Sports have always played a huge role in my life. I grew up playing football, but when I could no longer do team sports due to work, I switched to running. What I love about it is its simplicity – you just need a pair of shoes, and you can do it anywhere, anytime, with anyone. It’s an outlet for my thoughts, a way to process things. The mental aspect is also a big advantage. Pushing through tough sessions builds resilience.

Marcus: I also played a lot of team sports growing up and always thought of running as a solo activity. But starting a running club two years ago changed my perspective. It happened naturally – we gathered friends, met every Saturday at 11 am, went for a relaxed run, and then hung out. The focus wasn’t just on running; it was about bringing people together.

Julian: Also Running is inclusive. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your gender, sexuality, or whether you’re a beginner or a pro. It’s technically an individual sport, but as Marcus said, it feels more like a team sport.

Running has evolved beyond just a sport, it’s also a lifestyle. What do you think defines the modern running culture?

Chris: I think running isn’t a lifestyle in itself but contributes to a certain way of living. None of us are professional athletes – running is just a part of our overall lifestyle. It makes you feel good, keeps you healthy, and connects you with people.

Marcus: I used to think you had to finish a run, shower, change, and then go out. But with our running club, people started chatting, and hanging out. It was less about the run itself and more about the community it created.

Julian: I also like that fashion now embraces running. There was a gorp core hype, and now the same is happening with running. We want to make this sport cooler, moving away from the stereotype of runners in bright, flashy gear who only talk about their paces and times. You can be an artist, musician, or creative and still be a runner. Our goal with Ante is to give running the same cultural appeal as football or basketball.

What, in your opinion, defines today’s running aesthetic, and how does it influence your brand?

Marcus: People want to look good during and after a run. Wearing bright neon gear doesn’t always align with how you’d dress normally for a coffee shop. The goal is to merge performance and style so that your outfit works in both settings.

Chris: It’s about putting effort into what you wear – no more just grabbing random shorts and a T-shirt. People now embrace sportswear as part of their style. Our designs focus on a sleek, timeless aesthetic that integrates into daily life.

Julian: While we currently see a lot of the running aesthetic coming from a technical point of view, we try to change perspectives and draw inspiration by uncommon materials, shapes and forms. Therefore, we create timeless and functional high-quality garments, a uniform for on and off the track. We are blending the two worlds together in which we are living in: fashion and sports.

And where would you position Ante between fashion and sportswear?

Marcus: Right in the middle. Initially, we leaned towards performance, but then we realised something was missing. We introduced elements from our everyday lives, making it feel more authentic.

Where does the name Ante come from?

Julian: We wanted a name with no associations. Chris suggested Ante, and after looking it up, we found out it derives from the Latin language, meaning “to go forward” or “pioneer,” which perfectly aligns with our vision.

Chris: The sound, the way it looks when written, and its ambiguity were all important. It lets us shape our own meaning.

Which of your designs represents your brand philosophy the best?

Chris: We’d all probably pick different pieces, but one standout is the Half-Zip Longsleeve, a nylon sports fabric piece with thumb holes I’m wearing right now. It’s a performance item, yet most people wear it casually or even to the office.

Julian: We invest heavily in sourcing and developing fabrics, like our ribbed fabric from Italy. For example, our Half-Zip Longsleeve: On the surface it’s tailored for every occasion but if you take a closer look, it’s a performance fabric with technical components but it doesn’t scream sportswear.

How does social media help build a community that fosters creative exchange and understanding? And how does this community influence your designs?

Marcus: We never set out to “build a community.” Our running club started organically, but soon, more and more people asked if they could join. Now, we do monthly runs, and our events have grown massively. For our last adidas pop-up, over 200 people signed up. It’s a natural evolution.

Chris: The brand is a platform for things we love – events, parties, various projects in general. It’s all about creating shared experiences.

What do you want to offer your community through the adidas x Ante Pop-Up that you are hosting during the Berlin half marathon weekend and what are you personally looking forward to most at the event?

Marcus: The Friends & Family dinner we’re hosting. Like Chris said, it’s not just about running – it’s about everything we enjoy with friends, brought together through shared experiences with the brand.

Chris: For me it’s our pop-up on Saturday at Tor86. The last one was packed with new faces, and great conversations. It’s more than just a store; it’s a space to connect.

At the center of attention, alongside your new collection, will be a legendary running shoe – the Adizero EVO SL. What makes this shoe a perfect match for Ante?

Marcus: The shoe itself bridges running and lifestyle. I actually shot the upcoming campaign for it in Cape Town. It’s designed to be worn while running but also in everyday life, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy.

Besides good design, what does it take for a product to become an icon?

Marcus: It has to look good – simple as that. When adidas first showed us the Adizero EVO SL at their HQ, we were immediately drawn to it.

Chris: An icon is defined by the moments and associations built around it. The Adizero always broke records. Even when a non-professional runner wears it, they get a taste of that legacy.

Do you think that creating and being creative always come from a place of love, joy, and passion?

Julian: Being creative feels natural and is like an engine to me which keeps me moving forward. I’m lucky that I found like-minded individuals like Marcus and Chris, to further transform my passion into “work”, even though I don’t really like to call it that. If joy, love and friendship is the origin, work doesn’t feel like work, it happens naturally.

Marcus: For me, creativity comes from the people around me. Being surrounded by interesting, inspiring individuals fuels my ideas.

Chris: I agree. When you blend different perspectives and styles, you create something new. Creativity thrives on exchange, just like sports enrich life. Both make life more fulfilling.

PUMA LAUNCHES THE MOSTRO OG IN BERLIN

Anna Klusmeier — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 18:54:56 +0000

In the vibrant setting of Acht Berlin, PUMA unveiled the latest iteration of the iconic Mostro sneaker, offering its community an exclusive first look and hands-on experience with the new release.

The PUMA Mostro is not just any sneaker – it’s a statement. For over twenty years, it has been the choice of those who push boundaries and challenge conventions. Inspired by the sleek sprinting spikes of the 1960s and the surf shoes of the 1980s, the Mostro, whose name comes from the Italian word for ‘monster’, embodies boldness and unconventional design.

With its signature sculptural form, sleek low profile, and spiked sole, the Mostro remains as striking today as ever. Now introduced in three fresh colorways, this daring silhouette continues to redefine expectations, blending innovation with timeless design. Following its much-anticipated return last year, the PUMA Mostro is once again getting attention in 2025, cementing its status as an icon of rebellious creativity and distinctive style.

Welcome to the Mostro Zone

For the launch event, PUMA transformed Acht Berlin into an immersive space filled with dynamic lighting, projections, and interactive experiences that paid tribute to the sneaker’s unique aesthetic. As part of the celebration, a special creative workshop invited guests to craft personalized artworks using design elements inspired by the Mostro’s unmistakable sole. The night then unfolded into a lively party with curated drinks and music, setting the perfect atmosphere for the occasion.

With this release, PUMA reaffirms the Mostro’s ability to transcend generations, effortlessly evolving with contemporary trends while staying true to its disruptive spirit and visual identity. A fusion of fashion, art, and design, the Mostro continues to shape the future of urban style.

The PUMA Mostro OG is now available at PUMA.com and select retailers.

arabsoda x OOR Studio Store Event Powered by Numéro Berlin

Anna Klusmeier — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:57:18 +0000

Berlin was buzzing on February 20th as we kicked off an incredible night at the arabsoda x

OOR Studio Store Event, powered by Numéro Berlin. Held at the OOR Studio Apparel

Store on Torstraße 76, the evening was all about celebrating fashion, culture, and

creativity. Guests got to explore arabsoda’s SS25 tailored collection, get first glimpses of

their upcoming bakhoor incense launch, and experience an unforgettable fusion of style,

culture and sound.

Starting at 7 PM, the event welcomed guests into an immersive experience where the

worlds of Middle Eastern heritage and Western contemporary fashion seamlessly

intertwined. The Berlin based streetwear Brand arabsoda, known for its Ready to Wear

garments, unveiled its SS25 tailoring collection, offering an exquisite preview of finely

crafted pieces that blend tradition with modern trends.

The atmosphere was set against the backdrop of the beautifully curated OOR Studio

space. Usman’s ongoing cultural work explores the intersection of heritage, community,

and contemporary narratives, seamlessly weaving authentic storytelling into fashion, film,

and photography—a vision that he shares with Converse. As part of Converse’s global

creative community, the All Stars, Usman created and showcased an exclusive one-of-one

arabsoda Chuck Taylor.

Elevating the night’s energy, Varholla delivered an unforgettable soundtrack, setting

the tone for an evening of style and cultural exchange. The event was further enriched by

the short film screening of JAMEEL – A Light Unveiled directed by Ahmed Mesbah, offering

a cinematic reflection on heritage and identity through a contemporary lens. Guests enjoyed

drinks kindly madepossible by our friends at Elephant Bay, as well as an elegant pairing of coffee

and dates by Bateel.

