Tristan Blair Brogues at The Men's Department

Photo: Daniel Max

Aussie shoe genius Tristan Blair has always had a penchant for all things military. For his AW 2011 collection entitled "Vivid Arms" Blair researched the styles, colours and cuts used in military footwear and in particular, the variations of leather used to heel young recruits. The collection makes a hero out of beautiful natural hides in rich, dark burgundy and mocha tones and the good news for Kiwi brogue fans is the shoes are now available at The Men's Department on Auckland's North Shore. So, march on in and score yourself a pair. 

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #11: New Season Kiri Nathan by David K.Shields

OK, on deadline like crazy, but that doesn't mean we can't post a Blacklog Editorial for you! David K Shields took some of the new season Kiri Nathan to the West Coast again, this time with Aussie beauty Michelle Hughes @ Clyne. Stacy Lee Ghin added beautiful hair and make-up. Please note that all garments are made to order...

Desert - The Real Story Behind Kiwi-Asian Marriages

Young Kiwi-Korean director Stephen Kang is set to release his second feature film Desert at the Rialto on May 5. Based on real life events, Desert follows the story of Jenny, a pregnant young Asian girl living in Auckland who is left to fend for herself when she is abandoned at the altar by her Kiwi boyfriend. Not only is she abandoned by the cad but she is also rejected by her own community for getting pregnant to a Westerner, out of wedlock. She goes in search of the miscreant partner but in the end is forced to look inside herself to find a solution for her and her unborn baby. Shot in the late night fluorescent world of Auckland laundromats and familiar landmarks, and subtitled in English, the film marks not only a huge step up for the fledgling director but also a sentient moment in Asian-New Zealand equivalence. Desert, a Severe/Curious Film production, starring Jane Kim, Andrew Han and Marek Sumich, directed by Stephen Kang at The Rialto from May 5.

Kicking around...

Last week we were shooting for our Blacklist section with photographer Marissa Findlay in Parnell when she snapped these images of model Josh @ Vanity Walk kicking around in his rock'n'roll studded Converse by John Varvartos, arriving April/May in New Zealand. Shoes in action...just the way you wear them...jeans by Nobody @ MADE.

Featured photographer: Greg Novak

You may have noticed that Auckland photographer Greg Novak has been shooting for us here on Blacklog and in the upcoming issue of Black he will have his first published shoot with the magazine as well as shooting a number of portraits in our new Blacklist section. Greg is developing his style across a number of  photographic disciplines; fashion, beauty and portraits and is proving he is as good with fresh, clean daylight as he is under lights. He is a technically smart, knows how to frame and is also quite prolific; here is a small selection of his recent beauty images.

Here is his website and his Tumblr site.

Black #14 On Set: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller shoots the Kate Sylvester archive

Annmari (left) and Amelia (right) 

Yesterday we completed our fashion editorial shooting schedule for Black #14. A designer special featuring one of New Zealand's most loved labels, Kate Sylvester. Karen Inderbitzen-Waller lensed with Delphine Avril Planqueel on lighting and digital. Black fashion director Rachael Churchward created a story from the impressive and substantial archive with assistance from Jessica Grubisa. Lauren Gunn @ Stephen Marr was in charge of the hair for the day and Shirley Simpson applied the make-up using M.A.C Cosmetics whilst the lovely Ash assisted everyone who needed help! The models were Annmari and Amelia both @ Red 11 models.

Karen Walker Jewellery at Harrods!

Is there a more prestigious retail destination in the world than Harrods? Probably not, so congratulations must go out to Karen Walker Jewellery. The legendary Knightsbridge, London luxury shopping institution has purchased a significant amount of Karen's 'Superfine' collection, including the top-selling heart and star pendants and earrings. The jewellery will be on sale in store but will also feature in the Harrods magazine which goes out to over 70,000 super top end customers, literally the creme de la creme of fashion customers. Bam!

Salasai film "A Strange Love Project" by Claire Littler & Ralph Matthews

Salasai's film last night was called A Strange Love Project and was less about Dr Strangelove and more about strange suburban neurosis. Directed by Claire Littler and Ralph Matthews the film was also styled by Dan Ahwa, hair was by Lauren Gunn @ Stephen Marr, make-up by Katie Rogers. The film stars one of New Zealand's great models, Penny Pickard, and the magnificently illustrated Sam Crocker. The tune is West by Menomena.


A Strange Love Project from SALASAI on Vimeo.

Nick Von K film "Beautiful Alchemy" by Matt Wilson

Last night each designer chose to show their new season ranges by way of a short film. At the beginning of the year we suggested this could be the year of the fashion film and both of these films add weight to that theory. First up, here is Nick Von K's film, directed by Matt Wilson, shot by Maxy, styled by Dan Ahwa. Invasion of the Bodysnatchers style art department by Nick Klarwill, produced by Emily Moon and body art/make-up by Monika Olson. The models are Hunter McLeod @ Clyne and Gabriella Kuhns @ Red 11.


Beautiful Alchemy from Maxy on Vimeo.

Salasai + NIck Von K Project: Party Pics

Last night at the Hopetoun Alpha Salasai launched their SS 2011 range and Nick Von K his new season jewellery with an event that featured a film of each range, a performance by the velvet-voiced Julia Deans replete with dancers and a stunning exhibition of portraits by Russ Flatt. The event raised money for the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake appeal but also raised the bar for portraiture with Flatt showing just how skilled and creative he is in the medium. Thanks to sponsors Osmosis, Vidal wines, Peroni, 420 water, Hopetoun Alpha and Kingsize Studios. Before the night kicked off we snapped some pictures of the fashionable crowd...

New Face: Krystal Glynn by Thom Kerr

Lincoln Ferguson, owner of boutique Sydney agency The Agency has unearthed a gem in 16-year-old Krystal Glynn. The Sydneysider was discovered on her second trip to Bondi Beach by Ferguson recently and in very short time has secured a contract with DNA Models, New York. This girl is going to fly. Here is her first test, wearing Zambesi, by photographer Thom Kerr, styled by Cassandra Scott-Finn, hair & make-up by Rebekah Clark @ Work. Definitely one to watch....

Black #14: Behind the scenes, Woodstock, New York

As mentioned in a previous post Derek Kettela, Michelle Cameron, Valery Gherman and Shin Arima shot Ashley Smith in Woodstock, upstate New York this week. Winter has melted away in this lovely place and  the crew were blessed with a sparkling early spring day to capture the lovely Ashley in new season Louis Vuitton, Dior, Vivienne Westwood and more. Here are a few behind the scenes snaps by Black New York editor Valery Gherman.

As Shin Arima works his magic, Ashley checks out issue #13 of Black