Next Wave: Berlin

Navigating the streets of a European hub with photographer Winter Vandenbrink

For VMAN45, we continued our ongoing series of burgeoning photographers capturing the best winter looks in four global creative hubs, and we’re taking you to the streets of a major cosmopolitan hub.

Photographer Winter Vandenbrink captures the busy bustle of Berlin and showcases that fashion is better while on the move. Styled by Niki Pauls, Vandenbrink’s photography focuses on creating scenes and activity.

“I started discussing this shoot with Niki [Pauls], wondering what we could shoot outside as a FW editorial in mid-summer?” Vandenbrink shares. “Then Niki came up with this location, which I remembered from a hazy clubbing past.” While shooting during COVID initially proved to be a challenge for him, “it turned out doable.”

Pastel blues and pinks, neon lime green, and velvety reds from Givenchy, Lanvin, Ambush, Versace, and Berluti stand out amid the largely grey and brown streets. “I tried to work with these memories of getting out of a club in the morning light, dressed up dandy,” says Vandenbrink.

After getting his start when his personal project, called “Vandals,” started receiving some love from stylists and creative directors, Vandenbrink has used social media to help bolster his portfolio. “A lot of commissions start via social platforms like Instagram, it makes it possible to show your process and development, which people like to follow,” he says.

Vandenbrink’s main philosophy as a photographer is building his signature, something only he can take ownership and creative responsibility for. “This has a mechanical side like what camera or lens fits your aesthetic, but more important is your passion in a certain object, philosophy, or situation,” he says. His advice? “Don’t try too hard to create a fashion photograph.”

NEXT WAVE, now a part of the CreatiVity program, is a hub where photographers are encouraged to submit their work to be discovered. Head to the CreatiVity page to submit your photographic and video work to be considered for a feature in the NEXT WAVE.

(From L-R) Hugo wears all VERSACE, Omar wears all VERSACE, earplugs private
Omar wears all ZEGNA, bracelet AMBUSH
Hugo and Omar wear all clothing and accessories LANVIN
Hugo wears puffer coat PHIPPS, pants and jewelry AMBUSH, shoes VALENTINO
Omar wears all GIVENCHY, Hugo wears earring AMBUSH
Omar wears all GIVENCHY
Omar wears all BERLUTI, earplugs private
Omar wears all BERLUTI, earplugs private, Hugo wears all BERLUTI, earring AMBUSH
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