Blacklog Editorial #47: Jamie Wdziekonski shoots Sayo Akasaka

Melbourne-based Black contributor and Purple correspondent Jamie Wdziekonski was recently deflected in his mission to see the Brian Jonestown Massacre in Tokyo by the threat of North Korean bomb threats. True story. Not one to let a good opportunity and a few days in Tokyo go to creative waste, Jamie teamed with co-Melbournian stylist Aaron Purdie to shoot Sayo Akasaka from Bellona Models in a lovely B&W Harajuku mood.

London Collections: Men - Gieves and Hawkes by David K Shields

Jason Basmajian leads the New Model Army down Savile Row

On day one of LCM, Black Magazine's man-on-the-ground David K Shields was particularly enthralled by Gieves and Hawkes, the legendary Savile Row tailors. By turn, Livery and Military tailors to the Queens Guard, Naval Tailors and Outfitters to the Duke of Edinburgh, Tailors and Outfitters to the Prince of Wales and occupiers of that most esteemed address, Number 1 Savile Row, Gieves and Hawkes is an institution steeped in sartorial tradition for over 200 years. However, a change has come in the form of new creative director Jason Basmajian. At the helm of Italian tailor Brioni, Basmajian was responsible for new, often lateral thinking in a traditional environment and in his new role at the top of G&H, it is clear he has a mandate to do the same. Basmajian worked with stylist and former fashion director at Vogue Homme International, Paul Mather, to stage the LCM show and whilst all of the classic G&H tailoring hallmarks were present, Basmajian clearly added an element of contemporary European flair, colour and shape. It was a deft sweep of a new broom that in no way shook the foundations of No 1 Savile Row but emphatically opened the doors to a contemporary breeze. David had a right old of time of it, even working with producer Charlotte to organise a shot of Jason and his model army advancing down the famous street. Bravo Gieves and Hawkes. All photos by David K Shields.

Ryder Salon wins Australian Hair Expo award

Huge congrats to Greg Murrell and the team at Ryder Salon who scooped the Best New Salon Design Award at the Australian Hair Expo awards in Sydney on Monday night. The beautifully designed space, created by architects Petr Cvejn and Andrew Greenslade made great use of the existing puriri floors and took on board the history of the Britomart area by incorporating abstract references to the region's steel workshops and boatbuilding industry. There is also a strong Japanese undertone to the space and, following on with Murrell's partnership with artist Michael Parekowhai in the last Ryder Salon, there will soon be a series of new Parekowhai works in the windows facing the street - effectively creating a new public artwork for the Britomart precinct. Well done Ryder!

Blacklog Editorial #46: David K Shields shoots Jayne Bailey at IMG Paris in Surface to Air

The sun has finally come out in Paris according to temporary resident David K Shields and anyone that knows Dave will know that the sun makes him happy! Using pieces entirely from super hip street wear label Surface To Air, David shoots South African model Jayne Bailey at IMG Paris on the streets of that fair city. H&M by Derek Aaron Young.

The Death & Resurrection Show World Premiere, Academy Cinema, Wednesday night

This Wednesday, a documentary made by our good friend Shaun Pettigrew will have its World Premiere at the Academy Cinema in Auckland. The Death and Resurrection Show is the definitive feature film documentary on English post punk industrial band Killing Joke. The story of this enigmatic band is compelling to say the least; a journey spanning several continents, several break-ups, reformations, pyramids, Icelandic glaciers, Nazca lines, symphony orchestras, Aleister Crowley, New Zealand - it is truly an odyssey, laced with as many light moments as there are dark. The following night the band play their first ever New Zealand show at The Studio, in itself unusual as lead singer and guiding light Jaz Coleman spent a considerable amount of time here in Auckland during the 90s.

Blacklog Editorial #45: Thom Kerr shoots Charlee at EMG

ivory palm dress - blessed are the meek

silver medieval necklace - garland row

victorian ring - garland row

Perth-based make-up artist Rebekah Clark, a long time collaborator with our Black Australian editor Thom Kerr, was in Sydney this week shooting the Wheels & Dollbaby campaign. The two decided to reunite and shoot an exclusive story for Blacklog. Having recently visited the showroom of Mother & Father PR, Thom selected key pieces from the collections and pulled together a showcase featuring brand new face Charlee from EMG models. Charlee, an indigenous Australian, is a shining example of Australia's growing desire to encompass multicultural talent and will be making her presence felt as some of her more significant material comes out over the next two months. In the meantime we thought we'd get you warmed up with a little sunlit rooftop action. Photography by Thom Kerr, beauty by Rebekah Clark and fashion courtesy of Mother & Father PR.

Lee x Black - Back in Black - BTS film by Lula Cucchiara

LEE X BLACK - Expecting to fly from Black Magazine on Vimeo.

Why make one film, when you can make two. Like a hand in glove, Lula Cucchiara's behind-the-scenes version of our film shoot for Lee Back in Black x Black Magazine project with Damien Nikora, perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the day. To tie the films together even more, Lula cut to another favourite Headless Chickens tune of ours, "Expecting to Fly'.

Lee x Black - Back in Black film by Damien Nikora

Lee x Black - Back in Black film from Black Magazine on Vimeo.

We recently teamed up with Lee to shoot a film, or two, that represented Lee's awesome Back in Black range and a Black aesthetic. The range screamed 90s rock-n-roll to us and given that it was a Transtasman colab, Headless Chickens "Smoking Big Ted' - released in 1996 - seemed like the ideal tune and direction. Director and editor: Damien Nikora. Creative directors/producers: Rachael Churchward and Grant Fell. Stylist: Rachael Churchward Hair: Matt Benns at Stephen Marr Make-up: Carolyn Haslett using M.A.C Cosmetics . Models: Jasper Seven, Kendell Tobin and Chiara and Norina Gasteiger at Clyne. Andrey Sukhomlinov and Thom Osterhoff at Red 11. Fashion assistant: Thistle Brown Hair assist: Kimberley Hughes Photo assist: Yulia Slon Avdeeva Production assist: Daniel McGlashan. Fashion: Lee Back in Black, Strateas Carlucci, Jamie Fame, Zora Bell Boyd, Kate Sylvester, Beau Coops, model's own...backstage/BTS film by Lula Cucchiara to follow soon...

Blacklog Editorial #44: David K Shields shoots Holly Rose at Red 11/Chic and Annemijn at IMG

Itinerant photographer David K Shields is now ensconced in Paris where he will cover both Paris and London fashion week's men's shows for Black. Before leaving the Antipodes he crossed the ditch to shoot hit Australian Fashion Week Kiwi model Holly Rose Emery at Red 11/Chic and Annemijn Dijs at IMG in the lovely environs of Wattamolla Beach, a haven within the Royal National Park near Sydney. Hair by Dean P at Green Apple Italia. Make-up: Annabel Barton. Fashion by Carl Kapp, Lover, Zimmerman, Agent Provocateur, Soot, Zhivago, Casey Tanswell and Holly Ryan.

Blacklog Editorial #43: Chris Fatseas shoots Claes at Priscillas

Strateas Carlucci top
Louis Vuitton pants
Jack London shoes

Photographer Chris Fatseas has teamed up with Black contributor Sarah Birchley to shoot the mysterious looking Claes from Priscillas model management in Sydney. Chris is quite the master of creating a uniquely cinematic and darkly lit world - "The shoot is about moments of contemplation and reflection that bring about a troubled awakening/realisation. A dark journey of sorts."  With grooming by Carla McKeever the pictures feature some of our favourite brands including Zambesi Man, Strateas Carlucci and Louis Vuitton amongst others.  It's going to be a long night ahead...

