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.

Workshop Vulcan Lane show - film by Lula Cucchiara

Workshop Winter 2013 Collections Show - A film by Lula Cucchiara from Workshop NZ on Vimeo.

Check this sweet film of the Workshop & Helen Cherry show we helped style and produce recently in Vulcan Lane by Lula Cucchiara. Lula is a stylish, creative Argentinian New Zealander with a great eye and serious editing skills, oh, and she takes great photos too! 

BLK#19: BTS Damien Nikora shoots five of our favourites

 Jessica Grubisa and Thistle Brown are two of the most colourful friends we have and we felt the time has come to pass the Black baton, as it were. So, on Sunday, we shot with Damien Nikora, Jessica and Thistle, tentatively known as Jessile GruBrown as fashion editors. Creative direction by Rachael Churchward, hair by Greg Murrell and Fraser Folagi at Ryder Salon and the generally (in NZ fashion) unknown but incredible Sharlene Cassidy (using M.A.C Cosmetics) to capture 12 pages for BLK #19. Shooting Lili Sumner and Andrey at Red 11, Mary at RPD, Ben at Newfacenoagent and Thistle himself, Sunday was a lot of fun! We've purposely kept it B&W here so that you really do enjoy the colour in the mag itself - and the digital version...thanks to SSION and the great disco artists of the early 80s like Bohannon and Jimmy Bo Horne for the tunes...BLK #19 on sale mid April! All photos by Grant Fell.

Blacklog Editorial #33: Superteam Australia shoot Yani at Giant

 South African model Yani recently relocated to Melbourne and signed to Giant Management so Justin Henry  Black Australian Editor, Melbourne and the boys at Superteam Studios combined with stylist Jamie Wdziekonski of Oh Jamie fame to put together a lovely shoot for her. She has an incredible face, so who better to frame it with gorgeous make-up and hair than Justin, and to capture her spirit than Superteam's Ribal and Gil. Jamie dressed her in incredible structural pieces, entirely from Strateas Carlucci.

Workshop Denim AW 13 Campaign by Damien Nikora

Photographer Damien Nikora is going from strength to strength and in recent times has proved he is pretty sharp when it comes to shooting denim and capturing the spirit of the weft and the warp. For the Workshop Denim AW 13 campaign Workshop supremo Chris Cherry wanted to shoot James and Lee, a couple of real men, as in men who are not models by day, and iconic New Zealand model Ngahuia Williams at N Model Management. The result is a rock'n'roll campaign that isn't afraid to roll up its sleeves and get a little dirty. Hair, make-up and grooming by the ever classy Virginia Carde.

The Stylist's New Best Friend

We were recently asked to trial the new Phillips Perfectcare Iron and it quickly became the item we least wanted to give back. Here at Black we are not given to talking effusively about irons or products in general for that matter but this is quite a special tool. Why so good? Not only is it an iron and steamer in one but it is also the best iron and steamer we have ever used, in one. Usable on all fabrics, super safe on all fabrics and more than anything it just keeps on going with up to two hours before you need to top up the water. Seriously, this is the perfect stylist tool for big shoots where there are many garments to deal with or a high turnover of garments and just as importantly it's perfect for your own personal ironing at home. Available now at Briscoes, Noel Leeming and Farmers. Steam in and get one! Photo: Damien Nikora

Zambesi AW13 Campaign by Marissa Findlay

 No one knows Zambesi and Zambesi Man better than Marissa Findlay, which is why the great New Zealand house gets her to shoot each and every campaign. For AW13 Marissa teamed with world-class make-up artist Amber D for M.A.C Cosmetics and young dynamo at Stephen Marr, Matt Benns to shoot Anmari Botha and Jordan at Red 11 in and around the label's classy new showroom/workroom.

Workshop & Helen Cherry Vulcan lane show BTS images

Michael Whittaker at Clyne

 On Thursday we teamed with the crew at Workshop and Helen Cherry to show latest seasons collections for both brands, and also many of the international brands in Workshop stores, in the iconic location that is Vulcan Lane. The brands partnered with Jerry Clayton BMW to create an evening for VIP customers, media and clients in the High Street District, an area that is still looking pretty vibrant, with plenty of foot traffic, despite the growth of the nearby Britomart District in recent years. Drinks and canapes were held in the flagship Workshop Vulcan Lane store before the show took place in the lane itself. Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward cast and styled the show creating clear stories for both men and women and casting many new, emerging faces. Hair by the Stephen Marr team led by Matt Benns and great make-up, accomplished in hot conditions by the fab crew of M.A.C make-up artists. Styling assist and videography by Lula Cucchiara. Here are some behind-the-scenes images by Grant Fell, we will post show photos by Tim White and Sam Lee here soon.

