“Berlin Chic”: Then and Now
From Sartorial Stories of Berlin’s Past to its Present as a Fashion Capital, with the Iconic Britt Kanja
About Britt
According to Madame magazine, Britt Kanja ranks among the ten most influential people in Berlin. It is hardly surprising: the former ballet dancer, entrepreneur, and grande dame of Berlin’s social scene is known throughout the city and, as a celebrated style icon, continues to inspire generations of Berliners.
A native Berliner with Norwegian roots, Kanja is deeply connected to the capital. On her mother’s side, her family history in Berlin stretches back more than 600 years. She embodies a rare combination of tradition and avant-garde spirit - a woman equally grounded in the city’s heritage and its constant reinvention.
After a decade performing on international stages as a professionally trained ballerina, she returned to Berlin, where her creativity, charisma, and entrepreneurial drive left a lasting mark on the city’s cultural life.
As co-founder of the legendary nightclub 90 Grad, she helped shape Berlin’s nightlife and became a defining figure in the city’s creative scene. Yet Britt Kanja is far more than a symbol of glamour and style. With remarkable openness, warmth, and sensitivity, she invites others into her world, sharing her reflections on life, society, and the importance of human connection.
What makes her particularly inspiring is her willingness to embrace change and continuously reinvent herself. In 2006, she embarked on a degree in media design, demonstrating once again her curiosity and creative ambition. Then, in her late sixties, she launched a new chapter as a sought-after “advanced model,” proving that reinvention has no age limit.