BLK #18: The Ferg Files

This issue of Black our art director Ian Fraser Ferguson at Friends of Design happily went round in circles imbuing graphics and fonts with summer reds, oranges and dusky pink. Once the issue is out here in New Zealand we like to post the intro pages with the Ferg touch, so without further ado...

A Christmas Gif for you

Greta Larkins aka FashGif loves the creativity that the animated GIF offers. Of course animated GIFs are not new but Larkin's creative approach to the form and broad application to fashion is certainly unique. Since launching FashGif in 2011,  ostensibly to experiment with GIFs on her favourite runway walks, the Tumblr site has been featured on Tumblr's Spotlight fashion section, Trendland, DAZED Digital, Fashionista, the Daily Dot as well as colabs with Vogue Homme Japan, Oyster Mag and Calvin Klien among others. Now add Blacklog to that list as her friend, photographer Tracey Lee Hayes, colabs with FashGif on her Alys shoot with Justin Henry in BLK #18.

The Sweet Sound of Summer

We rarely do giveaways here on Blacklog but our friends at Corona have given us a sweet Christmasy package to give away and who are we to stem the Christmas cheer! This Corona bean bag, a tee shirt, sun hat, 4 x 6 packs of scrumptious, cooling Corona and an ice cooler bucket to chill the fine ales in, could all be yours. All you have to do is email your favourite summer tune, of all time, to mail@blackmagazine.co.nz. Please include your contact email and phone number. We will choose a winner on New Year's Eve, based upon how much we like the tune, and post it here on Blacklog. To give you a start, here is one of our all time favourite summer tunes, Richie Havens' version of the Beatles' Here Comes The Sun...sure feels like summer!

BLK #18: Reeds Of Innocence film by Delphine Avril Planqueel

Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Rachael Churchward combined once again in the latest issue, BLK #18, this time creating a family; a mother, daughter and son on holiday and away from constrictions, in Hawaii, or maybe Auckland. Make-up by Amber D for MAC Cosmetics, hair by Jason Chong-Li at Stephen Marr using Kevin.Murphy. This film by creative thinker, lighting & digital expert and rapidly learning filmmaker Delphine Avril Planqueel...

Black Casting Chair: Thom Kerr and Justin Henry shoot Dannielle at Volta

Here at Black Magazine we are privileged to share wonderful relationships with various agencies around the world. During the casting process, we come across some great fresh faces. For all sorts of wonderful reasons big and small, we can't put everyone into the magazine. Not making the cut however doesn't mean that the potential isn't there. So to spread the love we will continue to share with you the faces we believe have strong potential for development. So we've created the Black Casting Chair - which will consist of stills and videos of various models from around the world. Everyone included has something a little bit special about them. Let's get the ball rolling - meet Dannielle from Melbourne Australia, represented by boutique agency Volta models. Story, styling and photography: Thom Kerr  Hair and make-up: Justin Henry

Taschen for Xmas please!

One can never receive too many Taschen books or products, especially for the Christmas/New Year summer holidays here in Aotearoa when reading, browsing or devouring books somehow becomes as easy as eating too much pavlova. Here's three that we have (had) under the Christmas tree; The beautiful Yohji Yamamoto book, curated by iD founder Terry Jones is an insightful tome on the Japanese master, replete with a superb piece by Workshop collaborator Jamie Huckbody from a 2002 issue of iD. If calendars are your thing then Gil Elvgren's Pin Ups is perfectly formed whilst the Advertising from the Mad Men era calendar is more like a diary imbued with mid-Century ads and the style which has made Mad Men a must watch for lovers of fashion. Let's not forget how popular Taschen is with the Simpson family, either, having opened their latest store in Springfield (below).

BLK #18 Covers

Photo: Michael Schwartz Stylist: Sonny Groo
Hair: Tuan Anh Tran Make-up: Valery Gherman
Model: Sui He at New York Models for Shiseido
Sui wears: Alberta Ferreti, Irfe and Mawi

It's good to have another issue in the bag. BLK #18 is the first of our tri-annual end of year issues and chock full of holiday goodness and reading. On sale later this week in NZ and early Jan in Australia and further afield. The digital version will be available world wide later this week through Apple Newsstand and Kindle. Four covers this issue and here they are!

Photo: Andy Eaton Stylist: Sara Dunn
Hair: Panos Papandrianos Make-up: Jo Frost
Model: Franzi Mueller at IMG London
Franzi wears: Maison Martin Margiela

Photo: Paul; Empson Stylist: Sam Ranger
Hair: Lok Lau Make-up: Sharma
Model: Julia Frauche at Nathalie Models London
Julia wears: JW Anderson

Photo: Charles Howells Stylist: Rachael Churchward
Hair: Greg Murrell Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy
Model: Annabella Barber at Chic Sydney
Annabella wears: Zambesi

Kenneth Mannchen Artist in Residence at The Keep

For the past week, The Keep store has played host to artist Kenneth Mannchen who has been creating works from their shop window. Kenneth's latest works, "He has left us alone but shafts of light sometimes grace the corner of our rooms", displayed man/Mannchen-made recreations of his entire wardrobe of garments, hand-stitched from Japanese rice paper.