Seon at Clyne, Madison at 62, Andrey at Red 11,
Mary at RPD,  Dillon at Clyne, Rhianon at Clyne

The Art of Denim - Online auction live on Trade Me

Neuw jeans painted  by Dan Vient

The Art of Denim is an ever growing concept that grew out of our Piping Down The Valleys Wild denim shoot with Damien Nikora in the latest issue of Black Magazine. For that shoot we partnered up with Neuw, Lee and Wrangler to provide denim that we could paint, customise, deconstruct and reconstruct with a selection of local artist and designers. A week ago we launched the concept at Service Newmarket and have added a few new Wrangler pieces this week that have been given a treatment by designer Lela Jacobs and artists Clara Chon and Alexander Mark Hoyles.

We now have all of the pieces up on an auction on Trade Me which will be live for the next seven days, with all proceeds going to Mental Health New Zealand. Here is the link to the Trade Me auction.  The auction closes late next Monday, March 11.

A huge thanks to everyone involved but in particular the designers and artists: Lela Jacobs, Zora Bell Boyd, Jessica Grubisa, Blair Hetet, Rachael Churchward, Nina van Lier, Dan Vient, Erin Forsyth, Anna Hanson, Eric Nauta, Clara Chon and Alexander Mark Hoyles. All images in this look book by Damien Nikora. Styling by Rachael Churchward. Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Cosmetics. Hair: Janine Jones at Ryder Salon. Models: Lily Fraser at Clyne, Lucas and Eden at 62 Models, Dan Vient, Roman and Aleysha at Service. Thanks to White Studios.

Wrangler jacket customised by Lela Jacobs, Wrangler jeans
cut to shorts and painted by Clara Chon

Shoot of a lifetime: Derek Kettela and Valery Gherman shoot Kate Upton for SI Swimsuit issue

Valery works on Kate Upton

When Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue was published a couple of weeks back we were more than a little proud of Black New York Editor Valery Gherman and photographer Derek Kettela. Derek and Valery have combined to provide a number of great covers for Black Magazine but it is a considerable step up to score the cover of one of the world's biggest selling magazines. This issue, crews were sent to the seven continents and Derek and Valery were lucky enough to visit both China and Antarctica, where they shot the cover with Kate Upton. When Valery was here in Aotearoa at Christmas he gave us a slide show of the Antarctic trip and there is no denying it is an extremely beautiful place. Valery has given us a few of these to publish here on Blacklog, enjoy...

Two To Watch: Lucas and Eden at 62 Models

Models are part of the lifeblood of the fashion industry, they make the clothes desirable, create the fantasy, do the work, and quite simply, fashion needs the aspiration, energy and belief a good model can offer. One of the nicest parts of our job as magazine editors is meeting new models, imparting advice and generally acting like a fashion aunty and uncle, because it is a tough, difficult path to follow. The good ones are invariably interesting, smart and intelligent - quite removed from the vapid, dull people that fashion outsiders wish they were. So, it was again a pleasure to meet to two brand new entrants from 62 Models on Wednesday, Lucas and Eden. We think they both have the goods to go far...Photo: Damien Nikora

Behind The Scenes of Black #19 Editorial with David Shields and Zippora Seven

"She plays the starlet that ran away from The Cannes Film Festival to the peaceful retreat of her houseboat on the island", was the story behind our latest editorial shoot for Black issue #19. Firstly, the houseboat; rightfully named "Sunflower" and owned by model Zippora Seven's family, was one of the most idyllic settings we have ever experienced. We had the tide come in and out, Zippy rowing her row boat, photographer David K. Shields jumping in the water, beautiful, vintage gowns and a very, very nice day in Waiheke Island.

