Dazed Celebrates Berlin’s Creative Vanguard in Spring 2026 Issue

Dazed is set to honor the vibrant and multifaceted talent residing within its Dazed Club community by dedicating a significant feature to a curated selection of Berlin-based curators and members in its forthcoming Spring 2026 issue. This anticipated publication will showcase a diverse spectrum of creatives, ranging from DJs and designers to artists and photographers, underscoring the global reach and varied disciplines represented by the Dazed Club network. The initiative aims to highlight individuals who are not only shaping contemporary culture but are also integral to the dynamic artistic landscape of Berlin.

Unveiling Berlin’s Creative Pulse

The Spring 2026 issue of Dazed will delve into the lives and works of a select group of individuals who embody the spirit of innovation and artistic expression within Berlin. This feature serves as a testament to the magazine’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting emerging and established talents that push creative boundaries. The selected individuals represent a cross-section of disciplines, each contributing a unique perspective and skill set to the city’s thriving arts scene. From conceptual art direction to underground DJ sets, the profiles aim to provide an intimate look into the creative processes, inspirations, and ambitions of these Berlin-based tastemakers.

The Dazed Club platform, designed to foster a global community of creatives, has become a crucial space for artists to connect, share, and gain visibility. This feature in the Spring 2026 issue is a direct extension of that mission, offering a concentrated spotlight on a city that has long been a magnet for artistic innovation. Berlin’s unique cultural identity, characterized by its historical layers, diverse subcultures, and relatively affordable creative spaces, has fostered an environment where experimental art forms can flourish. The chosen individuals are intrinsically linked to this milieu, their work reflecting the city’s complex character and its forward-thinking artistic trajectory.

A Spectrum of Artistic Endeavors

The selected creatives span a wide array of artistic disciplines, each bringing a distinct voice and vision to the forefront.

Ali Kiblawi, Creative & Art Director: A Lebanese art director and creative strategist, Ali Kiblawi specializes in concept-led visual storytelling within fashion and contemporary culture. His work is distinguished by a strong narrative structure and an imaginative approach to world-building. Kiblawi’s perspective is deeply influenced by his Lebanese heritage and his academic background in architecture and urban landscaping. These foundational elements shape his storytelling, particularly his consideration of space, context, and atmosphere in developing narratives. Kiblawi is currently realizing a long-held ambition with the launch of a multidisciplinary creative and art studio. This venture is envisioned as a collaborative platform, intended to bring together talents and voices that merit greater industry recognition.

Altay Erlik, Filmmaker: Altay Erlik is a filmmaker whose work centers on creative documentaries. His practice extends to music videos, video art, and street photography, all unified by an artistic stance that explores the challenging depths of human behavior and the psyche through visceral visual harmonies. Erlik’s favorite item in his bag is a practical kit: a toothbrush, spare underwear, and socks, reflecting a readiness for the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors. When asked about the best thing to do in Berlin, Erlik offers a unique observation: the "German stare." He describes the experience of being "decoded" by locals who linger with their gaze when one appears different. Erlik suggests an intriguing way to engage with this phenomenon: intimidating them by staring back and playing this game in a "safe playground," which he finds uniquely characteristic of Berlin.

Ángeles Donner Villanueva, Designer: Based in Neukölln, Berlin, Ángeles Donner Villanueva is a designer whose label, DONNER, champions sustainability and craftsmanship. Her unique approach involves transforming pre-owned ties into distinctive purses, accessories, and garments. Born to a German father and a Spanish mother, her aesthetic sensibility is a fusion of Northern European precision and Andalusian freedom. Her creative journey was significantly ignited by living in vibrant Berlin, surrounded by an unapologetic queer community and an abundance of second-hand stores, markets, and communal spaces, which fueled her passion for fashion creation. Donner Villanueva expresses a fondness for strong colors and patterns, particularly in silk, noting the extensive collection of ties in her studio. Her favorite item in her bag is an "Ernie" pouch, a sentimental find from a second-hand shop she once managed. This pouch serves a dual purpose, holding her diabetic essentials, including insulin pen needles, alongside lip gloss. When asked about the best activities in Berlin, she humorously suggests riding the U8 train line before recommending more leisurely pursuits like enjoying coffee by the canal in Kreuzberg, exploring flea markets, and visiting the city’s beautiful, albeit sometimes spooky, cemeteries with friends.

Anto N’Sow, Photographer & Visual Artist: Antoinette N’Sow, a visual artist, photographer, and aspiring creative director, hails from Madrid with Senegalese roots and is currently based in Berlin. Her photography serves as a tool for self-exploration, documentation, and resistance, with a particular focus on the Black diaspora and queer communities, especially within the ballroom scene. Through intimate and deliberate imagery, Antoinette crafts narratives that celebrate tenderness, heritage, and a sense of belonging. Her perspective as a queer Black individual raised in Europe informs a practice that prioritizes complexity, care, and the inherent right to exist beyond imposed definitions. She challenges exclusionary systems by highlighting those often relegated to the margins. In her bag, N’Sow always carries her inhaler and noise-canceling headphones, essential items for navigating the city. Her favorite Berlin activity is attending balls, where she cherishes the opportunity to connect with friends and community, witness self-expression, and capture these moments through her lens, all while enjoying the chance to dress up and potentially win a grand prize.

