Elizabeth...

..Taylor, a giant of the screen, the prettiest star, has left this mortal coil. There are few words...here's a few of our favourite images of the great lady...rest in peace Liz...legend. gnrxox

A long hot summer just passed us by...

Muriwai Beach, 2-to-3 foot and glassy from our deck

...while Mother Earth ravaged places close to us and dear to our hearts: Christchurch, Queensland and of course, Japan, have had to endure unfathomable difficulties recently. Here at Muriwai, on Auckland's West Coast, La Nina has delivered a pristine summer of gorgeous days, good surf and much loved family and friends. It has been surreal to watch, read and assimilate the images and information that has accompanied the devastation whilst we were experiencing a classic New Zealand summer, in Auckland. It has also been humbling. Every New Zealander has been affected by the earthquake in Christchurch and deeply moved to try and help. We have all been inspired by the strength of the people of Canterbury and their response and resilience. A great New Zealand trait.

Support, and more exactly, money is going to be required for some time yet to get the new Christchurch up and running. On Tuesday 5th of April Black Magazine is presenting an event featuring the combined talents of Salasai and Nick Von K Jewellery, a component of which will raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Red Cross fund. It will be a night of films, performance and an exhibition of photographs by Russ Flatt that will be silent-auctioned on the night, with the proceeds going to Christchurch. It is invite only but we will cover it here on Blacklog and our Facebook page. Here is a Muriwai sunset at the end of the golden summer...we feel very grateful...

Black #14: Adam Custins shoots portraits

Gregor McGregor, his wife Pura and their son George, 1910
Photo: Frank. J. Denton, Whanganui

We are shooting portraits this issue with photographer Adam Custins, based upon the legacy of Rachael's great-great grandmother Te Pura McGregor and Rachael's ancestry, or whakapapa. We have realised the story in a modern-retro style with Maori, European and Chinese models.  Rachael is also Samoan, German, Irish and Scottish in her bloodline so this shoot is all about representing the multi-cultural bloodlines that abound in Aotearoa. Adam has been shooting on large format Polaroid film and to date the models have been; Yasmine @ Clyne, Danielle @ 62, Eve @ August, Seon @ Clyne, and Henry and Grace.


Te Pura Manihera was a chieftainess of Ngā Poutama at Matahiwi pa, forty miles north of Whanganui and the daughter of  Te Manihera who married Scotsman Gregor McGregor. She was the first Maori woman to receive an O.B.E (Order of the British Empire) and often led the haka for her tribe, sometimes in battle, in the late 19th Century. Later that night she would be comfortable integrating with the new settlers in a stylish Victorian ensemble and was capable of eloquent conversation. In one of numerous historical passages about Te Pura she is described as follows; "Pura was always beautifully dressed and never lost her grace and charm. She always walked slowly. At the same time she retained her skill in leading the haka, especially when it was one of welcome, and immediately afterwards, with all the dignity of true Maori aristocracy, she could adorn any (European) drawing-room, knowing instinctively what to do." Below is a photo of Te Pura (centre, with mere) and group at Tesla Studios, Whanganui, circa 1900...look out for the modern interpretation featuring Kiri and Jason Nathan, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme Des Garcons, Therese Rawsthorne, Wunderkammer Jewellery and more....Te Manihera, Te Pura, Maata, Te Huiakama, Hori, Rachael...arohanui..x

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #10: Kiri Nathan AW 2011 by David K. Shields

Above and below: Lili, upstairs at Alberton House

This editorial featuring Kiri Nathan's AW 2011 range 'Hiamo' was shot by David K. Shields at Alberton House in Mt Albert on the day of Kiri's launch and show in the grand old building. It was a great night and Nathan used the building itself and its entire grounds to welcome us with a piece by the Atimira Dance Company prior to a show on the steps and walkways in front of the house. Inspired by dancer Jack Gray's Te Rarawa whakapapa from Mitimiti on the west coast of the Far North, it was a haunting and beautiful piece that set the tone for Kiri's creations perfectly, and those of her partner Jason Nathan, who created the beautiful pounamu pieces worn by the models. Hair by Matthew Benns @ Stephen Marr. Make-up by Phoenix Cosmetics. Models for both the show and shoot: Lili Sumner, Cheryl Waterbridge and Sharni Ripohau @ Red 11, Yasmine Bidois and Seon @ Clyne, Nicola Harris @ Nova and Genevieve Mora @ Vanity Walk. All clothing by Kiri Nathan, shoes by Kathryn Wilson.