Strateas Carlucci jacket
Zambesi Man shorts

Louis Vuitton Shirt
Strateas Carlucci Pants
Zambesi Man Jacket
Miguel Aquilizan knuckleduster 

Strateas Carlucci knit top
Louis Vuitton jeans & jacket
Miguel rings

Ksubi t-shirt
Zambesi Man pants & coat
Jack London shoes

Zambesi Man shirt
Louis Vuitton knit jacket
Strateas Carlucci trousers
Louis Vuitton shoes
Miguel Aquilizan knuckledusters

Zambesi Man Shirt
Ksubi Jeans
Common Goods Supply Co Jacket

Stolen Girlfriends Club x Mini Paceman: Nasty Goreng show backstage by Grant Fell

McKenzie at Clyne and Helena T at Red 11 prior to final hair

Last night Stolen Girlfriends Club launched the new Mini Paceman with a quality show in a very cool Newmarket location by showing their Spring 2013 collection "Nasty Goreng". Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward cast and styled the show with a solid Black crew led by Thistle Brown adding magic. Greg Murrell directed a 60's/punk hair style with his talented Ryder team and Kie Kie Stanners and a big M.A.C crew created luminous beautiful make-up to match. Casting represented an eclectic raft of male and female models, the established mixed with plenty of new faces.  Production by Sarah Hough. The classic SGC finale featured Marc Moore and Dan Gosling driving a brand new Mini Pacman onto the runway; the SGC fabric detail artwork on the Mini, the best yet. A brilliant night, fun was had by all. Grant Fell was backstage to capture the action just prior to the show.

Dior Cruise 2014 show in Monaco feat. Ashleigh Good and Anmari Botha

New Zealand models Ashleigh Good at RPD and Anmari Botha at Red 11 both feature in this latest Dior Cruise collection by Raf Simons shown this week in Monaco. It is a beautiful collection that should have considerable appeal for fans of Dior worldwide, with a casting that carefully nets many of the rising stars of the modelling world - those in Models.com's Hot List and those bubbling just beneath.

Blacklog Editorial #42: Damien Nikora shoots Kendell Tobin at Clyne

Damien Nikora travelled to Clyne model Kendell Tobin's home - which just happens to be in one of our favourite places on the planet, Tawharanui - to shoot this beautiful editorial. Kendell has just signed to DNA New York and in less than two months will be off to enjoy the ubiquitous #modellife. We shot Kendell yesterday for our Lee x Black films and she exceeded all expectations, watch this space...

New face: Juliet Carpenter at Red 11 by Lula Cucchiara

Clothing and jewellery, stylist's own

Juliet Carpenter may be a new face at Red 11 but she has a fashion background having collaborated with designer Georgia Alice on her recent collection, some of which is worn in this shoot. Photographer Lula Cucchiara teamed with Ash Mosen to also style the shoot which Lula says, "captures a tough girl transitioning between seasons, from warm weather to cooler temperatures. She wears white, she's a bit of a loner and is very tomboy-ish." Lula also treated the images with a cooler temperature to match.

David K Shields shoots Shanna Jackaway at Red 11 in Jimmy D

David K Shields just loves to shoot and shoot as often as he can mostly using nature's lighting rig, the Sun, to supplement his vision. Sometimes, though, shoots can whipped up in a day and then fall by the wayside, like this one featuring Shanna Jackaway at Red 11 in Jimmy D - so we thought we'd give it an airing here on Blacklog. Hair by Matt Benns at Stephen Marr. Make-up by Derek Aaron Young using M.A.C Cosmetics.

BLK Crew x Karen Walker Eyewear

Photographer Damien Nikora

Here at Black Magazine we have always prided ourselves on having fun on shoots. It's a staple requirement alongside good music, creative energy and plenty of good kai (food), a happy crew is a great crew. At the end of our shoot with crew; Damien Nikora, Rachael Churchward, Jessica Grubisa, Thistle Brown, Greg Murrell, Fraser Folagi and Sharlene Cassidy for BLK #19, Damien took the opportunity to shoot some of the crew in Karen Walker Eyewear, just for fun. Here in ascending order, are Damien, Rachael, Greg, Fraser and Sharlene wearing New Zealand's most successful eyewear brand. All photos by Damien Nikora

Lorde 'Royals' video by Joel Kefali

We absolutely LOVE this video of Lorde's musical masterpiece 'Royals' by director Joel Kefali of Special Problems. Given the explosion that has occurred around the young New Zealand singer/songwriter this year, the video could have been anything. That it is a quality piece of short film making that interprets, we think, the lyrical content and message of the song perfectly, speaks volumes for the strength of Ella Yellich-O'Connor's unique vision, and that of her savvy and considered management. 407,417 views in just a few days would confirm that thinking all round. Special Problems = Special Videos.

