Streaming has been a haven for virtual hangouts for some time now. Whether you’re watching your favorite creator follow a cooking recipe, tag along with their daily life, or build a universe in Minecraft, streaming has become a space where life can be experienced and observed organically by both the user and viewer. Merle showed us that all categories can be explored at once. One moment she’s experimenting with silhouettes and mood-driven styling; the next, she’s live, unfiltered, turning what used to be a solo hobby into something communal. No script, no safety net, just real-time existence, shared. A niche is not a rule, and the only true necessity is authenticity.
In an online culture obsessed with polish, Merle’s edge is her transparency. In this editorial, Merle explores the fashion side of her online presence. Fashion has always been a big part of her life, and along with streaming, we are getting a look into where Merle’s passions can take her. TITLE was curious to know more about the layered creator, the streaming world and inclusivity, and what makes Merle, Merle.
Left – Dress: 032c via Zalando, Shoes: Prada, Right – Top: MM6 via Zalando
You roam in the lifestyle and gaming sphere online, with a foot in fashion and a foot in streaming. How would you define your online presence? What are your personal passions outside of your online interests, or do they coincide seamlessly?
I’d describe my online presence as quite multifaceted—I operate on multiple levels and show different sides of myself. On the one hand, I have a huge passion for fashion and lifestyle, where I love to get creative, experiment, and continue developing my content in that direction. On the other hand, I enjoy just as much spending an evening or afternoon in front of the computer, gaming or doing the occasional cooking stream while entertaining my community.
For me, these different worlds complement each other perfectly. I try to convey exactly this mix to the outside world and introduce people to both sides.
Do you feel like you can express your true identity online? How do you manage to stay authentic?
I really feel like I can express my true self online. A big reason for that is that I sort of slipped into this online presence through livestreaming, and it’s just a very honest format. You can hardly put on a facade there because everything happens directly and unfiltered. As a result, a natural and authentic side of me came through online right from the start, and that remains the foundation of everything I do online to this day.
Top Left – Bra & Gloves: Prada, Skirt: Armed Angels, Top Right – Dress: 032c via Zalando, Shoes: Prada, Bottom – Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch via Zalando
How did you get into streaming and gaming? When did you start playing video games, and why did you decide to start streaming on Twitch?
I first got into gaming as a kid, back then in the classic way on the Nintendo DS with games like Animal Crossing or Nintendogs. At the same time, my older brother gave me an early glimpse into the world of PC gaming. He’d let me play along with him every now and then, which of course only fueled my enthusiasm even more.
When I was about 12, I got my first PC of my own after my brother convinced our dad to get it for me. And from then on, I was regularly gaming alongside my other hobbies.
I got into streaming later, in high school. Through a friend, I met people in the scene who introduced me to streaming. I quickly realized how much fun it is to share this otherwise rather “lonely” passion—sitting alone in front of the computer—with others and turn it into something we do together.
How has your upbringing shaped you today? Has it contributed to your success in your career?
My childhood and teenage years definitely shaped who I am today. I’ve always been taller than most of the people around me, which naturally made me stand out—though that wasn’t always a good thing. I was constantly faced with comments, but I never really let them intimidate me.
Thanks to my family environment, where I was surrounded by many tall people, I learned early on not to see my height as a weakness, but to accept it and build my self-confidence around it.
I believe that this self-confidence is a crucial foundation for what I do today. Especially in a professional field where you have an online presence and are therefore vulnerable to criticism, it helps enormously to be grounded.
Top – Bra & Gloves: Prada, Skirt: Armed Angels, Bottom Left – Top: MM6 via Zalando, Tights: Calzedonia, Shoes: dsquared via Zalando
Bottom Right – Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch via Zalando, Tights: Falke, Shoes: Gebede via Zalando
Gaming is historically a male-dominated field, though it has become much more inclusive in the last several years. Do you think there is a true space for female creators in the gaming field? In what ways does your gender impact your daily work life in the streaming and gaming world?
I think there’s definitely a place for female creators in the gaming industry, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially when it comes to inclusion. At the same time, misogyny is unfortunately still a major issue—not just for me personally, but in the streaming and gaming world in general. Even though a lot has already changed, you can still see that certain prejudices and sexualization are still present.
We definitely need more women who are visibly gaming and making their presence known, and at the same time, a better understanding from the outside that streaming has long been more than just traditional gaming.
How would you describe your style? Who is your fashion or style inspiration? (Doesn’t have to be someone you dress like, can also be someone whose style you like/admire)
To be honest, I find it hard to pin my style down to a specific direction. But what I’m a huge fan of, though, is versatility. I love trying out different styles depending on my mood or the day, and of course I sometimes draw inspiration from social media or international celebrities. The main thing is that the looks make me feel confident and comfortable.
Top: MM6 via Zalando, Tights: Calzedonia, Shoes: dsquared via Zalando
What is a new interest of yours that you have been wanting to learn or explore more?
One topic I’ve been wanting to tackle for a while now is sewing. I’ve actually had a sewing machine at home for a few years, but I’ve never really taken the time to dive into it properly.
Generally speaking, I’m very open to learning and trying out new—and especially creative—things, and I’m excited to explore so many more areas.
Any new projects or content directions we can expect this year?
I have definitely made it a point to try more new things this year that take me out of my comfort zone. I want to explore different avenues and am open to taking on a challenge or two.
As a result, this year will be quite diverse in terms of content, because I’m consciously keeping an open mind toward new projects and ideas. I’m happy to have anyone who follows along and joins me on this journey.
Top: MM6 via Zalando, Tights: Calzedonia, Shoes: dsquared via Zalando
Credits:
Talent – Merle via 2nd Wave
Photography – Pascal Behring
Styling & Creative Direction – Neslihan Degerli
H&M – Jasmin Oliveira
Managing Editor – Jasmin Kraenzel
Content Manager – Nola Syla
Production via avec nous GmbH
