News – Numéro Berlin

Christian Stemmler — ANFANG / BEGINNING: BERLIN 1994–99

Anna Klusmeier — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:22:18 +0000

Between 1994 and 1999, Berlin stood at a threshold, still marked by the traces of division yet already vibrating with a new kind of energy. It was a city that had not yet decided what it wanted to become, a space of contradictions and experiments, raw and unfinished. In ANFANG / BEGINNING, Christian Stemmler revisits this uncertain yet fertile moment through his own photographs, a collection that functions less as documentation and more as a lived memory of transformation. His images trace a city and a generation in motion: nights that blur into mornings, fleeting friendships, and rooms filled with both exhaustion and desire.

What began as a private act, taking photographs without purpose or audience, has turned almost three decades later into a visual testimony of an era that feels distant and yet strangely familiar. Stemmler’s images were made instinctively, without a sense of belonging to a photographic discourse. They emerged from daily life: improvised portraits on wrinkled bedsheets, snapshots in smoky clubs, fragments of faces and gestures captured on public transport or in shared flats. In their unpolished immediacy, they reveal a city that was still learning to breathe again, open, unpredictable, and porous.

Viewed today, these photographs are more than remnants of youth; they are fragments of a collective state of mind. They show Berlin before it was redefined by capital and global attention, when chaos and creativity existed side by side and possibility seemed endless. Stemmler’s return to these negatives—scanning, revisiting, remembering—becomes a quiet act of excavation. It is less about looking back than about reconnecting with a time, a feeling, and the reasons one begins to create in the first place.

ANFANG / BEGINNING unfolds as both remembrance and renewal. It reflects the vitality of a city that has always been a projection surface for ideas of freedom, and it marks the reawakening of an artist who once set the camera aside. The images resist nostalgia; instead, they evoke a form of sincerity that feels rare today, a closeness to life that is neither curated nor composed. Stemmler’s Berlin was rough, direct, and unguarded. His photographs preserve that atmosphere, allowing it to linger: the noise of a night that never really ended, and the quiet that always followed.

The second edition of ANFANG / BEGINNING: BERLIN 1994–99 will be launched on November 6, 2025, at Voo Store, Oranienstraße 24, Berlin — an opportunity to experience Stemmler’s work in direct conversation with the spirit of its time and to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of a Berlin that no longer exists.

VISIONARY ETERNITY

Anna Klusmeier — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:06:42 +0000

UNVEILING THE NEW MERCEDES SHOWCAR: THE VISION ICONIC

In one of the opening speeches leading up to the unveiling of the Vision Iconic, taking place in Shanghai, Ma Yansong, head of MAD Architects said: „When old and new becomes intertwined, then you achieve a feeling of eternity.“ A few minutes later, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of the Mercedes Benz Group drew back the vibrant red cloth covering the show car, unveiling an automotive that perfectly encapsulated the eternity that Ma spoke of. The Vision iconic is both familiar and surprising, innovative and an instant classic.

Taking the proportions of the 1930 Autobahn Courier, it materializes as a homage to the Art Deco movement and celebrates Mercedes now almost hundred year old heritage. The front of the Vision Iconic shows a reinterpretation of the iconic Mercedes Benz chrome grille, supplemented with an additional, upright-standing illuminated star on the hood. The rear, with its narrow tail lights and rounded shape is reminiscent of 300 SL Gullwing. Instead of the screen-heavy interior we are used to from new car designs, the Vision Iconic takes a step back and instead chooses the combined power of digital and analogue. A dual seating bench dressed in blue velvet is facing an oblong glass console, endearingly coined „The Zeppelin“. There is nothing overtly digital which could pose as a disruption to the classic, almost lounge like atmosphere. New-age technology, including AI-assistance is seamlessly integrated into the interior.

The design of the Vision Iconic is clearly one that respects the brands heritage, and it shows that this act of looking back is no reason for a lack of innovation; quite on the contrary. Mercedes Benz as a brand is so successful and keeps on pushing what is possible, because it respects its own past. In Gorden Wagners words:

The Vision Iconic exemplifies the sensual and functional purity that is so essential to the identity of Mercedes. It’s not made to be an object, but built to forge an emotional connection. It’s not just a car, but the proposition of a „third place“. One could say: It’s the place that connects all places.

This entire world premiere was more than „just a car unveiling“. It was a celebration of the brand and its closest collaborators, a celebration of design and new challenges and a celebration of Shanghai as an exemplary place of the future. Taking place during the closing days of Shanghai fashion week, it also build bridges between unlikely disciplines. A Capsule-Collection was presented as a lead up to the Vision iconic reveal, capturing the visual language and detail-driven essence of the art-deco era. A mandarin collar inspired Mens blouse further payed homage to the city of Shanghai and the collaboration of continents that is so essential for the Mercedes brand.

The design of the Vision Iconic points towards a future in which we can hopefully find a balance between analogue and digital. A future in which the wide spectrum of human creation, from craftsmanship, technology and AI, can come together, beautifully, balanced and seamlessly, to lead the way. The term Mobility after all should not only be understood in a literal way. Mobility and the innovation that shapes it also address the overall direction that humanity is heading towards. Mobility is future-making, Mobility is human. Automobiles are human.