Blacklog Editorial #41: Thom Kerr shoots Rui Dalton from Hunter Model Management



Vintage Versace top, Ruby & Prankstar leather and gold plated neckpiece, Luke

Maninov rings (as hairties), Shieltiel Calamba chainmail headpiece, custom DC cap.

 17-year-old Sunshine Coast based Rui Dalton has been causing quite the stir... The half Maori half Serbian beauty was literally scouted two weeks ago. With one picture placed up on Black's facebook page last Friday, Rui has recieved numerous agency and editorial enquiries from around the world. His mother agent, Hunter Models, is pacing him out having only placed him so far with Dallys Models in his home state of Queensland, Australia. Rui will be keeping a low profile as he finishes his final year of high school but we can confirm that you will be spotting him in the next issue of Black - a very special issue indeed! In the meantime, freshly inspired from his Val Garland M.A.C masterclass Thom Kerr teamed up with regular Black contributor Sarah Birchley to create Rui's first editorial! With hair by Iggy Rosales and beauty by Vivianne Tran - it's Game of Thrones chic meets Hip Hop street - shot at Red Eclipse Studios in Brisbane.

Blacklog Editorial #40: Infamous Duo shoot Katerina Chang at Chadwick

Those secret squirrels known as Infamous Duo create a gorgeous wee floral story for Blacklog entitled 'Garden of Eden'. Steph Lai shows just how good she is with both hair and make-up on beautiful Katerina Chang from Chadwick Models, who wears jewellery by Stolen Girlfriends Club and flowers supplied by Wild Poppies in Grey Lynn. Prop design by Georgie Maylon.

Glassons "Escape" Campaign BTS film by Luke Byrne

With a treatment reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project, Luke Byrne's BTS film of the Glassons 'Escape' campaign explores a little of the territory made famous by Jane Campion's Top Of The Lake sans fear and loathing, and crooked cops. The film is a cut-up cutie featuring models Anja Konstantinova and Teresa Omen who were in the Queenstown/Wanaka region to shoot the campaign with photographer Tim Barber and stylist Zara Mirkin.

Chanel film by Karl Lagerfeld stars NZ model Ashleigh Good

It is no secret that in recent times Karl Lagerfeld has recognised the special qualities of Ashleigh Good at RPD. Not only has she closed the last Chanel show in Paris but she has also just opened and closed the Chanel Cruise 2014 show in Singapore. If that is not enough Lagerfeld has given her a star turn in this not-so-small film about the early days of Gabrielle Chanel's first store. Good, playing Jacqueline Forzane, mixes it with Keira Knightley's Coco and Clotilde Hesme's Adrienne Chanel and a raft of star models who aren't necessarily the greatest actors but sure look good in the sumptuous costuming and set that recaptures the French resort town of Deauville 100 years ago. That Ashleigh's role is a bigger one than that of Lindsey Wixon, Tallulah Harlech, Amanda Harlech, Caroline De Maigret, Stella Tennant, Saskia De Brauw, Jamie Bochert, Jake Davies or Baptiste Giabiconi says a lot about Lagerfeld's belief in the New Zealand girl who has gone from a Mairangi Bay bus stop to a muse of one of the world's great designers, in record time. Bravo Ashleigh!

BLK #19: Here's The Thing (Thing)

Dan Buckley is not scared of death, in fact he believes in R.I.P - ing it, “Do everything you need to do so you can rest in peace.” With partner Drew Gregory he’s taking the brick-by-the-horns with new label Thing Thing. Grant Fell learns about stitching Things together on the sewing machine - so the threads can hang out. All clothing by Thing Thing. Photos: Above and throughout: Drew Gregory. Hair & make-up: Mary Dawson Models: James at 62 Models and Dasha at Vanity Fair. Photo below: Damien Nikora

"Smoke and Mirrors" at Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery from May 16

Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Avril Planqueel have been working on their book Smoke and Mirrors for several years. On May 16 the book will be launched, coupled with an exhibition of prints and sculptural work, at the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery in Parnell, Auckland. The works were created all over the world, but in particular Las Vegas, Paris and New Zealand. Fashion-leaning works that feature models such as Julia Nobis, Vinnie Woolston and Zippora and Jasper Seven are coupled with interior and exterior images that reflect their own artistic sensitivities and aesthetic. The pair succinctly describe the book: "Smoke & Mirrors traces a journey of closely examined nostalgia and a fascination with difficult beauty. Cutting a path between the real and the imagined, interior and exterior, the light and the dark, the new and the faded, the work expresses a delicate, but potent girlishness spared from sentimentality by an ever-present grit." At the opening an extremely limited number of special edition books will be available with a custom cover and a limited-edition print. Books will be available for retail sale later in the year at selected stockists. The exhibition runs through to early July. Unmissable.

Blacklog Editorial #39: David K Shields shoots Jordan Barron at Red 11

He may be from windswept Central Otago but equally-windswept Muriwai is a second home for David K Shields. What better place then to shoot handsome, yes-I-can-surf Jordan Barron at Red 11 in Zambesi, Zambesi Man, Vanishing Elephant, Deborah Sweeney, Julian Danger and Cybele.

One To Watch: Bianca at N Model Management by Infamous Duo

There's plenty of attitude going on here with Bianca at N Model Management, and attitude makes for great models. These images shot by Infamous Duo. Hair & make-up by Steph Lai using M.A.C Cosmetics. Bianca wears: Jacket by Stolen Girlfriends Club, singlet by Marcs, high-waisted knickers by Ksubi.

'Our Land' exhibition by Dan Max

"Vast' is a beautiful word and something that photographer Dan Max clearly understands. His exhibition of 22 limited edition images, entitled "Our Land" is running now at 14 Maidstone Street in Ponsonby, Auckland. The photographic exhibition documents the relationship New Zealanders have with the land we inhabit and there is something very peaceful within it all. Says Dan; “They're landscapes that seem to whisper gently, yet the subjects scream with character. Though the vast horizons can give an overwhelming sense of isolation, it is not long before they engulf you in the warmth of belonging. They have a timeless aesthetic that celebrates the unspoiled values of living off the land, a softness that captures the quiet of escape, and offers vistas that you long to step into,” Well said Maxy, and put simply, this is photography as painting. The exhibition runs until May 15.

New Face: David K Shields shoots Tom Spence at Ali McD

A couple of new faces for you here on Blacklog over the next day or so. First up the debonair Tom Spence at Ali McD in Dunedin. Male modelling is a fickle business but we sense Tom has the sort of face, look and build that will garner interest - both here and overseas. Photos by David K Shields. Grooming: Katy Parsons using M.A.C Cosmetics Hair: David Hollick at Aart on St Andrews

Zambesi S/S 13 MBAFW Show video

For those of you who weren't in Sydney for MBAFW recently, here is a video of the Zambesi S/S 13 show which featured powerful, and symbiotic collections, from both Zambesi and Zambesi Man. Make-up by Amber D and the M.A.C Cosmetics team. Hair by Richard Kavanagh and the Redken team. Show director/Producer: Marissa Findlay Music director: Sophie Findlay

R.I.P Joseph Churchward Q.S.M, Great Samoan New Zealand Typographer

This week marked the passing of Joseph Churchward Q.S.M, the great Samoan New Zealand typographer who is famous in typography circles worldwide for having created over 660 beautiful fonts, all hand-drawn and many with ethnic origins; Churchward Maori, Churchward Samoa, Churchward Asia, Chinatype, Ta Tiki among them. Many more can be found on My Fonts including the iconic Churchward Maricia and Churchward Marianna named after his daughters. He is also Black Creative Director Rachael Churchward's relative on her Samoan side. New Zealand typography has never seen the likes of him, and is unlikely to again. Rest in peace Uncle Joe. In remembrance here is the interview with Joseph Churchward by his daughter Maricia which was published in BLK #15; Photos by Louis Hatton and Grant Fell

Blacklog Editorial #38: Gothic Matador: Thom Kerr shoots Sinead from The Agency Models Australia

Vintage Moschino jacket and Jean Paul Gaultier leather tassel top @ Cara Mia Vintage
Sarah Phillips Shorts
Amira bustier
Forever New gloves & hat

When Sinead from The Agency Models Australia was sent to Australian Black Editor Thom Kerr for a go-see, he decided to team up with regular contributor Sarah Birchley to shoot her first major editorial exclusively for Blacklog. Channelling latin matador meets new romantic goth, her beauty is complimented by the make-up talents of Jovita Lee and the hair stylings of Lauren McCowan from Cloud Nine. Let the autumn festivities begin!