As the evening unfolded, conversations sparked, and the creative spirit of Berlin came out

strong. The arabsoda x OOR Studio Store Event was more than a showcase—it was a

statement. A testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and cultural dialogue.

JAMEEL – A Light Unveiled directed by Ahmed Mesbah

TO WATCH: TOP 10 BERLINALE MUST SEES

Anna Klusmeier — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:00:48 +0000

The prestigious festival, that serves as a global stage for groundbreaking films, where visionary storytellers and talented filmmakers converge to showcase their craft.

Honey Bunch is a forthcoming Canadian thriller written and directed by Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli. Starring Grace Glowicki, Ben Petrie, Jason Isaacs, Kate Dickie, and India Brown, the film is set to debut at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival as part of the Berlinale Special program. The story follows Diana, who awakens from a coma with fragmented memories. As a means to aid her recovery, she is taken by her husband to a remote experimental trauma center. She doesn’t know why she’s there, but as pieces of her past slowly fall into place, she begins to unravel chilling and sinister secrets about her marriage.

Ato Noturno (international title: Night Stage) is a 2025 Brazilian feature film directed by Marcio Reolon and Filipe Matzembacher. This erotic thriller follows the intertwined lives of an aspiring actor and a politician, both drawn to the thrill of public sexual encounters. Starring Gabriel Faryas and Cirillo Luna in the lead roles, the film will premiere at the Berlinale. Ato Noturno is a story about the risk, secrecy, and ambition surrounding Matias, an aspiring actor who just moved to Porto Alegre to pursue his career. When he secures a spot in an esteemed theater company, he soon finds himself tangled in a professional rivalry with a fellow actor and ensemble member named Fabio. Meanwhile, Matias is forced to conceal his sexuality in hopes of landing the role of a traditionally masculine, heterosexual lover. Amidst this pressure, Matias crosses paths with Rafael, a politician, and the two embark on a secret affair. Their mutual attraction extends beyond romance, as they share a risky desire for public sex. However, as their careers ascend, so does their recklessness.

Köln 75 tells a true story from the life of Vera Brandes, a Cologne-based music producer and concert promoter who achieved great success in the 1970s. Directed by Ido Fluk, who also wrote the screenplay, the film features cinematography by Jens Harant, a score composed by Stefan Rusconi, and editing by Anja Siemens and Hubert Walkowski. Mala Emde portrays 18-year-old Vera Brandes, who independently organized a concert for jazz pianist Keith Jarrett at the Cologne Opera on January 24, 1975—despite her parents’ disapproval and the risks involved. However, a series of logistical and technical issues nearly led to the event’s cancellation. Frustrated, Jarrett even threatened to pull out of the performance. But through sheer determination and persistence, Brandes managed to salvage what would become one of the most iconic solo concerts in music history—the legendary and highly acclaimed Cologne Concert.

Other People’s Money is a gripping series that delves into Europe’s largest tax fraud case, exposing how a network of wealthy investors, bankers, and lawyers orchestrated a €146 billion ($153 billion) scheme to siphon funds from European taxpayers. The show is helmed by creator and showrunner Jan Schomburg, and will have it’s premiere at the Berlinale. The cast features Lisa Wagner, Karen-Lise Mynster, Justus von Dohnányi, Niels Strunk, David Dencik, and Fabian Hinrichs. Inspired by the CumEx-Files investigation by European media outlets, the series unveils the complex global financial network that drained billions from state treasuries, impacting every European citizen. Across eight episodes, it follows both the masterminds behind the scheme and two women from different countries fighting to expose the truth—despite fierce opposition from governments and banks determined to shut them down.

Ich will alles is a documentary film by Luzia Schmid, based on the life and career of German actress and chanson singer Hildegard Knef. The film is set to have its world premiere as part of the Panorama section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Hildegard Knef was a world-renowned actress, singer, and author whose career spanned over six decades. She achieved international acclaim, faced significant setbacks, and consistently reinvented herself, maintaining her dignity and humor throughout. The documentary portrays her as a resilient and ambitious woman, offering a cinematic autobiography that showcases her unwavering spirit and artistic brilliance through rare archival footage.