The Department Store rolls up its sleeves for Christchurch

Image: Michigirl.com

This Sunday, in a collectively philanthropic effort, the founders of The Department Store are putting everything they have into raising funds for the people of Christchurch who have been so adversely affected by the Feb 22 earthquake. Karen Walker, Dan Gosling (BlackBox and Stolen Girlfriends Club), Stephen and Lucy Marr and Simon James will not only be donating every cent that crosses the counter to the Red Cross appeal but will also be spending the day there themselves to interact with supportive customers. Karen will be on hand to help style customers in store (has there been a better opportunity to have Karen as a personal stylist for a moment?), Stephen and Lucy (two of this country's best) will be cutting hair on the salon floor, Dan Gosling will be there with his team to help you pull together the slickest outfit you can and Simon James and staff will also be on hand, giving advice on design objects, books and interiors.

Add celebrities flipping sausages on the grill, top line DJs and the fabulous environment of The Department Store itself and you have a one-off, inclusive shopping experience that may never happen again. Be advised though, that Stephen Marr customers especially are urged to book early so call them on 09 488 0585 to do so...

Black #14: David Shields, Rachael Churchward and Adam Bryce shoot neo-grunge

Lili & David

Kia ora koutou, we are right in the middle of our shooting schedule for Black #14, our 5th birthday issue, hence the low volume of posts lately. Yesterday, we crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge to shoot amongst the sandy cliff faces and reedy wetlands of the inner Waitemata Harbour. David Shields lensed the shoot, fashion editors Rachael Churchward and Adam Bryce revisited the best of early grunge (circa 1988 - 1992) with a modern twist, Greg Murrell fashioned some suitable hair and Natalie Dent applied the make-up using M.A.C Cosmetics. Assistant fashion editor was the redoubtable Jessica Grubisa. Extra hair and flash shoes by Tom @ Ryder. Models were: Lili Sumner and Cory van Malland @ Red 11, Elena and David Lawson @ 62 Models. Without giving too much away here are some over-the-shoulder snaps of the day...

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #9: March Beauty by Greg Novak

Seon @ Clyne

As mentioned in a previous post we are loving the new M.A.C trends for the season. So much so that we asked photographer Greg Novak and make-up artist Natalie Dent to shoot a wee beauty editorial inspired by the trends. Natalie says, " I guess what I was going for was a innocent, young, fresh and feminine look for each girl. So I used colours from the new range mixed with other M.A.C products I have. Each model either had their lip colour taken back with foundation and lip conditioner over the top with a hint of pigment. I used muted soft brown eyeshadows to softly contour and shape the eyes.  I used a mixture of pigments and pearly eyeshadows on the eyes and lips to appear fresh and only a little mascara to keep them looking less made up." Models are: Rhianon @ August,  Seon and Yasmine @ Clyne, Kitty @ Red 11 and Anna @ 62 Models.

Rhianon @ August

Ben Webb Exhibition

Ben Webb is one of the most enigmatic and interesting New Zealand artists. His first exhibition in 1996 represented the youngest ever showing of a NZ artist in a public gallery and not long after he went on to become the youngest NZ artist to represent NZ overseas. Ben has spent half the year in Berlin for over ten years, lived and shown in Buenos Aries and had European-based residencies and fellowships. For a boy from Dunedin, that's an international schedule. Over the years Ben has crossed over as much, if not more, than any New Zealand artist with the fashion industry. His collaborations include; Blanchet, Nom D, Carlson and Wunderkammer among others and his current exhibition features Elza and Nellie Jenkins (above and below) the twins made famous after their sojourn on NZ's Next Top Model. It is unlikely though, that fans of that show will be familiar with Ben's work. We think he is a genius, an artist who thinks outside the square and isn't afraid to cross the line. Here is a selection of his work, some of which is on display at Wunderkammer this week...