BLK #19: Lorde, of Takapuna

There is a good chance you have heard Lorde's single Royals over the past couple of months, no matter where you live in the world. That single and her e.p The Love Club were certified gold in just a few weeks in New Zealand and heavyweights in the music and media industries, worldwide, are singing her praises. Only 16, this talented musician from Takapuna, with a childhood steeped in poetry and literature is taking newfound fame in her stride, as are her mates, but really, she's just keen to get back into the studio. Interview: Grant Fell Photo: Charles Howells. Styling: Rachael Churchward Hair: Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr. Make-up: Carolyn Haslett using M.A.C. Ella wears: Ksubi and Rue De Seine

BLK #19 Fashion Film: Ribal and Gil at Superteam shoot Madison at Giant/IMG

"Don't Haunt This Place" Editorial - Black Mag Issue 19 from Superteam Studios on Vimeo.

Whilst shooting Madison at Giant/IMG for BLK #19 Ribal and Gil of Superteam Studios - with cohorts Dexter Lee and Jamie Wdziekonski helping out - managed to shoot this BTS clip of a day spent in Ned Kelly country. Madison wears: Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Christian Dior, Ann Demeulemeester, Zora Bell Boyd, Strateas Carlucci, Maticevski, Gwendolynne, Julia De Ville and Fionnbharr Pfeiffer. Styling by Rachael Churchward and Sophie Barker. Hair and make-up by the ever prolific and talented Justin Henry using Bumble & Bumble and Stila Cosmetics. Thanks to Grzansquared and Country Emporium for the location. Music by Miles Davis...

BLK #19 Four Covers

Photography: Paul Empson
Hair: John Ruidant at See Management NY
Make-up: Vincent Oquendo at See Management for M.A.C
Model: Megan Collison at Next NY wears: Louis Vuitton

BLK #19 is hitting the streets around New Zealand so here are the four covers; three shot in New York, two by Paul Empson and one by Michael Schwartz and one by Andy Eaton in London. The models are Meghan Collison at Next Models NY, Anais Pouliot at Trump Models NY, Karlina Caune at New York Model Management and Josephine Skriver at Storm Models London.

Blacklog Editorial #37: David K Shields shoots Holly Rose and Rhianon in Rue De Seine

Here come the brides, a pair of them in fact. Michele Corty's Rue De Seine label and store in Newmarket makes such beautiful dresses, for weddings or any other special day. The label is all over BLK #19 and we are more than pleased to have it. This lovely shoot by David K Shields for Blacklog features some of the prettiest dresses marked 'special'. Styled by Michele Corty with hair and make-up by Dean P. at Green Apple Italia, Holly Rose at Red 11 and Rhianon at Clyne experience a wedding day at Muriwai, just for one day...

Bluesfest 2013: Street Style by Thom Kerr

Double Trouble - No Frills @ Bluesfest - Click here to visit the twins youtube channel...

From the 28th March to the 1st of April, Byron Bay played host to one of Australia's most popular music festivals, Bluesfest. This year saw some impressive international acts perform such as Iggy & The Stooges, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Ben Harper, Rufus Wainwright, Chris Isaak and a host of other world class musicians. This year I went along to cover the festivities with Black contributors Sarah Birchley and Iggy Rosales. Sarah and I will be putting together a photo journal including reviews of our favourite performances for you in the next week. In the meantime, we thought we'd share snaps of the various cool characters we met along the way! Viva Las Byron Baygas!