Each rice paper garment was then folded into envelopes and handed out into the crowd to be either tried on, worn, or simply hung on a rack to admire the delicacy of craftsmanship. The wearing and tearing of the recreations throughout the opening night was be heavily encouraged by the artist in order to assist the display of his personal practice of instant Wabi-sabi. The tears were then mended by Kenneth using leather, hessian and his own Alexander McQueen bodysuit.

Topolino. make-up artist for Black Magazine, talks about his M.A.C technique

He calls himself the 'rat of the studio' but we are happy to have such vermin in Black. French M.A.C artist Topolino has featured quite strongly in the last few issue of Black, shooting in Paris with Paul Empson and delivering gorgeous looks in every editorial. Here is a video that let's you know quite a lot about the man behind the brush, his thinking and his lost in translation approach to working around the world...

On set: BLK #18: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Rachael Churchward shoot a special family

Holly Rose finals by Rachael

Yesterday we completed our shooting schedule for BLK #18 in the familiar environs of Auckland's inner west. Karen Inderbitzen-Waller lensed the shoot and Rachael Churchward and Karen combined to style an unusual 'family' that may or may not have been an alien Amish family on a holiday to Hawaii. M.A.C's Amber D once again provided stunning make-up in partnership with Stephen Marr's Jason Chong-Li who created gothic short haired wigs and even wore a scarf to get into the vibe of the shoot. Delphine Avril Planqueel was instrumental, as always, providing a shooting storyboard, lighting and digital and also shooting a fashion film which we will publish here on Blacklog in early December. The model family consisted of the wonderful Mercy, a big model in the UK throughout the 80s and 90s who last modelled in 1997, and the scarily fraternal Josh Skelton, Holly Rose at Red 11 and Jay at Clyne.

Jay get's his wig on with Jason

Kiri Nathan SS13 by David K Shields

Auckland designer Kiri Nathan recently showed her SS13 collection at Sir James Wallace's Pah Homestead in Hillsborough. The setting was apt for the collection which featured beautifully designed and constructed pieces that suggest the time spent learning trade basics from Annah Stretton has indeed paid off. Next year the British Council are getting in behind Kiri and helping her to show at London Fashion Week where we believe she will shine with her distinctive New Zealand designs. It was a splendid evening with a fashion show featuring Clyne models, lots of scrumptious Villa Maria wines to be had, make-up by Phoenix Cosmetics and hair by Dharma. Hostess Miriama Kamo was only upstaged by some snazzy guitar playing by the legendary Tama Renata.  Much arohanui from the team here at Black to Kiri and Jason and crew and congrats on the collection. All photos by David K Shields.

On Set in Raglan with Russ Flatt and Vinnie Woolston

 A week ago today the Black team took the highway south just short of two hours to the beautiful West coastline of Raglan. There to shoot a menswear fashion shoot for our next issue of BLK magazine #18 and the campaign images for ZBBJewellery, photographer Russ Flatt, model Vinnie Woolston and stylist Rachael Churchward worked their magic in the iconic NZ surf town.

With the sunshine out, the friendly locals out to support, and the stunning backdrop that Raglan supplied- we were in absolute awe of this place! Lets all go back!

On Set: BLK #18: Damien Nikora shoots 'Eras of Denim"

Neuw jeans painted by Dan Vient

Yesterday in the sandy environs of Atlas Concrete just north of Helensville we shot an editorial with Damien Nikora that we have been planning for some time now; a deconstructed, reconstructed, customized, painted and bejewelled ode to the weft and the warp, a love song to denim. Fashion editors Rachael Churchward and Jessica Grubisa worked with young designers Blair Hetet and Nina Van Lier and artist Dan Vient to create a contemporary smorgasbord of denim pieces that celebrated the eras of denim gone by, whilst mixing in current pieces from denim designers and retro gems. Denim companies Neuw, Wrangler and Lee all donated a substantial number of pieces to be played with and all items will be auctioned on Trade Me in December with proceeds going to Mental Health NZ. Thanks to all of those companies, the chilled out folks at Atlas Concrete and to the crew and models on yesterday's shoot: Photographer: Damien Nikora Fashion editors: Rachael Churchward and Jessica Grubisa Hair: Greg Murrell and Kasey Groundwater at Ryder Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Photo assist: Alan and Jess Fashion assist: Rose Morgan Assistants: Dan Vient, Olivier. Models: Lily Fraser at Clyne, Cedric and Danika at N.Model Management, Michael at 62 Models, Moira at Nova, Blair, Olivier and Amberley at Scout, Rose Morgan at Red 11 and Dan Vient

Blair in shirt made from Neuw jeans by himself. Cedric wears: Neuw, Company of Strangers, Workshop and Zambesi

"Heraldik" Exhibition by Hannah Jensen at Saatchi & Saatchi's

 

 "I am really proud of and honoured to stand in a room with all my family members surrounding me."