Beyza Ağım, Photographer: Beyza Ağım photographs intimacy, often within queer communities and the spaces that unfold after dark. Her experience moving between cultures and cities has taught her that identity is fluid and dependent on context, and that closeness requires cultivation rather than assumption. Her academic study of psychology complements her artistic practice, drawing her to explore what lies beneath the surface. Her upbringing in Turkey has deeply influenced her understanding that artistic freedom is not merely about expression but about the conditions that enable it. Ağım notes that art in some contexts is supported by infrastructure, while in others, it is sustained by risk, a distinction that profoundly shapes her creative process. She is currently working on her debut photobook, an archive of chosen belonging and after-hours tenderness. Concurrently, she is developing music video projects and writing the screenplay for her first film, which centers on Turkish womanhood and queer belonging, drawing from generational memory, migration, and inherited silence to expand her photographic language into cinema. Her favorite item in her bag is her journal, which she describes as a "tiny safe space," along with her film camera. The best thing to do in Berlin, for Ağım, is to "disappear for a night" amidst clubs, cigarette breaks, and conversations with strangers, witnessing the city transform at sunrise and allowing Berlin to shape her.

bblove, Graphic Designer & DJ: Bianca Mocan, known as bblove, is a Berlin-based visual artist and DJ of Romanian descent. She is an integral part of Refuge Worldwide as both a resident and graphic designer and holds an online residency at Stegi Radio in Athens. As a co-founder of Ouch Collective, her DJ sets traverse genres such as rap, UK bass, dubstep, grime, ghetto funk, and leftfield sounds, reflecting a deep engagement with contemporary culture. Beyond music, her work actively champions emerging artists from minority communities, aiming to expand the scene and challenge its established boundaries. Her visual language, rooted in generational culture and modern life’s ironies, blends raw sensitivity with a sharp edge. Her favorite item in her bag is her personal stickers, enabling her to leave a trace wherever she goes. She finds immense joy in biking through Berlin and capturing analog shots of her surroundings, as well as connecting with people.

DJ AYA, DJ: Lilian Aya Bencze, professionally known as DJ AYA, is a Zurich-born, Berlin-based artist renowned for her ability to infuse any dancefloor with vitality, sexiness, and energy. Her initial passion for UK bass, developed during a seven-year period in London, led her into the electronic music scene. She is also a co-founder of (lip) service, a music-centric lesbian bar night that will celebrate its second anniversary during Berlin’s CSD 2026. Following the release of her debut track "Good Boy" late last year, DJ AYA has announced plans for new collaborations and productions this summer. Her most cherished items in her bag are her lipstick and lip liner, confessing to a constant struggle with losing them. She finds the club experience in Berlin unparalleled, particularly at queer parties, citing the extended hours as a significant factor that allows for more than just dancing, but also extended conversations and genuine connection without the pressure of early closing times.

Kamal Emanga, Art Director & Writer: Kamal Emanga has established a significant presence in Berlin’s creative industry, quickly carving out his niche. His practice, encompassing styling and art direction, is consistently fueled by research and a deep interest in fundamental questions about human existence, life, and the act of creation. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, from literature to sports culture, his output spans various media, united by a fascination with the workings of the world. Emanga has increasingly focused on a theoretical approach to cultural engagement, aiming to distill the essence of his work through continued research. His favorite item in his bag is his laptop case, which ingeniously functions as a wallet, a small bookcase, and a secure holder for important items. His preferred Berlin activity is spending long summer nights at Ankerklause.

Lara, Fashion Designer: Lara, a Berlin-based designer, is the founder of Laramz, an independent label launched in late 2024. The brand challenges traditional fashion structures by questioning the notion that clothing is gender-assigned, proposing instead that garments are "inhabited." Working on a made-to-order basis, she creates genderless pieces that defy conventional silhouettes and binary categorizations. Her work is characterized by distinctive fabrics and sculptural construction, blending futuristic minimalism with dark, vampiric undertones—pieces that are sharp yet restrained, intimate yet provocative. Rooted in Berlin’s experimental energy, Lara views fashion as a language of identity rather than a fleeting trend. Her on-demand production model embraces a slower, more conscious approach, prioritizing intention, exclusivity, and emotional connection. She designs garments that feel personal and empowering, intended to amplify the wearer’s inherent identity. Her essential items in her bag are her phone and headphones, emphasizing that music is non-negotiable and provides the soundtrack for her city exploration. She finds Berlin best experienced through unscripted days that blend gallery visits, flea markets, and open-air events, leading into nights. However, she notes that nothing makes her feel more alive than being in her studio.

RAGE, Performer, DJ & Photographer: RAGE is the driving force behind "Conversion Therapy," an initiative described as making change possible since 2023 with a "100 percent customer satisfaction rate." RAGE is actively creating a new scene, culture, and era of partying by providing a floor and a stage for their peers—a space that previously did not exist. As a DJ, performer, and host, RAGE also functions as a creative director and designer. They are the mother of the internationally recognized Haus of Audacity, dedicated exclusively to trans and non-binary artists. Their vision is characterized as sharp, dark, and revolutionary, with an execution that is provocative and audacious. This approach established their reputation in Iran, and they are now systematically influencing the queer nightlife scene in Germany. RAGE’s favorite item in their bag is their "Conversion Therapy" business card. The best thing to do in Berlin, according to RAGE, is to attend Conversion Therapy by Haus of Audacity.

Soji Solarin, Fashion Designer: Soji Solarin is a fashion designer and founder of his namesake label. His role within his clothing brand naturally encompasses numerous responsibilities, including art direction, styling, co-producing classical compositions, costume design, and freelance consulting for other brands. Solarin states that his "search for meaning" led him to Berlin, where a creative exploration quickly evolved into a business. While his earlier works were inspired by his Nigerian background and his upbringing in the US, he feels he has processed that phase and is now drawing inspiration from other subjects, particularly mythology. His favorite item in his bag is his prescription glasses. He explains that he has been navigating the world "blindly" for years to avoid overstimulation but is now interested in observing again and wears his glasses regularly, even having a spare. The best thing to do in Berlin, for Solarin, has shifted from the abundance of techno clubs and events to simpler pleasures. He enjoys strolling by the Spree with a friend or visiting the Ghanaian restaurant African Kingdom, finding the sight of patrons dancing carefree an instant mood booster.

Szymon Stępniak, Photographer: Szymon is an internationally working fashion and event photographer based in Berlin. Originally from Warsaw, he holds degrees in Visual Culture from the Academy of Fine Arts and in Photography and Media from the University of Warsaw. His expertise extends to studio lighting, with a broad interest in contemporary culture. His practice goes beyond portraiture and event documentation; he has extensively captured the queer underground, youth, and music scenes, photographing artists such as Duckworth, Myss Keta, and Mariah the Scientist, and creating a cover for Gay Times featuring horsegiirL. In 2024, Dazed recognized his work as part of a selection of eight queer photographers shaping the global scene. His favorite item in his bag is Fisherman’s Friend Spearmint, which he jokingly calls his best friend. He also emphasizes the importance of hand cream and lip balm as small acts of self-care amidst Berlin’s harshness, and noise-cancelling earbuds are essential for mitigating the city’s overwhelming signals. The best thing to do in Berlin, for Stępniak, is sunbathing naked at FKK naturist spots, which provide a sense of safety, peace, inspiration, and courage. He finds solace in his photography collective’s studio and darkroom, especially during darker days, as a place to slow down, experiment, and disappear. City life is also a draw, from late-afternoon pop-ups to bars and clubs, followed by specialty coffee the next day for planning and dreaming.

The Dazed Club Ecosystem and Its Impact

The Dazed Club initiative represents a strategic move by the publication to engage with and empower a global network of creative individuals. By offering a platform for exposure and connection, Dazed aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape. The selection of Berlin for this focused feature underscores the city’s status as a nexus for avant-garde art and culture. The presence of a substantial number of international artists, drawn to Berlin’s unique atmosphere, further highlights the city’s global appeal.

The article’s structure, presenting individual profiles with personal insights and favorite Berlin activities, offers a nuanced portrait of contemporary creative life. The inclusion of personal anecdotes, such as favorite items in their bags and preferred city experiences, adds a layer of relatability and human connection to the profiles. This approach not only celebrates the featured individuals but also serves as an invitation to the broader Dazed audience to explore the dynamic cultural scene of Berlin. The emphasis on community, self-expression, and challenging norms resonates throughout the narratives, reflecting Dazed’s long-standing ethos of championing progressive and boundary-pushing art.

The Dazed Club app, mentioned as a way for aspiring creatives to be featured, suggests an ongoing commitment to discovering and nurturing new talent. This digital extension of the Dazed brand plays a crucial role in democratizing access to exposure, allowing a wider range of voices to be heard and seen. As the Spring 2026 issue approaches, anticipation builds for a comprehensive look at the individuals who are not just participating in but actively shaping the future of art, fashion, music, and culture from the heart of Berlin. This feature is more than a profile; it is an affirmation of the power of community and a celebration of the individual sparks that ignite the creative fire of a global city.