My Hero

Lela Jacobs Riders on the Storm Winter 2013 Collection Show

Last Thursday night, right on dusk, Lela Jacobs showed her Winter 2013 collection entitled, "Riders on the Storm," to a refreshing Auckland audience down at Silo7, Wynyard Quarters. Set against a breath taking backdrop of the sun going down on the Auckland harbour, models walked in and around the Silo7 structure, layered in wool, silks and leather in palettes of timber, black and white. Lela's "Riders" walking to the sound of live Spanish guitar, played by Alexndre Champagnat, really set the tone and ambience of the evening.

Blacklog Editorial #36: David K Shields shoots Ash at Clyne

David K Shields is on a roll. His ability to capture natural light on a model continues to amaze us - how to make hair look great, in a nutshell. For this, the thirty-sixth editorial shot exclusively for Blacklog, David combines with his good friend Dean P at Green Apple Italia, who flew into Auckland from Sydney for a few days and multi-tasked on this shoot with styling, hair and make-up roles to shoot Ash Walker at Clyne Models. Beautiful work guys, Ash's natural beauty to the fore...

VAL GARLAND: M.A.C. Cosmetics Masterclass Sydney by Thom Kerr and Becca Gilmartin

VAL GARLAND MASTERCLASS: PHOTO: SONNY VANDEVELDE

Last week on Thursday evening the 4th of April, M.A.C. Cosmetics brought in iconic makeup artist and creative director Val Garland to facilitate a Masterclass to select media and M.A.C Pro members. As Black Australian editor in Sydney I was lucky enough to attend the event alongside some of my industry peers. As a photographer it was a fascinating process to hear how these concepts and beauty approaches are brought to life. That said, I asked top Sydney makeup artist Becca Gilmartin, who is just as well known for her body art as her beauty, to write a piece about the event as I think it's appropriate to learn about the night from a makeup artist's perspective.

Blacklog Editorial #35: David K Shields shoots Jay at Clyne

 There is no doubt that David K Shields is cementing his reputation as a master of natural light and this shoot for Blacklog, styled by Chris Lorimer, and featuring the fabulous face of Jay Lichter at Clyne just further enhances that thinking. Hair and make-up by Sky Cripps-Jackson at Stephen Marr using Becca Cosmetics. Chris styles Jay in an eclectic mix of Thistle Brown, Company of Strangers, Silence Was, Vaughan Geeson, Kowtow, Deborah Sweeney, Jared Godman and Kate of Arcadia.

New Talent: Hayley Bayliffe shoots Talia

Dress by Zambesi

 After completing a degree in Design and Visual Arts at Unitec - majoring in photography - Hayley Bayliffe has quickly gained a foothold as a photographer of promise, most notably by scoring the cover of Remix Magazine with a poppy photo of model Rosie Crawford holding an ice cream. We liked the use of glass mixed with dramatic poses in this shoot of Talia @ Red11 - and the combo of styling by Juvena Worsfeld and hair & make-up by Rebekah Banks.

BLK #19: BTS Film of Thom Kerr beauty shoot by Yasmin Suteja

BLK #19: BTS Thom Kerr from Yasmin Suteja on Vimeo.

Black Australian editors Thom Kerr and Justin Henry, have been flying back and fourth between Australia's big cities to shoot editorials and stories for BLK #19 and we're loving the result. Thom and Justin will be covering MBAFW here on Blacklog, Black FB, and Instagram at: thomkerr, justinhenrybeauty and on black_mag so stay tuned for updates. Meanwhile, we will be beavering away on final deadline and printing of the issue so let's celebrate with this sweet BTS film by Yasmin Suteja of the Thom Kerr beauty shoot this issue. Thom worked with fashion editor and regular Black contributor Sarah M Birchley, M.A.C Australia's senior artist, the irrepressible Nicole Thompson a.k.a Pinky and hair guru Cameron Rains to shoot Annemijn and Laura N at IMG, Sarah at Viviens and Kellie at Work.