Here is a sneak peek behind the scenes of our day with Sunflower and a brilliant team of photographer David K. Shields, Fashion Editor Rachael Churchward, hair and makeup stylist Skye Cripps-Jackson of Stephen Marr and we finally caught a time with the radiant New Zealand model, now New York based, Zippora Seven at Clyne/Elite Models.

Black Magazine Whanau, Australia

We spent four fabulous days in Melbourne a couple of weeks back. Two days shooting and two days of business and hanging out with our much loved editors and friends from that continent. On the first night we'd arranged to meet Black Australian Editor, Melbourne Justin Henry at Superteam Studios to hook up with Ribal (above front) and Gil (above left) from Superteam, Sophie Barker our Melbourne fashion editor and our close friend Dan Zizys. To our surprise, and enjoyment, Black Australian Editor, Sydney Thom Kerr walked in as well, having flown himself down for the weekend. Suffice to say we had a good night. The Superteam boys like to shoot life, in fact shoot everything, so a ten minute session in the studio was mandatory. These are the pictures...

Lee AW 13 Back in Black campaign and BTS video

Lee's AW 13 Back in Black campaign has been shot by LA-based film maker and photographer Mike Piscitelli and is as innately rock'n'roll as the collection is a definition of 90's grunge rebellion, an era in which Piscitteli cut his teeth as a skateboarder, hardcore music fan and assistant in the LA porn industry. That side trip sparked his interest in photography and film making, leading him to move to New York at age 18 and the rest, as they say, is history. Piscitelli has since shot editorials for Dazed & Confused, Another and i-D, directed music videos for Iggy Pop, Linkin Park and The Walkmen and more recently completed his first feature length documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne. A perfect candidate then to shoot the Back in Black collection - a collection founded in Lee's signature black denim but coated, embroidered, over-dyed, broken washed out and embellished with foils and ornate prints. The campaign, styled by Britt McCarney with H&M by Cooper, stars Texan male star/Hedi Slimane favourite Cole Mohr and super sexy Cora Keegan who featured here on Blacklog in an editorial by Sam Crawford 18 months or so ago. The Lee Back in Black concept is also very tied into backstage or BTS capture which is in its essence, very rock'n'roll. Here is the BTS video of the shoot by Rylan Perry shot at The Mint in Los Angeles. Over the next couple of months we will be creating our own interpretation of the Back in Black concept, stay tuned. Lee Facebook page. Lee Instagram.

Clear cut class: Peroni Ambasciatori and Room 104

Hanan James and his brother have installed a sense of classicism to men's hairdressing in Auckland with the establishment of their very stylish, airy, New York loft-style men's grooming salon, Room 104. Situated in one of Britomart's most interesting developments, Archilles House, Room 104 have taken barbershop beyond quartet and striped poles to a succinctly 2013 place, whilst still revering the inherent elements of the men's hair salon and space. Beautifully restored barber's chairs, iconic tools and technique, and of course, top quality cuts. Peroni have recognised this and are collaborating with the boys as part of Peroni Ambasciatori, creating a series of stylish clips to capture the essence of Room 104. Here is the first clip. We have two cuts at Room 104 to give away to Blacklog readers who live in Auckland. Email mail@blackmagazine.co.nz with the words: Peroni Room 104 in the subject line to be in...

The Art of Denim Launch, Service Newmarket

On Thursday night Black Magazine launched The Art of Denim in collaboration with Neuw, Lee and Wrangler at Service Newmarket. It was a sweet affair to precede the online auction which runs from this Friday, March 1 through to Friday March 8 on Trade Me. All of the pieces exhibited at Service will be auctioned plus a few more that are being created this week, with all proceeds going to Mental Health New Zealand. Thanks to all of the sponsors for the event: Neuw, Lee, Wrangler, Service, Invivo wines, Grolsch beer, Thomson Whisky, L&P, Pump, Friends of Design and Play Studio. We will publish the look book of all garments in the auction here on Friday, thanks to everyone who came along and especially the artists and designers who gave so freely of their time and talent. A few party pics here from the early part of a fun evening by Yasmine Ganley.

