Berlin-based brand DAGGER draws its name from the ceremonial blade used in pagan rituals, symbolising endings, beginnings, and transformation. Founded in 2020 by Luke Rainey, the brand emerged from a challenging period when an unexpected job loss left him with only €300 in government benefits and a vision.
The aesthetic of DAGGER is rooted in Luke’s rebellious teenage years in a small Northern Irish town during the early 2000s, a place where financial constraints were prevalent, yet skate culture thrived. This era’s gritty, DIY ethos is woven into each piece, creating clothing that reflects the wear and tear of scraped knees and cracked pavements.
The Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “DROP OUT,” is inspired by the misspent teenage years spent in a skate town characterised by its simultaneous beauty and roughness. This collection serves as a tribute to the boys, the music, and the vibrant culture that shaped Luke’s formative years.
Operating at the intersection of streetwear, subculture, and personal storytelling, DAGGER is deeply influenced by skate culture and a steadfast DIY attitude. The brand has garnered international acclaim for its emotionally resonant design language and is available globally, including at Dover Street Market Paris. Recently, DAGGER showcased its latest collection as part of INTERVENTION V during Berlin Fashion Week.
Creative Direction: @luke.raine
Stylist & Movement: @marvinlobodda
Photographer: @felix_aaron
Hair & Makeup: @mariliarohr
Model: Mortiz @izaio.modelmanagement @yesyoumodelmgmt