Blacklog Editorial #35: David K Shields shoots Holly Rose

Wandering in the dappled light of a West Auckland forest, David K Shields teams with stylist Chris Lorimer to shoot Holly Rose at Red 11 in Blak Luxe, Cybele, Meadowlark, Pardon My French, Chaos & Harmony, Starfish, Riddle Me This and Company of Strangers. Hair and make-up by Sky Cripps-Jackson at Stephen Marr using Becca Cosmetics and Kevin.Murphy

Grey Lynn to East River and back; Stefan Sinclair by Adam Custins

Story and photos by Adam Custins

Born and bred in Grey Lynn, Auckland, Stefan Sinclair has been a tattoo artist for the last eleven years. He began out when he was about 22.  "After high school, I thought I'd next go to Elam, but I had hated being in school so much that university just felt like going back to school again; so I took a year off." During this time, Stefan was getting alot of tattoos done for him self, and one day was talking to the artist working on him, and listening to his story realised that this was a job he could do too. Stefan loves the fact that being a tattoo artist allows him to "work with an ancient craft, doing honest work, while trading art for a living." This ancient craft has brought him to New York and other cities around the world, sometimes for month long guest spots / residencies / other times simply to explore his craft as an artist. During the Northern summer of 2012, I met Stefan at “East River Tattoo” in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This was the second year Stefan has gone to New York to become absorbed into the local tattoo community, and share his work with fellow artists or those wanting to get work by him.

BLK #19: BTS Lorde feature shoot with Charles Howells

Variations on a shot

Lorde. The talent behind that song, Royals, you've all been hearing on the radio, and I know I'm not the only one when I say that my hand involuntarily reaches for the volume-up button! Yesterday, we had the honour of shooting Ella/Lorde at White Studios with Charles Howells. What a gem; softly spoken, with enough strength inside her to take on the whole world. And that's exactly what's she is going to do. Well, the music world anyway. Recently signed with Universal Music, Lorde is taking her Takapuna-bedroom tunes to the global music scene. At a point where her life is about to take on a whole new direction, we are more than excited to have Lorde feature in our next issue!

Photographed by Charles Howells, styling by Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward (who had Lorde in Jimmy D, ZBB Jewellery, Ksubi and Rue de Seine headpieces), hair by Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr and make-up by Carolyn Haslett using M.A.C Cosmetics. These behind-the-scenes images taken by Black magazine's Deputy Editor, Yasmine Ganley.

Blacklog Editorial # 34: Infamous Duo shoot new faces at N Model Management

N Model Management have been going in leaps and bounds since iconic New Zealand model Ngahuia Williams set up the fledgling agency a couple of years back. Specialising in interesting new faces and the edgier spectrum of new models, the agency has also been quick to pick up on talent from feeder agencies like Newfacenoagent and Scout Models. Here, the mysterious and engaging Infamous Duo beautifully capture seven of the agency's new faces in a slick beauty shoot for Blacklog. Hair and make-up by the very talented Steph Lai. Models are: Amberley, Maddy, Blair, George, Bianca, Max, Courtney and Ella.

Glassons Everyday Fun Sydney show

Glassons are making a pretty decent egg-and-spoon-race of putting the fun into fashion. Everyday Fun is a clever positioning for the label, a concept built around games that have been played for as long as we have been able to tie three legs together; egg and spoon races, musical chairs, Twister, blind man's buff, perhaps - all executed with a free-spirited twist and of course the increasingly desirable collection of staples and fashion-forward pieces rolling out from Glassons HQ. Recently, Glassons creative director Adam Bryce and crew flew to Sydney to launch the idea in a gymnasium, replete with bleachers and a hoard of local media, bloggers, instagrammers and Black Deputy Editor Yasmine Ganley, whilst a well-cast selection of models rotated the court in a fashionable game of musical chairs - let's face it, girls have always just wanna have fun. This film by Luke Byrne. Stills report by Yasmine Ganley on Wednesday.

BLK #19: BTS Thom Kerr shoot by Yasmin Suteja

Thom Kerr, Black Australian Editor, Sydney, is of course first and foremost a very talented photographer so when he suggested a shoot inspired by Warhol's celeb over painting series, as in paint over their hair, we jumped at the idea. Thom worked with fashion editor and regular Black contributor Sarah M Birchley,  M.A.C Australia's senior artist, the irrepressible Nicole Thompson a.k.a Pinky and hair guru Cameron Rains to shoot Annemijn and Laura N at IMG, Sarah at Viviens and Kellie at Work. Colour me good! All BTS shots by Yasmin Suteja.