Ben Webb exhibition
Wunderkammer Showroom
62 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby,
Auckland
Until this weekend

Toi Toi Design - Chris Traill exhibition

Tiki

New Zealand double master photographer Chris Traill contributed one of our most memorable Black features ever, "Sea of Brown Faces' - a photo essay of the South Auckland Polynesian Festival. From March 25 to May 2, 2011, he is exhibiting a beautiful collection of his work entitled Toi Toi Design at the Auckland Botanical Garens, Manurewa, Auckland. It is a "unique series of imagery capturing our natural fibres and foliage,  New Zealand's spirit, texture and light." The works are presented as montages of imagery woven together in a fusion between design and still life photography. All works in this must-see exhibition will be for sale.

Toi Toi Design by Chris Traill
The Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre Gallery
Auckland Botanical Gardens
Hill Road, Manurewa, South Auckland
Hours: 9am - 4.30pm, Mon - Sun
Ph: +64 9 267 1457 for more info

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #8: Wunderkammer Jewellery by Greg Novak

Simon wears: Bassike singlet, Ngahuia wears: Top by Ellery
Jewellery by Wunderkammer worn throughout

It's no secret that we love Zora Boyd's amazing creations for Wunderkammer Jewellery. The Muriwai native is a genius with rocks, gems, stones and metals and wraps up that knowledge in her own unique concepts and creativity. We asked photographer Greg Novak to shoot a few key pieces from the brand new Wunderkammer range (in-store and online soon) with models Ngahuia Williams @ 62 Models and Simon Abela @ Nova. Fashion editor: Rachael Churchward, hair and make-up by Michelle Brindle using M.A.C Cosmetics.

Ngahuia wears: Maurie & Eve shorts, Simon wears: Claude Maus jeans (worn throughout)

Black #14: Russ Flatt shoots Michael Whittaker

Greg Murrell finals on Michael Whittaker

We spent Friday at Kingsize Studios shooting the first of our new enlarged men's fashion section editorials. Photographed by Russ Flatt, styled by new Black men's fashion editor Adam Bryce and Black fashion director Rachael Churchward, hair by Greg Murrell @ Ryder, grooming by Natalie Dent using M.A.C Cosmetics. Michael is one of our two favourite NZ boys ever and is in incredible shape having spent a lot of time in the boxing ring lately. He is also acting in the Romeo and Juliet film currently being shot in NZ. Today we are back at Kingsize shooting men's hair and have two more shoots for Black #14 next week...

Single Source - The South Island's Perfect Pilsner

Five days on from the devastating quake in Canterbury it is still hard to think about much else. To any of our Blacklog readers in the region, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. It is perhaps serendipitous that earlier in the week we were sent a box of beer by Monteiths brewery. Single Source is a bottom fermented batch brewed pilsner derived from Charmay barley grown at Bill Davey's Rakaia farm (above) just south of Tuesday's quake epicentre - hopefully any damage to Bill's farm was minimal. This is a classy beer with a sharp, dry finish, superb packaging and a genuine story to match. The hops are sourced further north at Ian Thorn's Motueka hops garden and brewed by the legendary Tony Mercer. Everything about this beer is world class, so we have had a few this week whilst thinking of the people trying to overcome such devastation in the world class region of Canterbury...

Eating Sundaes on the Underground

Firstly, our thoughts and wishes go out to any Blacklog readers in the Christchurch area affected by the devastating quake. Kia kaha! Christchurch is a great city, it will rebuild...

This post is about a new jewellery label from a bit further down the line in Dunedin. Underground Sundae was founded by artist Anne-Mieke Ytsma in 2010. Ytsma comes form a fine art background but has been making jewellery since graduating from art school in 2006. More recently she has collaborated with Sara Aspinall's Company of Strangers label on a jewellery line but is launching Underground Sundae to realise the crossover between her art jewellery and the fashion based concepts she forged for COS.

Underground Sundae is available from Black Box and Children of Vision.

Cybèle To Open Ponsonby Store

In recent years Cybèle Wiren has garnered a steadfast following of ebullient fans the length and breadth of the country. In a relatively short space of time she has taken the substantial step from 'emerging' to 'emerged' and has won awards and scopic praise to prove that she has very much come of age with her label Cybèle. Great news that she is about to open her first store at 62 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland on March 1. It is a challenging time for retailers, let alone designers, so this is a confident step from the still-young designer.  “This is something I've always wanted to do,” she says. “For years people have been asking me why I don’t have my own store and now just feels like the right time. I'm ready for a change and a new challenge!” Cheers to that Cybèle.


Image from Cybèle’s AW 11 Nieriya campaign shot by Olivia Hemus featuring Ella V from Clyne, styling by Chris Lorimer, make-up by Amber D for MAC, hair by Lauren Gunn for Stephen Marr using Kevin Murphy.
 

Emma, Emmaline...

"..I'm gonna write your name high on that silver screen..Emma, Emmaline, I'm gonna make you the biggest star this world has ever seen." Hot Chocolate wrote some fair to middling disco hits and a few plain annoying ones, but in the early seventies at least, they always looked the part. This tune, Emma, from 1974 stands head and shoulders above the rest of their catalogue and the video with its blue background, glacial pace and freaky intro and outro must have set some sort of standard at the time on how to shoot a studio clip. Snazzy...

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #7: Workshop, Helen Cherry and current in-store imports by Russ Flatt

Aside from their much loved labels, Workshop and Helen Cherry, the folks at RCM have a fabulous range of quality international brands in their stores too - Alexander Wang, See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Isabel Marant, Twenty8Twelve and many more. Black fashion director Rachael Churchward picked up some  goodies from the ranges currently in-store to go with a selection of the latest from Workshop Denim and Helen Cherry for our seventh Blacklog Editorial - shot at Kingsize Studios. Russ Flatt took the photographs and Natalie Dent for M.A.C Cosmetics did the hair & make-up. Both the models are relatively new faces; Simon Abela and Phoebe Farrell, both at Nova.

Phoebe wears:Helen Cherry blouse, hat model's own,
jewellery from Wunderkammer Jewellery (worn throughout)
Simon wears: Shirt and waistcoat by Workshop Denim,
vintage bow-tie and eyewear by Karen Walker

Black #14: Paul Empson shoots Missy Rayder in Paris

i-D Magazine Sept 2008 by Daniel Jackson

Our Paris Correspondent and valued photographic contributor Paul Empson shot one of our all time favourite models for Black #14 this week in Paris, Missy Rayder. Missy, and big sister Frankie, have been at the cutting edge of modelling for over a decade and if her recent editorial work is anything to go by Missy has made a serious comeback. A favourite of Steven Meisel (she was shot by the maestro for the cover of Vogue Italia six times), Missy is currently hot property - despite being over 30 - and has recently shot for French Vogue, Numero and Purple amongst others. Loving the trend toward celebrating the model icons in mags like Love, V and Purple, long may it continue. We also remember her Pavement cover, one of the great New Zealand magazine's best ever. Black #14 is shaping to be  our strongest model issue yet - we'll keep you updated here on Blacklog...

Grey Feb 2011 cover by Beau Grealy

Listening to the sky with Fistful Of Bird

Sam and Jeremy Galvin, the brothers behind emerging Auckland label Fistful Of Bird aren't your usual fashion designer types. Yet, their background in the art and film worlds and a shared history travelling the globe immersing themselves in the school of life ensures their label is exactly, purposefully, a reflection of themselves and a breath of fashion fresh air to boot. The siblings started only two or three years back with the denim and t-shirt label Descendant which quickly grew in concept and style before morphing into Fistful Of Bird. With the new FOB AW 11 range 'Audible Skies' the step up is notable in terms of design, textile, shape and breadth of the range. Jackets, including a cropped bomber (always a winner) join cloaks, artisan denim (waxed and hand-distressed finishes, pigment airbrushing), diaphanous t-shirt dresses and slouchy woollen jumpers to offer plenty to their growing legion of fans. This pair are indeed reaching for the skies. Photos: Russ Flatt Model: McInnes @ Nova

Gang of Four, What We All Want!

Gang of Four with Jon King (left) and  Andy Gill (right)

Back in the early eighties punk collided with funk in a way that shook out the mohawks and sent chains and razor blades flying. Bands like A Certain Ratio, Comsat Angels and Pigbag all put the James Brown into Johnny Rotten but there was one band who managed to keep the angular, scything, cutting sounds of punk within the funk, Gang of Four. Hard on the heels of another great post-punk band, Wire, the Gang are on their way to Auckland and are playing at The Powerstation on Thursday, February 24 with support from Kody & Bic. The line-up includes original singer Jon King and the utterly percussive guitar of Andy Gill, which makes the gig a must see in itself. Here's a chunky, funky reason why we will be going to this one - a live version of What We All Want circa early 80's...


Gang of Four What We All Want
Uploaded by Celtiemama. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Valentine's Day, direct from The Bay

With the impending arrival of Valentine's Day you can be sure florists everywhere are knee deep in sweet smelling roses and sharp bristling thorns but for those of you that like to think outside the vase as it were Esther Diamond have developed a range called, fittingly, "Forever." The Hawkes Bay-based arty homeware brand has teamed up with Dick Frizzell, Janine Wareham and Paris House to create cushions and tea towels with a difference for your significant other next week. Love them all but particularly fond of Paris House's "I Love You More Than A Fat Boy Loves Cake' TT (below). Available at all "Diamond Traders" nationwide or at the online store.

M.A.C SS11 Trends

Black 12 cover girl Alana Zimmer for Todd Lynn by Sally Branka

We spent the middle of yesterday ensconced within the Ponsonby Bistro for the latest M.A.C trends presentation with premier artist Amber D. and M.A.C New Zealand's Tatum Savage and crew. At fashion week's around the world M.A.C teams, in partnership with the world's great designers, create many of the trends and looks which are quickly adapted by magazines, advertisers, celebrities and everyday women. This year, four trends are to the fore: Raw-fined (nude, minimal, contrasting textures), Pop Classics (classic shapes, uber saturated colour), Ice Dreams (Pastel shades, avante-garde application, Terra Copper (modern bronze, precise application and tan shades). Tendencies include; lush lacquered lips, brow beating, minimal skin, super honed cheekbones, blush, touches of metallic and no lips or lashes. Here are our favourite looks by show, and the key M.A.C artist responsible - as you can see we are big fans of James Kaliardos' work.

Preen by James Kaliardos

Lou Reed Interview

We love this Australian interview with Lou Reed who looks insanely cool whilst exuding a "waiting for the man" affectation and is clearly dumbfounded by the journalist's stupidity, all at the same time..."journalists, I love journalists..."

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #6: Stolen Girlfriends Club AW 2011 by Yasmine Ganley

Lovely red leather, creamy knits, fur, black and white on a rainy day. Stolen Girlfriends Club AW 2011 as seen through the lens of Yasmine Ganley and styled by Rachael Churchward, Caitlan and McInnes @ Nova hanging out in the rain after "Last Night's Party."

Photography: Yasmine Ganley

Fashion editor: Rachael Churchward
Hair & make-up: Natalie Dent using M.A.C Cosmetics
Models: McInnes and Caitlan @ Nova Models
Fashion assistant: Jessica Grubisa
All clothing and accessories by Stolen Girlfriends Club, her boots by Jeffery Campbell, his creepers by T.U.K

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #5: Zambesi Man AW11 by David K. Shields

Shirt and jacket by Zambesi Man, hat by Margiela

We are excited to announce that Adam Bryce founder of Slam X Hype - and one of the most sartorially sharp New Zealanders we have met - is joining Black as men's fashion editor. Adam has previously styled for i-D, British Vogue and Dazed & Confused among others prior to starting Slam X Hype in 2003 and more recently publishing The New Order magazine. Last week he teamed up with photographer David K. Shields to get back on the horse as it were and shoot David Kemp @ Nova in a few pieces from the latest Zambesi Man A/W 2011 collection. David's haircut by the talented Tom @ Ryder and grooming for the shoot by David K. Shields. Thanks to Bo Hendgren @ Absolute Essentials for use of her farm. All clothing by Zambesi Man unless captioned underneath image.

Classic: Comsat Angels - Independence Day

Looking forward to playing with Children's Hour at Laneways in Auckland next Monday and have been slotted into an early 80's mindset this week as a result. Here is a tune that brought Rachael and I together back in the day, a post-punk classic that is also quite simply a great tune with the inimitable lyric "Can't relax because I haven't done a thing, and I can't do a thing because I can't relax..." Comsat Angels, Independence Day, timeless...this video from 1983 but the song itself came out in 1980.

NoLa Bel: Taking your hands on a trip

Last week we noticed a striking sculptural ring on the hand of our friend Briar. It turns out the ring was in fact five rings sitting together and was designed by fledgling Auckland label NoLa Bel. Briar passed on the lookbook and the fabulous skull packaging for the range entitled "I saw this while I was away." The label describes the rings as "architectural postcards for the hands of the adventurous and brave! We simply had to know more and tracked down Karamia Müller and Nicole Allan, the creative design team behind NoLa Bel:

We like the way the rings are named after cities or places like Alexandra, Vancouver, Jordan, Agadir. Have you been to these places? Nicole has been to Vancouver and I (Karamia) have been to Agadir - we are both keen to go to Alexandra and Jordan...Have you actually shaped the rings off the skylines of these places? We designed the rings and then named them after places that reminded us of them...

Dem Bones, Dem Bones...

Let's face it, in the stony little town of Bedrock there is really only one key accessory for any self-respecting hipster girl like Pebbles that wants to look the part alongside Bam Bam in his matching Tigersaurus cap and shorts - a Bedrock Bone in the hair. So entrenched is the symbolism of the iconic cartoon series that Monique Saville's real life Bedrock Bones seem eerily familiar, although Saville's cute-as-a-button range encapsulates necklaces, pendants, bracelets and other bright bone accessories not seen on TV but that would spice up any trip to the bowling alley or Diner-saurus nonetheless.  Bedrock Bones are available now at all Ruby Boutiques, Ruby online store, M.A.D.E in the Britomart, Guilty As Sin (Palmerston North & Napier) and Belle Bird in Dunedin....Yabba dabba doooo...

Wonder Woman! Wonder Woman! All the world is waiting for you...

...and the power you possess, in your satin tights, fighting for your rights, and the old red, white and blue.

She's quite a gal that Wonder Woman, able to "make a hawk a dove, and stop a war with love" no less so who wouldn't want a bar of her? Certainly M.A.C do. The cosmetic giant is, as always, prepared to venture where others fear to tread. A perfect partner for Wonder Woman then! The packaging for the colourful new collection from M.A.C mirrors the bright Lichenstein-esque pop sensibilities of the famed American Amazon and includes; super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks and over-sized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner and Nail Lacquer and Lash. Phew.., but let's face it, Diana Prince (let alone her alter ego) has always had superb taste in cosmetics, even when she was "stopping a bullet cold" or "making the axis fold." The collection and a selection of fierce pop accessories go on sale in NZ across all M.A.C locations on March 4, 2011...

The Rise and Rise of Androgynous Andrej

Andrej by Thomas Lohr for i-D Magazine

In 2008 Joseph @ Chadwick via the crew at 62 Models sent through some Polaroids of a brand new model they had scouted in Melbourne called Andrej Pejic. Black fashion director Rachael Churchward was so taken with his look she immediately booked him for a men's fashion shoot with Russ Flatt for Issue 9 of Black 9 (alongside Michael Whittaker). Chadwick/62 flew him over straight away for the shoot and all and sundry were taken aback with Andrej's natural beauty and farouche androgyny. Andrej has since had a meteoric rise in the world of modelling walking for the likes of Paul Smith and Jean Paul Gaultier, shooting editorial with big names like Steven Meisel, Willy Vanderperre, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Thomas Lohr and most recently Juergen Teller. Teller shot him for the brand new Marc by Marc Jacobs campaign and it sounds like it was Jacobs himself who was keen on the new poster boy for androgyny. It is a long way from his humble beginnings in Oyster and Black to a current ranking of #17 on Models.com (and rising fast) but there is no doubt Andrej's look is utterly unique and his future looks stellar...

Andrej by Russ Flatt for Black #9

Pauline's a dream...

Pauline by Jean-Francois Campos for Flair Magazine, Nov 2010

We're pretty sure Pauline Van der Cruysse is one of the most beautiful creatures to currently walk the Earth. The Black 13 cover girl is starting to shine and 2011 could well be her year. Here are recent images from V Magazine, Bon International and Flair that prove the point. Discovered by V Man fashion editor (and Black 11 cover stylist) Tom Van Dorpe in a Belgian supermarket, Pauline is all class....

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #4: Taren Cunningham in Kiri Nathan by David Shields

Late last year, for the fourth year in a row, Rachael Churchward teamed with Adrian Hailwood and Murray Bevan to judge the fantastic Manukau fashion meets art and culture show Cult Couture. Over recent years one name has started to stand out from the many contestants - Kiri Nathan. This year she also won the award for biggest fan club - half of the Nathans from up north must have been there cheering her on! Once again David K Shields has taken these incredible images of Taren Cunningham dressed entirely in Kiri Nathan. Hair and make-up by Stacy Lee Ghin.

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #3: Alys by David Shields

She appeared in the current issue of Black in a bold editorial by Jason Capobianco, David Bonney, Gavin Anesbury and Nicole Thompson. While he was recently in Sydney, Black incumbent photographer David Shields and H&M artist Dean Rushworth took the opportunity to also capture the beautiful Alys @ Chic Management for Blacklog.  We'll post another Blacklog editorial shortly from the prolific Mr Shields and then next weekend we're shooting a double header with stylist Adam Bryce teaming with Shields for a men's editorial and Rachael Churchward teaming with Yasmine Bryce on a women's shoot.

Fashion Fluidity

HOME by MOTEL COLLECTIVE from Yasmine Bryce on Vimeo.

Whilst Nick Knight has been shooting fashion films for many years, and the idea of shooting fashion in moving image is certainly not new, there is no doubt there has been a proliferation of fashion films due to the advent of HD in (stills) cameras. Canon's D-Series in particular has turned many photographers into budding, or successful directors. Already used to the superior lenses and handheld camera work implicit in photographic practice, many photographers have made the transition to director of photography in double quick time and many have also discovered there is more to making films than shooting them. Great to see plenty of fashion and art films being made locally by photographers like David Mandelberg, Derek Henderson, Garth Badger, Daniel Max and Yasmine Bryce among others. Bryce and Amy Fraser of Motel Collective directed Home (above) which imparts beautiful music and editing by Motocade's Eden Mulholland and stars Erynne Mulholland and Charlotte Holmes

Below: Garth Badger's beautiful Lili (@ Red 11) styled by Barry Betham with make-up by Melina Strachan. Music by Moby.


LILI from Garth Badger on Vimeo.

2011, the year of the fashion film?

The Lady's Gaga...

Still struggling with her music to be honest but there is no doubting Lady Gaga is a one woman visual symphony and every step she takes in a promotional sense is a giant leap forward for popstar-kind. Shot by the legendary Nick Knight and styled by the almost-as-legendary Nicola Formichetti this is one of the better promo pics of a pop star to accompany the release of a new pop single - ever. Born This Way is on sale globally Feb 13 with the album of the same name to follow in May. Knight, foundation lensman for the twin towers of indie publishing, i-D and Face Magazine is also the founder of the fabulous Showstudio. Good to see he has added a worthy strapline to the site too; Showstudio - The home of Fashion Film. Indeed...

Twenty Eleven!

Kia ora, gidday, bonjour, talofa, 'sup! We hope you have had a nice a break and, if you are in NZ you are enjoying the summer weather. To our friends and family in Queensland, no such luck, we hope the rain abates. May 2011 be a good one for you...Grant & Rach x

Yuletide Greetings!

A Christmas Treat at WAH nails, Dalston, London

Nail art for Christmas? Yes please! I have been wanting to visit the cult nail art salon in Dalston for ages but have never got round to booking an appointment. Until yesterday when my friend and I decided to take ourselves off and get sparkled up for Christmas!

Wah nails is a revolutionary new nail art bar (opened for just over a year) in East London making nail art cool with their up to date styles influenced by the latest fashion trends. It has completely taken off as the latest 'must have' and they have now opened a boutique in Topshop and more to come. The brainchild of Sharmadean Reid, who is a stylist and fashion editor and has always had a passion for nail art. Sharmadean wanted to create somewhere that not only was a professional creative nail bar but also a community space for girls, where artists can display work, and girls can hangout and drink tea! The name 'Wah' comes from an expression of attitude, it is also the name of her online magazine.

I decided on studs whilst my friend Famie went for Chanel c's both on black!

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #2: Karen Walker S/S 2011 A Perfect Day by Yasmine Ganley

Karen Walker's Spring/Summer 2011 collection made a colourful splash at New York Fashion Week in September, and with summer upon us, what better to shoot as our second Blacklog editorial. Black fashion director Rachael Churchward mixed a selection of super cool desirables from the range with Karen Walker accessories, shoes by Beau Coops and Pointer - both for Karen Walker. Yasmine Ganley captured new face Liza @ August.

Photographer: Yasmine Ganley
Fashion Editor: Rachael Churchward
Hair & make-up: Natalie Dent using M.A.C cosmetics
Model: Liza @ August Models
Fashion assistant: Helle Weston

Eco Bottles - Where It's At

The forward-thinking folk at ESP (EcoUsable South Pacific Ltd) have teamed with Huffer to create a drink bottle for your entire summer. No point in buying thousands of plastic water bottles that could end up in a swirling maelstrom in the middle of the Pacific when you can buy one, stylish, reusable one. They say that this is the bottle that puts sustainability in your hands. Nice line. To add another, Huffer's Dan Buckley says, "Eco bottles are where it's at, buying plastic bottles twice a day for your water supply isn't where it's at." We've been trialling one and the other valid point is that it tastes better too as after a couple of refills the plastic ones taste, er, plastic. The bottles are on sale at Area 51 stores nationwide and online at The Huffer Store.

Pearly Queen of Mulberry

Two queens and a jack

Those of you that have read the latest issue of Black will have noticed the story about our London Correspondent Lucie Marquis (above left) and her foray into creating 'walls' of fashion in various locations with Supermarket Sarah and designing t-shirts and jewellery as one half of the Pearly Queens. Lucie is a talented designer and plans to launch an eponymous label in the future. In the meantime she started work this week as a senior designer at Mulberry, suggesting the British label knows talent when it sees it. Very proud of her and can't wait for the Lucie bag!