Mary and Dario are the two serious photographers behind STILINBERLIN, a beautifully composed photo blog specialized on Street Style in Berlin and featuring everywhere else in the world.

Nika: Berlin is not for….?

LOVERS

 NIKA: If not Berlin where would you chose to live?

We would live in Copenhagen if it had the temperatures of Lipari Islands.

NIKA: Your Sweden Series especially caught my eye. It is lovely. What called you to Sweden?

Dario used to live there and wanted to go back.

Nika: What makes Swedish girls so sweet?

We wouldn't call them sweet; normally they aim for a clean and grown-up look.

Nika: What is your favorite Swedish Snack? 

Dario really likes Lösgodis.

Nika: You’re favorite Swedish Designer?

NAKKNA makes geometric cuts, that are elongated, the clothes look very Swedish, but go a step further.

 Nika: Do Swedes print out a blueprint for their outfits before they get dressed or are they just genetically more « clean and serene »?

We guess it is just the image that you have of yourself, that makes you dress yourself a certain way.

Nika: What inspires you most about the Swede Style?

 The seriousness with which they deal with clothing and fashion, and at the same time the ease with which they dress. Dressing well is taken as an important part of life; still it does not end up in cerebral costuming. And the use of shape - they mostly wear classy black, but alter the shape to make it more interesting.

Nika: Does Sweden hire invisible cleaning elves that give the city and its people this special shine and Brightness?

We do not believe in elves.

 Nika: What countries should mix more with which other countries?

We would enjoy a cocktail of Iceland, Israel and Brazil with some Moroccan flavor. We like the craziness of northern countries that might derive from the lack of sunlight combined with the laid back style that places with abundant sun have.

NIKA: Do the people you photograph « catch your eye » or do you do have a concept   ?

We don't have concepts, what catches our eyes depends on our daily mood. We get more selective every day.

 NIKA: Do you have a photographic memory?

No .And we would not like to.

NIKA: What camera do you use?

Canon EOS 450D and 500D

 NIKA: Do you make prints of your favorite pictures?

Rarely, but if, they hang all over the walls of our apartments.

Nika: Who would you like to see wearing more hats?

Everyone

 Nika: What is your current favorite magazine?

032c and Self Service

Nika: What is so genius about kids dressing up ?

They do look like Dolls ?

Nika: For what movie would you have liked to be the casting director?

The piano player, though it would have ended in the exactly same way: Isabelle Huppert.

Nika: Who is your favorite photographer?

William Eggleston, for his use of color and composition.

Nika:  Is Street life the only life you know?

?

Nika: Your favorite song lyrics are?

We prefer theater : „Draußen tobt der Konsens, während ich hier drinnen versuche, Tradition und Anarchie gleichermaßen aufrechtzuerhalten.“ (Pollesch: Diktatorengattinen)

NIKA: What sneakers do you wear right now?

We don't wear sneakers.

Nika: What STREET do you prefer?

A, The alley in a Fairytale?

B, The digital Highway?

C, The road to Success?

D, Free choice

The Street with the best coffee

NIKA: What is your favorite street cafe in Berlin?

Altes Europa, it has a small but beautiful space to sit between two streets, just under a young sycamore tree.

NIKA: Your favorite « street scent » in the morning?

Fresh coffee and Pain au Chocolate, preferably by La Dupree, unfortunately they closed their branch years ago - the grumpy Berliners couldn't appreciate it.

NIKA: Do you believe in street spirits?

No

NIKA: What « turns you off » in people´s dress codes?

Laziness and Stubbornness.  People, who have to follow a certain dress code, but hate it and thus dress with the least possible effort to make everyone realize they hate it. This is what makes German streets rather boring.

NIKA: What turns you on?

Lipstick and Heels and Blankets worn on the streets.

Nika: If you had to dress in only one color for a week, which color would you chose?

Black, of course 

NIKA: If there were a party at your place in your absence and the guests borrowed clothes of yours, which piece would you least like to end up sleeping on the kitchen floor?

That silky nightgown from the 30ies should rather end up in bed.

NIKA: Do you have a Favorite Flea market in Berlin?

Yes, Arkonaplatz. It has a well curated choice and is not so big you'd get lost.

NIKA: What do you consider the worst architectural crime committed in Berlin?

Oh, where to begin... the O2 Arena, US Embassy, Alex Mall....

Nika: What are your current favorite Dj´s in Berlin?

We have none

Nika: And your favorite sound?

The shutter of the Camera.

Nika: What would you like to dream tonight?

We always like to dream of warmer places, though that might be due to the minus 10 degrees outside.

Nika: Your favorite material for a customized poncho to keep you warm ?

Green wool printed with hiking boots and Bavarian flowers.

Nika: What is your urgent question to the city of BERLIN ?

When, when will you welcome the spring?