Jessica Grubisa, Thistle Brown and Georgia

SSION nothing, love everything

To say we love Cody Critcheloe is an understatement. Our Australian Editor, Sydney, Thom Kerr played us a few videos of  SSION when we were in Melbourne recently and we fell in love with the lo-fi, deeply interesting and occasionally very funny genius on offer. Cody has a big part to play in everything you will see here; lead singer, main musician, producer, video director, sets, styling, make-up and concepts, and given he is from Kansas, we think we love it even more. Here are two videos from SSION (pronounced 'Shun"), and, no matter whether you are black or white, straight or gay, bisexual, transgender or somewhere in between SSION have something for you...

Kate Sylvester AW 13 'Shanghai Fox' campaign by Karen Inderbitzen-Waller

There are partnerships and then there are partnerships. Karen Inderbitzen-Waller's partnership with Kate Sylvester is one of the best. Karen styles the label's shows, shoots and styles all of their campaigns and look books and regularly teams with Kate and Wayne on a variety of projects. For the Kate Sylvester Shanghai Fox campaign she once again delivers exactly the right imaging for the collection shooting perhaps Aotearoa's hottest model right now, Ashleigh Good at RPD. Ashleigh is set for stardom and this campaign will only enhance her flight into the fashion stratosphere. Lighting and digital by Delphine Planqueel, hair by Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr, make-up by Shirley Simpson using M.A.C Cosmetics.

 

adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott SS 13 Video Look Book

"I've dreamed of making robots many times but the one I'd want to make is Andy Warhol. He'd have his Polaroid camera, signature look and fright wig. I'd keep him in my living room so when you came in he'd take Polaroids of interesting people." Jeremy Scott's pop sensibilities are succinctly illustrated by his opening voice over, laconically intoned, in this brand spanking new video look book for adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott. It's not just Red Bull that gives you wings, this collection of brighter-than-ever, super desirable pieces, is full of them. Whether you like it, play it, hate it or don't care, sport is brilliantly referenced in Scott's inimitable style with the JS Chain Cage track top looking like a hero piece and basketball pieces reinterpreted with uneven hems, fringing and woven fabrics. Undeniably one of the great colabs in modern fashion, this collection is in store now at Loaded. The footwear is also in store at Loaded, Area 51 and Qubic. Go get!

Blacklog Editorial #32: Emily Abay shoots Ellie and James

Ellie wears: Top by Topshop, shirt (around waist) by Wrangler
Shorts by Ksubi

Justin Henry, Black Australian Editor, Melbourne is one of the hardest working, most prolific fashion and beauty people we know. He loves what he does, doesn't mind a seven day week on set, and it shows. He also loves creating and working with teams - whether they are established or emerging and together with talented photographer Emily Abay, fab stylist Sophie Barker, models Ellie Lemons at Viviens and James Frey at Giant this team gelled perfectly to create this classic denim shoot in the Victorian wilderness, especially for Blacklog. We love...

James wears: Jeans by Diesel

Like a tiger, The Strypes, one for the ages...

Aged 14 to 16-years-old, Ireland's The Strypes belie their years and wear their influences on their well-styled sleeves. As players, they are already playing at the level of the great bands; thanks Ribal and Gil...

BLK #19: BTS Charles Howells shoots Sarah Stephens

Last Friday we created an outdoor studio at our house in West Auckland to shoot Sarah Stephens at 62 Models in a shoot that required a fair bit of water. It wasn't a hot day but Sarah was a total trouper as Rachael Churchward styled her simply, yet elegantly, in clothing that could be wet. Greg Murrell matched with a variety of strong wet hair looks and Stacy Lee Ghin applied make-up, glycerine and plenty of spray water. Charles Howells and assistant Lula used a delicate mix of real sunlight and carefully balanced lighting to capture Sarah's inherent strength and sexiness. Thanks to Zeco and Mena for the guard dog work...all photos by Grant Fell.

BLK #19: BTS of Superteam Studios shooting Madison by Oh Jamie

Big Sky Country

We have just returned from spending a few days shooting in Melbourne with our Aussie crews: Australian Editors Thom Kerr and Justin Henry and the fab boys at Superteam Studios. It was an inspirational trip, working with inspirational people. On Saturday we headed west toward Ballarat to shoot at an amazing house built at the very beginning of last Century, many thanks to the location crew of Anne and Kathy at Grzansquared. Ribal and Gil, otherwise known as Superteam, showed us exactly why they are a team, shooting simultaneously, both cameras blazing, to capture gorgeous new model Madison at Pride/Giant/IMG. They also shot a lovely, languid film and we will post that once the issue is out. Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward styled with brilliant assistance from Sophie Barker and the inimitable Justin Henry supplied suitably fantastic hair and make-up. Jamie Wdziekonski  of Oh Jamie fame came for the day and took these beautiful black and white BTS images. This was Madison's first official editorial shoot for a magazine like Black and everyone on set was blown away with her maturity, sensuality and awareness of exactly where the camera was and what she had to do. Rachael Churchward's brief to all was based upon three books; Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, Australian writer Patrick White's 1957 novel The Tree of Man and Charles Portis' 1961 classic True Grit - all feature a young woman, romance, far flung locations and unrequited love. The entire crew, and particularly Madison, interpreted this perfectly. Special thanks to Dexter for the bounce and photo assisting! On Sunday, Thom, Justin and Rachael shot the very elegant and beautiful Annabelle Moore at Chadwicks in a 60's inspired beauty shoot at Superteam Studios informed by a classic Hitchcock film with moments of Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn and Jean Shrimpton. Thanks Melboing, we had a ball. All photos by Oh Jamie.

Maddy on the LV couch in Kate Sylvester and Julia DeVille neckpiece

Wrangler's AW 13 collection brings back the grunge

Wrangler look to be on the money with their AW 13 collection. Lots of great, classically authentic Wrangler staples that can be mixed and layered with ease. Trucker jackets, denim shirts, oversized wool coats and a range of transeasonal knits feature in this androgynous, yet feminine (for the ladies) collection. Traditional denim is transformed with new textures; printed, over-dyed, textured and soft touch fabrics are supplemented with feminine detailing (again for the ladies) like lace, printed velvet and vintage florals. The vibe is strongly entrenched in the 90's. when grunge was king - musically and in fashion - leaving a distinct scent of teen spirit in the air.Photographer: Travis Grace Stylist: Tamila Purvis Makeup: Jody Oliver Hair: Pete Lennon Producer: Sunny Grace Models: Sapphire @ Chic Lewis Grant @eMg

Karen Walker 'New Rose' FW 13 BTS shots

" I got a new rose, I got her good" rasped The Damned's Dave Vanian on the seminal 1977 album Damned Damned Damned and this is clearly one of the cues for Karen Walker's 14th showing at New York Fashion Week. As usual Walker delivered again yesterday; prints and patterns to the fore, angora (in Khaki), flannel overcoats, tweed tunics and coats (finished with raw hems) and of course more than a few roses, some dripping with paint. This is a tough punky collection, in a modern sense, that the designer describes as "school girl vs working girl." All accessorised, of course, with inimitable Karen Walker Eyewear, Karen Walker Jewellery and that oh so fabulous colab, Beau Coops for Karen Walker. Once again, congrats to Karen, stylist Heathermary Jackson and the very talented crew - a special mention to Amber D and the M.A.C crew for the perfect-for-the-range make-up.

All photos by Sonny Vandevelde

Glassons Stand Out film by Megan Christiansen

Check this beautifully shot and edited BTS film of the Glassons Stand Out show last week at the Van Lier rose haven by Megan Christiansen. Intrigued by the music? It's "Lakeshore Report Diluted: Sources" by Hank. The show featured quality make-up  from the M.A.C team, led by newly crowned M.A.C Senior Stylist for Oceania, Amber D and great hair by the team at Stephen Marr, led by Matt Benns. Christiansen was obviously busy on the day as she made this clip of the H&M as well. Nice work Megan...

Beau Coops, Karen Walker and Black prize pack!

Our lovely friends at Beau Coops and Karen Walker are running a wee comp on the Beau Coops Facebook page that you really should enter, right now! Two pairs of coveted Beau Coops x Karen Walker shoes, one pair of Karen Walker Eyewear Number One Critters frames, in black, and a years subscription to Black Magazine is up for grabs...have a great weekend!

The Great Gatsby, according to Miuccia and Baz

 Small and perfectly formed, F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a sublime novel, albeit averagely interpreted in the past on the silver screen. The novel was set in the Jazz Age, in a fashion sense a fine era indeed and Baz Luhrmann surely knows this, courting Miuccia Prada, one of the world's greatest fashion designers and the legendary costume designer Catherine Martin to deliver the sartorial elegance the great novel deserves. Prada and Martin deliver a bespoke collection of over 40 unique Miu Miu and Prada cocktail and evening dresses that have been inspired by runway looks from the last 20 years to aesthetically take Gatsby to a new level.

Check the Fringe with Salon Mika

More side part then fringe, Mika will
reveal all in the Salon

Our good friend and 'King of Exotic Cabaret' Mika is bringing his take on cabaret - think Josephine Baker on a naughty night out with Grace Jones - to an iconic, for us at least, part of Karangahape Road. As part of the Auckland Fringe and Pride Festival, Salon Mika will run at Switch Bar, which just happens to be the same space that we lived in for six years and ran our magazine Planet from. Mika, who describes himself as: "One part plastic Māori, one part lifestyle liberationist and one part icon. Actor, singer, dancer, image‐maker," is a veteran of seven Edinburgh Fringe Festivals so expect a world-class show and a cast "of live musicians, dancers, exotic performers and poets from several countries." The R18 show opens to the public on Valentines Day, Feb 14 and runs through Wed-Sat nights from 8pm to Feb 23. Tickets are from $12 at 1-night.co.nz or 09 889 2161

Live More Awesome and the World's Biggest Waterslide

Day one of the dig!

We are so very impressed by our friend Daniel Drupsteen and his mate Jimi Hunt. Both have suffered at the hands of depression and both have decided to do something about it by forming Live More Awesome, a New Zealand based charity that aims to keep depression at bay by simply "living more awesome." True to their word they have come up with an awesome concept; the World's Biggest Waterslide to raise money for the Live More awesome Charity. The event, to be held at a private farm near Helensville on February 23 and 24 will feature three waterslides, one of which will be a massive 650 metres long. Tickets are $46 from Indiegogo and limited to 2,000 people - they're selling like hot cakes so best be in very quickly. Buy a ticket, help fight depression, have a hell of a good time and be part of history. Go ahead, live more awesome!

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #31: Charles Howells shoots Chloe Graham at 62 Models

Leather jacket from Lonely Hearts archive,
jewellery by Zora Bell Boyd

 Wellington-based model Chloe Graham has long been one of the best on 62 Models' books so when Charles Howells had the opportunity to shoot her we were more than keen to run the images here on Blacklog. Stylist Rachael Churchward put together an eclectic mix of local and international labels, Sharlene Cassidy looked after hair and make-up using M.A.C Cosmetics and Chloe did the rest!

Amici di Peroni with Hayden McMillan

We all love a good degustation meal, right? In December, Peroni threw a lunch on Waiheke Island with master New Zealand chef Hayden McMillan, head chef at Parnell's Tribeca restaurant that upped the ante on the lunch front! Travelling via Ferrari and helicopter, guests were treated to a cooking masterclass by McMillan who took them through the meal step-by-step, allowing time to sup plenty of Peroni. Tomato and watermelon gazpacho was followed by beetroot cured salmon gravalax, pork belly with avocado and prawns, milk-fed lamb with peas, dates and yoghurt and finally, mint slice and ice cream. It might be the Maori blood in us, but pork belly is high on our list of yummy things so let's share Hayden's delicious pork belly, avocado and prawns recipe with you...

"Stand Out" Collection by Glassons at Van Lier Rose Factory

"Stand Out doesn't have to be a shout, and it's certainly not a whisper. It is a clear voice for a different time, and it speaks of a new history"

This quote pulled from the new Stand Out collection by Glassons booklet is a good way to describe the brand's new step in the right direction. What has been up until now considered a mainstream chainstore, Glassons is about to take on a whole new girl.

Yesterday we were taken, by bus, up to the Van Lier Rose Factory in Coatesville where we sat amongst rows of rosebuds to watch the new Stand Out collection by Glassons runway show. And yes, we were impressed. A clean, sophisticated line up of smart casual-wear came roaring down the runway, set against foot-tap-worthy rock tunes played by a mixture of musicians from the DHDFDs, Rackets, Splash & Checks.

Quilted leather-esque bomber jackets and mini skirts, leather-esque sleeved winter coats and cropped cigarette pants in dense patterns stole the show. Pieces to take home? The denim. Great fitting boy-ish denim jeans, dungarees like you've always wanted, embroidery collared shirts and tough denim vests. Simple and easy with a price point to allowing constant thrashing.

Wrangler AW 13 Campaign feat. Ruby Jean Wilson by Cory White

 Wrangler's AW 13 campaign continues the brands directional, quality imaging with the latest offering by photographer Cory White and stylist Tamila Purvis capturing the range's 90's grunge band influence to a t (shirt). Starring undeniably one of the hottest models in the world at the moment, Ruby Jean Wilson, and two great male faces in smouldering Jacob Hankin and the suitably hirsuite Nic Smith, the collection draws upon the lyrics of Neil Young and the music of the incomparable Daniel Lanois to inform the look and feel. Denim shirts are big, as are trucker jackets. both rich parts of the brand's iconic heritage, whilst vintage lace, printed velvet, textured jeans, faded denim and the return of the skirt signal the grunge direction. Dig it! Photography: Cory White Styling: Tamila Purvis Models: Ruby Jean Wilson, Jacob Hankin and Nic Smith, all at Priscillas

Maya Handley of Turnedout for Glassons in NYC

Keeping up their New York City vibe in their summer campaigns, Glassons head over to the big apple for the second summer in a row to shoot their new summer campaign with Maya Handley of tunrnedout.tv.

turnedout.tv has been a huge inspiration for me personally and I know for a fact that the aesthetic and charm Maya captures in her photographs of girls on the street grabs the attention of girls from all over the globe. When all the other street-style bloggers turned to commercialise their images and start printing their own books as a means to evolve, Maya, by instinct, clearly pulled in the other direction and continued to capture the realness on the street, exposing her sharp eye for pre-fashion-cues. Photographing inspiring girls who we learn hold jobs we get jealous over, girls who wear shoes and hats we love- but have no idea where they could have found them, and girls who dress themselves, for themselves - not to be photographed. 

An inspiring kiwi lass herself, New Zealander Maya, now residing in New York, works for people such as Grazia Italy, Dana Lee and Oyster. Having also taken images for other kiwi brands such as Stolen Girlfriends Club and Lonely Hearts, she now adds Glassons to her NZ list. Engulfing the Glassons brand straight into her world of turnedout.tv Maya has captured the new season's collection in a whole new light. A light which we are loving. 

The images embody that same spontaneity of turnedout. Delivering a combination of Maya's eye for detail, color, natural light, and personality; it is the New Zealand girl's take of life in the big city! 

Hair, in a very big way with Iggy Rosales, by Thom Kerr

Alyssia wears: Knit by Koren Wheatley, vintage shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch 

22-year-old Iggy Rosales has been making a name for himself as the quietly confident colourist turned session stylist. Rising up the editorial ranks, he's become known for his ability to execute complicated styles with fearless ease and speed. We asked him to create some big hair with fresh face Alyssia from Volta Models and talk us through some of the methods behind his madness. And in the process we discovered he was born in New Zealand! Naturally it was only a matter of time before his skills would grace our Blacklog audience!

Intro and interview below by Thom Kerr. Photography: Thom Kerr Styling: Sarah Birchley Hair: Iggy Rosales using Kevin.Murphy Make-up: Lauren Chalmers Model: Alyssia at Volta Models

Roberto Cavalli FW Menswear feat. Vinnie Woolston

Roberto Cavalli teams with son Daniele to deliver his latest menswear collection in a trippy film set in a fantastical nightclub to the bluesy sounds of The Cyborgs. Of particular note to NZ fashion followers is the appearance of New Zealand's number one male model, Vinnie Woolston at 62 Models.

The Strateas-Carlucci-sphere

Peter Strateas and Mario Luca Carlucci had early success with their first label Trimapee before closing it down gently to go straight to Paris with their next venture Strateas Carlucci, a picture of tailoring, construction and form..

interview: Grant Fell photo: Superteam Studios

The Art Factory of Amanda

She’d happily eat Yoko Ono’s grapefruit with Dali but Amanda Charchian would be much happier making things; sculptures, photographs, films, collages, paintings and installations, will do.

interview: Yasmine Ganley photos: Eliot Lee Hazel