Who sits inside? Who drives? Where are they going? How do they see the world? It’s not necessarily the everyday-man that comes to mind as an answer to these questions – and yet it is. Our future sits inside. It’s a vision of luxury, of glamour and a celebration of modernity and global collaboration. Showcars show the extreme of what’s possible, of what’s imaginable, of what can be true. In an era of „Obvious AI“ and a tendency for the hyper digital, the strong voice of the analogue components make a clear statement on how we should approach our life. We should dream and imagine while knowing our past. We should be visionary. And what is more visionary than something that is made to be eternal?

GUCCI: THE ART OF SILK

Anna Klusmeier — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:25:29 +0000

Gucci unveils The Art of Silk, a project that celebrates the brand’s heritage in silk craftsmanship while exploring new artistic expressions. The campaign, starring actress Julia Garner and photographed by Steven Meisel, captures the fluid beauty of silk in motion, set against the backdrop of a city at night.
At its core is Gucci’s iconic Flora motif, a timeless symbol of elegance that continues to evolve for a modern audience. Whether worn as a scarf, draped effortlessly, or caught mid-motion, silk remains a defining element of Gucci’s legacy, embodying both sophistication and self-expression.

Keep it Gucci: The Art of Silk

Through Steven Meisel’s lens, The Art of Silk campaign tells a visual story of mystery, movement and allure. The nocturnal setting enhances the interplay of light and fabric, transforming silk into more than just material: it becomes an extension of the wearer’s personality. Gucci’s Flora motif takes center stage, reinforcing the House’s enduring spirit and timeless craftsmanship in every delicate fold and drape.

90 x 90 Project

As part of this celebration, Gucci introduces the 90 x 90 Project, a creative initiative where nine international artists reimagine five signature scarf themes: Flora, fauna, nautical, equestrian, and the GG Monogram. The name reflects the classic 90 cm x 90 cm silk twill scarf, which serves as both a fashion piece and an artistic canvas. The participating artists, including Robert Barry, Everett Glenn, and Sara Leghissa, bring unique perspectives that blur the lines between fashion, fine art, and pop culture.

Complementing this initiative, Gucci collaborates with Assouline to release ‘Gucci: The Art of Silk’, the first book to explore the rich history and craftsmanship of Gucci’s silk scarves. With exclusive access to the Gucci Archive, the book delves into the cultural significance of these iconic pieces, highlighting their role in shaping the House’s legacy.

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.

REINE PARADIS: “ECLIPSE” AT KÖNIG GALERIE

Anna Klusmeier — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:47:49 +0000

LA-based artist Reine Paradis (b. 1989, France) will soon be coming to Berlin to present her newest body of work “ECLIPSE”. Her practice is strongly characterised by bold colors and sharp compositions, and applies a wide array of media. By use of self-portrait photography, painting, sculpture, installation, and video, the artist cultivates a distinct visual universe that is consistent but simultaniously ever so surprising.

ECLIPSE as a series brings light, color and form to the forefront, together forming surreal landscapes that leave all suggestion of our world behind. Here, Paradis gracefully walks the line between reality and fantasy. The immersive multimedia installations come to life by a carefully curated process. The artist imagines the first idea for each image with a maquette, a blueprint that is later translated to staged on-site photographs. From here on, every costume, accessory and sculpture is meticulously designed by Paradis to suit her vision. This also introduces a performative aspect to her practice.

Aside from her photographic work, the artist also incorporates painting and sculpture into her series. The wide array of media in her extensive artistic arsenal, strengthen eachother while often intersecting.

Marking the first time ever for her work to be exhibited in Germany, the exhibition will have its opening on the 12th of February and will last until the 15th of March.

WRSTBHVR X BORCHARDT LAUNCH CAPSULE COLLECTION COMBINING FASHION AND FOOD

Anna Klusmeier — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:18:32 +0000

When two icons meet, something unexpected happens. No one else than Berlin’s luxury restaurant borchardt, famous for its Schnitzel, teamed up with–also Berlin-based–fashion brand WRSTBHVR. On January 27th, they’ll launch their capsule collection in KaDeWe’s WRSTBHVR x borchardt pop-up store. What makes this collaboration so interesting is not only the big names but the clash of two very different brands. On one hand, a high–priced, tony restaurant with a history that goes back a long way: In 1853, borchardt’s doors opened for the very first time, quickly welcoming well-known guests until today. On the other hand, a young streetwear label founded in 2014 that focuses on comfort and contemporary, plain designs.

But it wouldn’t be Berlin, if there wasn’t a wish to mix up poshness and everyday streetstyle.

Hoodie and T-shirt variations, a dress, a longsleeve, a sweater, two embroidered bomber jackets made out of satin, and a cap make up the limited 10-piece capsule collection. The restaurant’s famous Schnitzel dish and its equally popular espresso martini cocktail embellish the clothes’ fronts and backs as embroidery or print.

Also, the drink’s history found a place on the fabric: As the story goes, a man once ordered a cocktail at a bar that was supposed to make him both awake and drunk. The result? The coffee- and vodka-based espresso martini—and now the phrase “wake me up and then fuck me up” on the WRSTBHVR x borchardt shirt. Additionally, the restaurant’s front view is incorporated into the design. Overall, it’s a collection that’s playful, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is sure to spark plenty of interest among Berliners—whether they love Schnitzel, streetwear, or both.