Born and raised in a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse influences, Love Berlin is Vancouver’s very own fashion designer to keep an eye on. Love’s journey into the fashion world is nothing short of inspirational. We had the opportunity to interview our JCI Institute graduate and get to know her unique story.

Berlin’s admiration for fashion started unexpectedly. After graduating high school early in March 2022 and with 7 months of spare time before moving to Victoria to study forensic anthropology at the University of Victoria, Berlin shifted her focus to watching iconic runways from the 90s and grew an interest in the artistry and energy of the fashion scene.

In those moments, her passion led to a pivotal decision– to change her career path entirely towards fashion. With support from her family, Berlin chose to study fashion at JCI Institute.

“My experience at JCI pushed me to be more in tune with my creative process, accepting it for how it is, and being able to dissect it.”

Starting a fashion label can be a roller coaster of emotions. For Berlin, the biggest challenge is also an exciting opportunity– introducing her vision to the world.

Her brand, Love Berlin, embraces the bold and innovative spirit of 90s fashion. The ideal customers of her brand are individuals who appreciate raw creativity, authentic designs, and behind-the-scenes insight into each experience created.

The brand resonates with customers who are comfortable in their own skin or striving to be, unafraid of other’s opinions, someone experimenting with their style and personality, learning new skills, exploring, and experiencing. The brand balances brutality and vulnerability in fashion, allowing us to be open with our minds, bodies, and passions. The three core values of Love Berlin are power, passion, and provocation, making it a distinctive and heartfelt brand.

Looking ahead, Berlin sees her brand gaining international recognition.

“I dream of dressing inspirational figures and showcasing my collections in fashion capitals like Paris and New York.”

Her advice to aspiring designers is to be devoted:

“It’ll take everything in you to do it and it will be hard sometimes but every moment of work is worth every second of reward.”

The highlight of Berlin’s journey thus far was seeing her graduation collection come to life and be photographed. Take a look at her collection below.

FASHION FUN WITH BERLIN

Q: Who is your favorite fashion designer?

Berlin: Mugler, because I am in awe every time the brand releases a new collection and how true it is to the original vision. Additionally one of Thierry Mugler’s pieces is the reason I went into fashion and will forever be a huge inspiration to me.

Q: If you could collaborate with any fashion icon, who would it be and what would you create?

Berlin: Casey Cadwallader, to be anywhere near his creative mind would be a dream come true. I would want to work with him on any upcoming collection for Mugler.

Q: What is your go-to outfit?

Berlin: Currently I want to redo my wardrobe a bit but my go-to outfit is my stacked silver earrings, with black stiletto nails, a silver bracelet, my GAP hoodie engineered by Balenciaga, some Lululemon tights, white socks, my Margiela bag (my mother gifted me), and my Dr Martens boots with zippers running everywhere around them

Q: What is one fashion trend you LOVE and one you feel could disappear?

Berlin: I love the wet look and I’m not crazy about the bow trend but I have accepted its importance and why people like it.

Q: What is the latest fashion-related item that you splurged on?

Berlin: Fabric. Fabric is all I spend my money on.

Q: What’s the most treasured item in your closet?

Berlin: My Margiela bag and my hand-crafted silver hoop earrings, both from Paris, both from my mother.