Explore Berlin’s Kinky Side with KitKatClub Photographer Gili Shani

Explore Berlin’s Kinky Side with KitKatClub Photographer Gili Shani

photos: Gili Shani. 

I first met Gili Shani when he took my photo on a Wednesday night three years ago in KitKat. It may seem ironic that one of the most famous sex clubs in the world has a photographer, but no evening by the pool would be complete without the sleek, black and white moments he conjures. Shani refuses to call himself an artist, instead insisting that he simply captures the atmosphere inside KitKat. His photos offer a taste of what happens within the fabled walls of the notoriously hedonistic space. However, his work simultaneously subverts the sexual nature of the nightclub, “What I do is documentary,” he says, “it has nothing to do with sex.”

I sat down with Shani at Alexander Platz for a coffee and chat about his time in Berlin, his work in KitKat and what he’s been up to during quarantine.

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Moving the Scene: Meet the People Behind Berlin’s Nightlife

Moving the Scene: Meet the People Behind Berlin’s Nightlife

iHeartBerlin lifted the curtain of some of Berlin’s most mysterious nights—to meet the people who stand behind it.

Dance floors are a place of liberation. A space that enables us to forget about the limitations of our everyday lives, to be whoever we want to be—if only for one night. But the liberation, we experience, also needs our understanding of the work behind it; behind the lights, beats and sweat that move our weekends.

Meet seven Berliners who have dedicated their lives to creating a space for others—for liberation, community, and creativity.

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The Most Awesome Parties in Berlin

The Most Awesome Parties in Berlin

Berlin is known as the hedonistic capital of the world. People from all over the world come here to explore their fantasies, even if only for one night on the dance floor. But, with so many clubs to choose from, so many distinct crowds and different DJ bookings things can get a little confusing. So, instead of going to a party that turns out to be a flop, you don’t go at all and spend your night watching Grey’s Anatomy alone on your sofa – And we can’t let that happen! True, not every club guarantees an insane night out but there are plenty of party series in Berlin that might not happen every weekend but if you watch out for them, you might just experience what this crazy city is all about. So, here’s a little list of parties that won’t dissappoint, with a ‘lil something for everyone in the mix.

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Sexy Berlin – A Contemporary Guide to the Erotic Side of Berlin

Sexy Berlin – A Contemporary Guide to the Erotic Side of Berlin

photo: Maxime Ballesteros

With our beloved Mayor Klaus Wowereit leaving his post it also seems that his once so popular slogan “Berlin is poor but sexy” seems no longer suitable. Berlin is still not exactly rich, but with the development of the past 5 years you can’t simply label it as poor – “It’s complicated” would describe it more appropriately. But one thing is sure: Berlin is still damn sexy. And that’s not just because of all the ridiculously hot bearded guys and cute girls in town. It’s because Berlin is still one of the most sexually liberal, expressive and diverse cities you will come across on this planet. It’s ruthlessness, mysteriousness and unexpectedness is what draws so many people here and gives them the pleasure of a lifetime.

To celebrate Berlin’s sexiness we compiled a contemporary guide to the erotic side of Berlin featuring all the sexy places in town including shops, parties, galleries and activities. And for the new Mayor we have a suggestions for Berlin’s next slogan: “Cool and sexy”.

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The Weekly Event Guide

artwork by Per Wizén at CLAIM

Helloooo 2012. We were thinking a lot if we should do a 2011 recap or a 2012 forecast. But, frankly I’ve seen quite enough of these on the big wide interdolly and I want to spare you yet another. So let’s get 2012 rolling with our event of the first week. We have the usual mix of art, movies, parties and other opportunities for a fun night after the jump.

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