The Old Woman with the Knife (Korean: Pa-gwa) is an upcoming South Korean action thriller directed by Min Kyu-dong, adapted from Gu Byeong-mo’s novel of the same name. The film is slated for its world premiere in February 2025 at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, featured in the Berlinale Special section. The main cast consists of Lee Hye-young, Kim Sung-cheol, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Moo-yul, and Shin Si-ah. The narrative centers on Hornclaw, a legendary assassin in her 60s who specializes in eliminating society’s undesirables. Accustomed to loss, she finds renewed purpose upon meeting Bullfight, a promising young killer eager to collaborate with her.

Atardecer en América (English: Sunset over America) is an upcoming short documentary directed by Chilean filmmaker Matías Rojas Valencia. The film is set to have its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, featured in the Generation 14Plus section. The documentary takes place on the Altiplano plateau, recognized as one of the most perilous migration routes in Latin America. A teenage girl recollects the night she traversed this treacherous terrain, during which she felt accompanied by a spiritual presence that wandered like the wind. This documentary offers a poignant look into the challenges faced by migrants in Latin America, blending personal narrative with broader socio-political themes.

An upcoming experimental documentary by American filmmaker James Benning. Little boy will premiere in the Forum section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. James Benning is renowned for his minimalist and contemplative filmmaking style, often exploring themes related to American landscapes and history. As a companion piece to Benning’s earlier work, American Dreams (lost and found) (1984), this film reflects on the past to warn about the future, told from a young boy’s perspective.

An upcoming Australian drama miniseries by filmmaker Justin Kurzel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North will premiere as a Berlinale Special at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Kurzel is acclaimed for his intense and immersive storytelling, often delving into historical narratives and complex characters. These characters are portrayed by Jacob Elordi, Ciarán Hinds, Odessa Young, Olivia DeJonge, and Simon Baker. Adapted from Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, this series explores the harrowing experiences of a World War II hero haunted by his time in a Japanese prisoner of war camp and a poignant pre-war love affair. The narrative reflects on the enduring impact of past traumas and the complexities of memory and survival.

An upcoming science fiction black comedy by South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, Mickey 17 will premiere in the Berlinale Special section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Bong Joon-ho, renowned for his genre-blending narratives and incisive social commentary, has previously struck us with the Academy Award-winning Parasite. Now, he directs this adaptation of Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7. The film stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” clone worker on a human colony, who confronts existential dilemmas upon discovering a subsequent iteration of himself. This narrative delves into themes of identity, mortality, and the ethical complexities of cloning.

COLRS X NUMÉRO BERLIN AT BERLIN FASHION WEEK

Anna Klusmeier — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:59:58 +0000

Numéro Berlin kicked of 2025! In collaboration with our dear Friends of COLRS and produced by Mutter Agentur, the evening took place at the new OOR Studio Store, located at Torstraße 76 in Berlin Mitte.

Saturday night starting at 7 pm, guests gathered at the OOR Studio Store, immersing themselves in an atmosphere charged with creativity. The event featured exclusive pieces from the newest OOR Studio and COLRS collections. With lively DJ sets by the amazing DON GASPAR ALI and ZNEA, drinks, fun and conversations, the night set the tone for what’s to come in 2025 — true style, energy, and connection!

COLRS Studio Berlin, known for its innovative approach to design and production, played a pivotal role in curating an experience that was both immersive and inspiring. The studio has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion by integrating art and technology into menswear and presented their collection as part of Berlin Fashion Week at the art gallery DITTRICH & SCHLECHTRIEM.

The collections showcased a unique blend of minimalist yet expressive pieces, reflecting the ethos of contemporary fashion in Berlin. Each garment carried a signature aesthetic, merging structured tailoring with relaxed, avant-garde silhouettes. The designs embody both functionality and artistic expression.

As the clock struck 10pm, we took the party to the iconic 8MM Bar, located at Schönhauser Allee 177b in Prenzlauer Berg. A full house danced, bonded over drinks, and continued the night’s momentum with amazing music which honored “Neue Deutsche Welle”-vibes. The energy in the room was immaculate, as Berlin’s fashion and creative crowd came together. The 8MM Bar, known for its underground rock and roll charm, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of expression and connection.

The night solidified Berlin’s status as a hub for progressive fashion, where creativity knows no limits and community remains at the core. A fusion of fashion, music, and Berlin’s unmatched creative spirit, COLRS X Numéro Berlin, reinforced the power of collaboration. CHEERS to many more nights like this in 2025, celebrating the ever evolving landscape of Berlins fashion- and creative scene!