The Story Begins Here ♡
Hi, I’m Ben – the creative mind behind Black-V, based in Berlin. As the designer and founder of this brand, I combine my love for Japanese aesthetics, futuristic worlds, and social topics – all expressed through modern streetwear.
I’m part of the generation that grew up watching anime on MTV, VOX, and RTL II – titles like Hellsing, Golden Boy, Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, The Vision of Escaflowne, and of course Dragon Ball. Equally influential were the timeless films of Studio Ghibli, like Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – stories full of emotion, wonder, and deeper meaning. 💜
That’s when my passion for anime and manga began – a passion that only grew stronger after traveling through Asia and experiencing the culture firsthand.
At some point, I started searching for a way to connect that passion with sustainability and social responsibility. I chose fashion – because it’s a powerful form of expression, but also an industry still facing many problems that urgently need solutions.
To me, fashion is more than clothing – it’s a language. A way for each of us to express who we truly are, beyond limits or labels.
The Awakening of Black-V
🖤💜 The V stands for Violet, that is, for Black Violet – a color pairing often associated with the dark aura of anime antagonists. These characters follow their own path, guided by a unique philosophy and strong convictions.
They often walk a fine line between good and evil and evolve over time in ways far more complex than classic heroes who simply want to save the world. Characters like Sasuke from Naruto embody this duality and emotional depth.
At its core, Black-V reflects this philosophy of transformation, self-reflection, and rebellion. What began as a reference to a color has grown into something much larger.
The designs do not necessarily have to follow this color concept, but they are aligned with this ethos. They can explore forgiveness or revenge, loyalty or betrayal, love or hate – everything that makes a good antagonist’s story.
And let’s be honest: even beyond anime – didn’t we all secretly find Darth Vader a bit cooler than Luke Skywalker?
My Own Path
I don’t use famous characters or logos from the anime world. Most of them are protected by copyright and trademark law—putting them on apparel without the explicit consent of the rights holders isn’t legally allowed. Instead of fan service on shaky ground, I respect the work of the original artists and follow my own path.
Black-V tells original stories: sometimes ironic, sometimes thoughtful, and sometimes delightfully dark. This shows not only in the characters but also in lettering, symbols, and typography—often set in a futuristic context of neon, steel, and shadow. Every graphic is created from scratch with a clear concept and coherent worldbuilding—no copies, no look-alikes.
That way you wear something truly unique—no licensed merch, no imitation. Just authentic design, inspired by Japan and anime culture, yet not tied to other brands.
The Hidden Signature 👣
You’ll find traces of Black-V woven into many of our designs – sometimes subtle, sometimes bold. Whenever you see the kanji 黒 (kuro) or the katakana ブラック (burakku), you're looking at a symbolic expression of Black-V.
They’re more than letters – they’re a code. A reminder of where we come from, and what we stand for.
Blog Posts
Want to Dive Deeper?
Rethinking Returns: Bracketing and Wardrobing 🚩
Bracketing and wardrobing are rising trends in online shopping that strain the planet and the fashion industry - which is why return shipping costs are paid by our customers to support sustainability.
Fashion with Purpose: Supporting WWF and UNICEF
At Black-V, fashion meets real impact. We support WWF and UNICEF to fight plastic pollution and hunger. Every purchase helps us give back where help is urgently needed most. ❤️❤️❤️
Certificates: Commitment to People and Environment 👍🏼🌱
Social and ecological criteria are very important to us, and we are proud of our certified products that reflect our values. Here is a brief overview of what each certificate stands for:
