A Little Shopping Après-ski?

The sun has finally come out in Auckland but if you are a Chanel fan and also like to ski you might consider making your way to Courchevel in the French alps. The great house has established a 'temporary boutique' in the mountain resort replete with four ceramic Madmoiselle Chanel figures, each over two metres tall, outside. Inside it is a stripped down, neutral affair with plenty of concrete, light boxes and splashes of colour. The boutique will house Karl Lagerfeld's 2011/12 Cruise collection alongside the Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 collection. So if you are in the area, you could do worse than visit the Chanel's winter wonderland in Courchevel.

BLK #15: Cover 2: Gertrud Hegelund by Chadwick Tyler

Friday afternoon, the perfect time to post our second cover. Louis Vuitton campaign star Gertrud Hegelund is captured by Chadwick Tyler in a shoot that references the great escape artist Houdini. Fashion editor Michelle Cameron places her in a Chanel jumpsuit for this cover, hair by Shin Arima and make-up by the great make-up artist, Valery Gherman. Have a great weekend - copies on sale around New Zealand next week.

Seeing The World Through Patsy Eyes

On the fourteenth day of December, my true love said to me, forget about the rest, just put a pair of Karen Walker Patsys under my tree. We understand, so do a number of It Girls and actresses around the globe if the Patsy frame's popularity is anything to go by. Bright, shiny, pop and unflinchingly fuschia the Patsy is a stand out in anyone's eyes and we have a pair to give away - just in time for Christmas and the summer-we-are-expecting-anytime-soon. Simply go to our Facebook page to enter!

BLK #15: Cover 1: Anna de Rijk by Paul Empson

Today, the good ship Black officially sets sail again after spending a couple of years grounded on the rocks of recession. To celebrate here is the first of our two covers for the issue which is at the printers; Anna de Rijk in Louis Vuitton, shot by Paul Empson, styled by Sam Ranger, hair by Halley Brisker, make-up by AshleyWard. We'll post the second cover by Chadwick Tyler, later this week...

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL # 19: Backstage Karen Walker SS12 NY show by Adam Custins

Black photographer and contributor Adam Custins is a master of instant film, of that we are quite sure. He recently spent a couple of months in the Big Apple, New York City, and captured these amazing backstage images from the Karen Walker S/S 12 show for Black. We adore both KW and Adam, enjoy...

Helmut Newton: Polaroids

When three of our favourite things; Helmut Newton, instant film and Taschen coalesce in the catalogue of photographic and fashion genius that is Helmut Newton; Polaroids we tend to find 'our happy place' as those ads for Sky TV say. Taschen have released the catalogue of hitherto unseen Newton images to accompany what is surely a wonderful exhibition at the Museum fur Fotografie in Berlin, Germany but if you can't make it to that then don't worry, the catalogue is on sale now, just in time for Christmas. Perhaps the most intriguing thing when leafing through the beautifully reproduced pages is the feeling that you are somehow privy to a little behind-the-scenes peek into Newton's shoots themselves. A must have for all Newton fans. Now, the good news is that we have ONE copy of this amazing catalogue to give away to Black readers and fans. We'll be giving it away over on our Facebook page and Taschen will mail it to the winner, no matter where they live in the world.

Helmut Newton Polaroids Exhibition
June 10, 2011 - May 20, 2012
Die Helmut Newton Stiftung im Museum für Fotografie, Jebensstrasse 2, 10623 Berlin, Germany

Left: Thierry Mugler, Monte Carlo 1998
Right: Cigar Industry, Milan, 1997

Left: Paris Match, Monte Carlo, 1985
Right: Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 1991

The World Is YOURS Andy Henry!

THE WORLD IS YOURS - PART THREE from yours on Vimeo.


Here at Black we're big fans of Andrew Henry's YOURS label. His first collection of cutting edge footwear was released a while back to much-desired drooling or a quick throwing down of the credit card by a broad selection of sneaker freakers. The good news is that his second collection was launched recently at ONE Limited and Henry has made strides (or should that be stripes?) in every part of the design and construction process. Check out this snazzy clip made on an utterly suitable two-wheeled form of transport somewhere near the aforementioned store. Nice work Andy!

Black #15: Preview

We are printing early next week so let's publish a few images from Black #15. No rhyme or reason as to these choices. Random is the word. To our deeply valued contributors - we love and adore...

Photo: Christopher Morris Fashion editor: David Bonney
Hair Gavin Anesbury Make-up: Nicole Thompson
Model: Jemma Baines. Jemma wears: shirt by Sara Phillips,
bra by Ellery,  gloves by Prada, bag by Rachel Ruddick..

Photo: Chadwick Tyler  Fashion: Michelle Cameron
Hair: Shin Arima Make-up: Valery Gherman
Model: Gertrud Hegelund
Gertrud wears: Alexander Wang

Workshop Reopens in Christchurch

How good it is to see the City of Christchurch renewing, reemerging and regenerating after the Year From Hell. Great to also see the fashion community bouncing back by reopening stores, albeit often in different locations. Nom*D recently reopened in Merrivale and tomorrow Workshop, who have been trading in the city for more than 25 years, reopen in Cashel Mall. The new store is touted as "the complete Workshop experience" showcasing Helen Cherry, Workshop Denim Summer 11 collection (above), exclusive international designer brands and a mix of art, furniture and decorative objects - something Workshop's Chris Cherry has long been passionate about. Proud to be a part of Christchurch's Re:Start project, the company is celebrating the reopening with a limited edition t-shirt from long time artistic partner Martin Popplewell. The message will undoubtedly ring strong and true with locals and many others around the country: "Good To Be Back." Good to see you back Workshop!

Whitecliffes Fashion Show 2011

Rhianon leading out Jessica Grubisa

Saturday night saw the annual Whitecliffes fashion show held at the sheds on the soon-to-be-constructed Rhubarb Lane site on Wellesley Street. Second, third and graduating fourth-year students pulled together their ranges, their models, their sponsorship partners and as many cheering and clapping friends and family in the audience as they could. Jessica Grubisa, Yun Do, Madeleine Harman, Stephanie Au Duong and Creina Brunton stood out for us in the fourth-year graduating group - a very strong year for Whitecliffes fashion designers - whilst Trish Peng and Kido Den impressed us from years two and three. Showroom 22's Murray Bevan also impressed and should he ever consider moving on from fashion PR has a big future behind a mic somewhere! All images by Yasmine Ganley.

Madeleine Harman

Wunderkammer Garage Sale, this Saturday!

We always love a Wunderkammer garage sale and this Saturday, from 10am at Wunderkammer Showroom, 62 Ponsonsby Road, Ponsonby, it's all on. Half price, or less, off everything on sale, including Wunderkammer Jewellery. This sale will likely be very busy so get in early to the Cabinet of Curiosities...

BLK #15: On set: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Rachael Churchward shoot Dasha at Vanity Walk

OK, last shoot for BLK #15 done and dusted. Photographer (and stylist) Karen Inderbitzen-Waller teamed with Black fashion director Rachael Churchward for a shoot that was spawned in the restricted secretary persona seen in the recent Kate Sylvester show but which then grew organically in several directions.  In particular, the editorial explores some of the late 90's styling that Rachael championed for publications like Pavement and revisits the partnership that Rachael and Karen had in those days as a styling team. The shoot reminded us all how good that partnership is. Model Dasha (at Vanity Walk) proved that she has quite a future ahead with an assured performance for a relatively new model, whilst the creative lighting and digital direction by Delphine Avril Planqueel was, as usual, ahead of the pack.  Great hair by Shontal Healey at Stephen Marr using Kevin.Murphy and make-up by Shirley Simpson using M.A.C Cosmetics.

Designer David Trubridge leaves 'traces' on Hemptech fabric

Trubridge design - 3d and 3d

Innovative New Zealand textile company Hemptech began their business in the 1990s when hemp was revived as a credible textile - it was systematically destroyed by Du Pont and Willam Randolph Hearst in the 1930s as it represented a challenge to their own textiles and income - but as a textile option in the nineties it was quickly seen as the domain of hippies, potheads and people with very bad design sense. To Hemptech's credit, they realised that hemp was in fact a superior product but that as a fabric or covering no matter how good the product, the stigma remained. Success lay in the design, the art and the quality of the product would carry itself. Today Hemptech has gone way beyond the stereotype of cannabis leaf logos on sacky-looking bags to team with one of Aotearoa's leading designers, David Trubridge. 

Thom Kerr and Anthony Lister: Colab

"Colab is not just eyewear, it's art on your face" - so says the opening gambit of the snazzy Australian company's website. When Sydney-based Black photographer Thom Kerr collaborated with rad Aussie artist Anthony Lister and a range of Colab glasses, the result was nothing short of stunning. Thom's team of stylist Cassandra Scott-Finn, beauty genius Sinden Dean, producer Jovita Lee and assistant Sian Scott-Cash helped create this utterly vivid rendition of a special place where eyewear meets photography, fashion and art. Love it to pieces!

Sparkling Underneath - Pleasure State's Crown Jewel

The list of collaborations and creative partnerships with iconic crystal brand Swarovski is extensive but this limited edition Pleasure State couture Crown Jewel lingerie set really does seem like the perfect match. Only 500 Crown Jewel lingerie sets in exquisite jet black satin, Japanese leavers lace and embellished with Swarovski crystals will be available worldwide this Christmas and, in Australasia, will only be available from Myer Department stores in Australia. Having said that, at an RRP of $300 for the push-up Balconnet bra and $150 for the accompanying thong, it might encourage a few lingerie-loving Kiwis to make the trip over the ditch. Sexy and sparkly...  

Chucks, whiter than white!

After spending some time recently trying to wash and whiten our much loved collection of white canvas Chuck Taylors to find that a number of stains or marks remained it was pleasing to receive this wee film from our friends at Process PR this morning. Baking soda seems so obvious and was probably a staple Chuck-cleaning technique of the 50's housewife or the Mom from Leave It To Beaver but we quite simply, hadn't thought of it. Thanks Converse and Process, shiny white Chucks here we come!

Black #15 on set in the bush with David Shields

Kelvin at Clyne in Jess Grubisa

For once, it was not raining as we shot fashion editorial for an issue of Black Magazine with David K Shields. In fact, the sun even broke through a couple of times as fashion director Rachael Churchward and assistant fashion editor Jessica Grubisa styled up an eclectic mix of local and international labels. Greg Murrell, assisted by Lydia Mahon styled the hair in a Ryder Salon style using KMS California and Stacy Lee Ghin did the make-up with a little help from son, Freddie. The models were Kelvin, Seon and Evgeny at Clyne and Andrej at Red 11. Te Rahwitiroa assisted Mr Shields.

Black #15 On set with Russ Flatt and Kevin.Murphy

Today we completed our third to last shoot for Black #15 with photographer Russ Flatt and hair maestro Kevin Murphy. Kevin delivered six fabulous hair looks with models Rosie at Nova, Imogen and Bec at Red 11, make-up by Shirley Simpson with hair assistance by Shontal Healey at Stephen Marr. Fashion editor was Rachael Churchward. Here is the last look of the day, full colour Bec....

Black #15 On Set With Marissa Findlay by Yasmine Ganley

Last Sunday, as is becoming normal for a Black editorial shoot, our Black team battled the elements of wind, rain and a surprising cold for this time of the year, for Marissa Findlay's editorial shoot for Black #15. Skateboarding model, Daniela K from Czech Republic was a real trooper and gave us the strength and charisma needed for this shoot.

Fashion Director Rachael Churchward was able to explore one of her favorite looks, a combination of black, leather and bondage. Make Up by Amber D at Mac Cosmetics, Hair by Jason Chong-Li from Stephen Marr. Assistance from Michelle and Phoebe.

Black #15 New York cover girl: Gertrud Hegelund

We are excited to announce our New York cover girl for issue #15 of Black, Gertrud Hegelund. The Danish beauty, fresh from a stellar season on the catwalk, gave her all for photographer Chadwick Tyler, fashion editor Michelle Cameron and Black New York editor Valery Gherman on make-up and Shin Arima on hair. Gertrud recently appeared in the amazing Louis Vuitton campaign (above) shot by Steven Meisel. With our shooting schedule nearly complete, we are fully immersed in deadline and loving it - as usual! See you on the other side...

Inside Auckland's Coucou Boutique

Coucou is a new boutique located next to the lovely MADE in Aucklands Britomart Precinct. Coucou is an eclectic mix of beautiful vintage pieces and pretty things from all around the world. Brought to you by the same people behind MADE who’ve travelled far and wide to hand pick the best vintage and one off pieces they can find. 

Behind the scenes of a beauty shoot by 9-year-old Tyla Novak

We were shooting beauty for Black #15 this week with photographer Greg Novak when his 9-year-old daughter Tyla, a budding photographer herself, took these great pictures. M.A.C's Amber D came up with a fun, pop concept, Jason Chong-Li of Stephen Marr whizzed up the hair and Rachael Churchward styled the models Kendall and Ella, both at Clyne. There is something unique about the angles and aspect of these images, nice work Tyla!

Shen: Mary-Ellen's perfect circle

Life for Mary-Ellen Prendergast has been something of a circuitous route which is, perhaps, exactly why she has called her new label Shen. A graduate of Wellington Polytech's fashion school, she cut her teeth with legendaryAuckland designer Patrick Steele before spending two years working at Savage London and Top Shop stockist Poetic Gem in the UK. Upon returning to Auckland Mary-Ellen spent a decade at High Society as designer for the label Obi where she learnt enough to feel confident about starting her own label.

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL # 18: Charlotte Carey by Gianluca Santoro

We love the thinking behind this shoot by Gianluca Santoro at Work Agency NY; one girl, simple use of backgrounds, different looks, great portraiture. We also love the story-telling hair by globetrotting New Zealander Richard Kavanagh and the yes-I'm-here presence of model Charlotte Carey at IMG New York. Make-up by Virginia Linzee at Cloutier Remix NY, assistant: Tejan. Shot on location in Soho, New York which feels quite apt given the bottle of Soho Pinot Noir we are enjoying right now.

Chadwick Tyler to shoot Black #15 New York cover

Karolina Kurkova for Grey Magazine

To say we are excited about having Chadwick Tyler shoot our New York cover for issue #15 is an understatement. Chadwick approached us to shoot for an early issue of Black but we had already closed the issue off and were unable to accomodate him. In the years since he has delivered some of the most amazing fashion work around with his unique style and we have watched him grow, wishing we had said yes and created the extra pages. Fans of the great Italian magazine, Grey, will know his work in a flash. The shoot is taking place this week with an amazing girl - will confirm who this week. Fashion editor for her third cover in a row will be Michelle Cameron and hair and make-up, as always, by our treasured New York editor, Valery Gherman.

It's a Man's World, or a Woman's, or a Girls...

The Friday before the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup photographer Stephen Tilley got amongst it in urban Auckland to shoot Lili Sumner at Red 11 (below) and Rosie at Nova (above) for Black #15. Fashion editor Rachael Churchward celebrated girls-who-were-boys-who-were-girls and the sun shone brightly on all concerned. Hair by Greg Murrell at Ryder using KMS California, make-up by Kimberly Hill at M.A.C, assistant fashion editor: Jessica Grubisa.

Kevin Murphy On His Way To Shoot For Black #15

Kevin Murphy, photographed by Yasmine Ganley.

We are extremely excited to share news that global hair genius, Kevin Murphy, will be joining our New Zealand team to shoot with LA based photographer and long time friend Robert Erdmann this November for Black #15. The pair have worked together numerous times on various global campaigns, so we are honoured to bring the pair back together again! Recently, when Kevin stopped into The Department Store in Takapuna, Auckland, we met with him to try out and hear about his latest Color Bug products.

Express Yourself!

This year's winner: Twenty-Seven Names

As New Zealand’s fashion industry develops, the very notion of exporting becomes increasingly important, especially for emerging or developing designers. DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company know this only too well, initiating the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship in 2008 to help said designers with this critical part of their development. The prize: NZ $10,000 worth of international freight, plus coaching in the business of freight and logistics, mentorship and membership of FINZ is this year supplemented by an Australia-focused NZTE Path to Market programme. That the scholarship works is in no doubt whatsoever as the three winners to date; Stolen Girlfriends Club, Lonely Hearts and Twenty-Seven Names have made substantial strides in overseas markets since their respective wins. This year’s judges are NOM*D’s Margarita Robinson, Kim Crawford wines founder, Erica Crawford, Mapihi Opai from FINZ and DHL Express national strategic account manager Megan Wildermoth. 

So, emerging designers of New Zealand, get your skates on and enter this landmark comp. Entries close on Monday, November 14, 2011. Application forms are available from the FINZ website.

What's Undone in Dunedin?

It might be a little patronising to call Dunedin a fashion incubator but in recent years the city has continued to punch above its weight as a hub of forward-thinking and unique design. The influences, from Margi Robinson’s dark, deconstructed vision to the grumbling weather and the burgeoning growth of I.D fashion week position the city as a wee Antwerp of the south. All of this confluence is beginning to bear fruit and in recent years a number of new labels have emerged that carry a distinctive Dunedin flavour, yet are equally reflective of other places. Undone by Elise Barnes and Rachel Webb is one of these. The pair met in 2008 at Otago Polytechnic where both were studying fashion and then cemented their partnership at this year’s I.D show, in which both were asked to participate.

Black #15 On Set: Hope (Go The Kids) by Russ Flatt

Nina, wearing Karen Walker eyewear.
Photos: Yasmine Ganley

Over the past few weeks we've said "Go" a lot. "Go the Warriors!" "Go the All Blacks." Last Sunday, shooting for Black #15 with photographer Russ Flatt it was, "Go The Kids!" Truly, these children, the offspring of friends and whanau,  give us hope for a new generation. Fashion director Rachael Churchward teamed with assistant fashion editor Jessica Grubisa, hair editor Greg Murrell and assistant Lydia Mahon from Ryder Salon and make-up artist Shirley Simpson to style and shoot sisters Nina and Heidi, Aniwa, Jenna, Ariel, Boston, Isaac and twins Dylan and Nina for the next issue. Black online editor/photographer Yasmine Ganley captured some sweet behind-the-scenes moments from the day. We'll say it again, "Go The Kids!"

Aniwa flying Ariel's flag

Photo Essay: All is not OK, in the Bay by Greg Novak

All photos by Greg Novak

As the Rena environmental disaster unfolded in the Bay of Plenty toward the end of last week, Black photographer Greg Novak, a keen environmentalist, decided he would take a trip to the sandy foreshore of Tauranga and Mt Maunganui to see if he could help the clean up and take a few pictures of the process while he was there.

We asked Greg for a few words about his soujourn:

"On day four of this disaster Papamoa looked like a war zone. While the media in general focus on who is to blame, and who will foot the bill I was more interested in the human face of this environmental disaster.

Julianna Sseruwagi-Nisbett Interview

With a nostalgic look at her years growing up in the 90s, artist Julianna Sseruwagi-Nisbett re-creates beautiful images of her teen years through an obsession with the brand Moschino. Fitting carefully collected, vintage Moschino pieces onto iconic people that she feels portray the essence of her own youth, Julianna Sseruwagi-Nisbett applies a concept strong enough to take her out of a ‘styling’ gig and be put in amongst the worlds leading artists. I talked exclusively with Julianna about her journey back to her past, her upcoming projects and her love and loyalty towards the brand, Moschino.

Lady Gaga, Nicola Formichetti and Ruth Hogben film for Viva Glam

Lady Gaga has helped raise over $55 million in two years for M.A.C's amazing Viva Glam campaign that raises awareness of HIV/AIDS worldwide. The total now stands at $224 million and this Ruth Hogben film, a massive collaborative effort with Nicola Formichetti and fans around the world will surely help raise more. Fabulous M.A.C!

Black #15: Arthur Belebeau and Vittoria Cerciello shoot Michelle Buswell

Model.com's 25 money girl ranking is the list of the biggest earning models currently working and we're proud to say that we've had two Black cover girls - Valentina Zelyaeva and Rosie Huntington-Whitely - who are currently ensconced on that list. With the publication of Black #15 a third "money girl" will grace our pages. Michelle Buswell has walked for LouisVuitton, Chanel, Gucci, YSL, Valentino, Fendi and Stella McCartney to name but a few. She's shot with almost every major magazine and a who's who of photographers. Her numerous campaigns include Chanel, Dior, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Versace and many more. She's been a Victoria's Secret angel, appeared in the 2005 Pirelli calendar and is the famous face of the Classique fragrance campaign by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Photo: Randall Slavin for Lovecat Magazine

Kate Sylvester "The Secretary" AW 2012

Kate Sylvester has always been sexy but “The Secretary”, her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection unveiled at Auckland’s new Art Gallery on Tuesday took things to a new level. Unashamedly drawing inspiration from Steven Shainberg’s 2002 feature The Secretary, Sylvester delivered a range that explored the playground between sexual dominance and submission, replete with bound and tied models, pretty-brainy styling by Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and a broad colour palette from muted to vibrant red. The Secretary was classic Sylvester in every sense, pretty yet powerful women looking, acting and feeling bottom-smackingly sexy. Adore...

Uncommon Eyes

Aidan Bartlett, drummer for Midnight Youth may (or may not) get his hair done by Stephen Marr's Donielle Booth but together they are Eyes Of Common, a jewellery label taken from a line in a Joanna Newsom song. Poor Number 10, a salute to love lost and love found...