 

Currently on show at the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery is Auckland based artist Hannah Jensen's new exhibition, Heraldik. “Heraldry, is an art of identity…. A coat of arms or a heraldic badge represented what was considered to be a family’s defining qualities.” 

 

Hannah draws lines between her family and the abundant world of animals, taking each of her immediate family members, she chose an animal which best represents their individual defining qualities. Her grandmother, who she speaks of fondly and with great admiration, loves horses. “She’s very proud, very strong. So I carved a horse’s armour. The detail in the armour depicts the intricate details of her life. She’s had a very interesting life” says Hannah.

"On Mexico Time" by Taylor Steele for Corona Extra

We're just about to jump in the car this morning and take a road trip to Raglan; the surfers paradise of our west coast in New Zealand for our Black #18 mens shoot with photographer Russ Flatt. The highways, the play lists, the sunshine (hopefully) and the salty air makes us think of a true kiwi summer- and it's not so far away now! Summer and beer go together like a horse and cart, you can't have one without the other...

BLK #18 On Set: Charles Howells shoots Annabella Barber at Chic

Six shoots complete and seven more in progress for BLK #18 here in New Zealand and around the world. Yesterday we shot beautiful NZ-born model Annabella Barber from Chic Management, Sydney at the incomparably snazzy Auckland bar, The Golden Dawn, Tavern of Power. Charles Howells lensed the shoot whilst Rachael Churchward styled Annabella in Helen Cherry, NOM*d, Zambesi, Lela Jacobs and several brilliant pieces by Auckland designer Shona Tawhaio, among others. Hair by Greg Murrell at Ryder Salon using KMS California and make-up by Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Cosmetics. Hard-working assists were Taniora and Bryce. Special thanks to Stephen, Sam, Nick and Mark at The Golden Dawn for giving us so much freedom with your fabulous bar! All photos by Grant Fell.

New Talent: Photographer Chris Fatseas by Thom Kerr

Dress by Adrian Bressanutti, bra and knickers by American Apparel, shoes by Mimco

Here at Black Magazine we receive numerous submissions every day for the publication. Although we commission all the stories in the magazine, occasionally fresh talent catches our eye. Not everything is appropriate for print, but sometimes we come across work that we can share with our online audience. As our readership expands globally, we want to honour the new talent coming through by endeavouring to share the spotlight on those we feel are creatively blossoming. It's important at the beginning of any career to stay passionate, focussed and always be willing to learn! And showcasing rising talent is a wonderful form of encouragement. We highly value our Black magazine community of readers and will continue to introduce lots of fresh faces, both in front and behind the camera, to begin to share the wealth of talent that the magazine brings to our doorstep. And we'd like to start with a shoot by budding Australian fashion photographer Chris Fatseas... Intro and interview by BLK Australian Editor Thom Kerr  Photography: Chris Fatseas Stylist: Carmel Quinn Hair: Igor Rosales Make-up: Gemma Elaine Model: Isobel Larkin at Division Model Management

Dress by Adrian Bressanutti, bodysuit by American Apparel, shoes by Mimco

That Sandy's a Bitch! NY photo essay by Adam Custins

As the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy unfurls along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, residents of New York and its neighbouring cities are coming to terms with the devastation and unsettlement the superstorm has left behind. Yesterday during the height of the storm we were receiving updates from our crew in New York, in particular Valery Gherman and Adam Custins. Before things became too serious Adam Custins got out and about to take a few photos of the incoming monster. Thankfully all are safe and will hopefully have power and normal services soon...

Storm Summer 12/13 Campaign by Russ Flatt

In keeping with the festive season ahead there's plenty of sparkle and shine in the new Storm Summer 2012/2013 collection but still, plenty of the label's edgy quirk. Deb Caldwell is an expert at designing and creating pieces that the New Zealand woman just loves, as the burgeoning success of the brand testifies. Here are a few images from the latest campaign, photographed by Russ Flatt and styled by Black fashion director Rachael Churchward. Hair and make-up on model Nana at Red 11 by Stacy Lee Ghin.

Julia Deans 'Broken Home' video by Stephen Tilley

We really like the direction that Julia Deans has taken with her new single Broken Home, quite a step away from her last album in terms of style and direction, but a good step. Speaking of direction this is photographer Stephen Tilley's first attempt at video direction and it is a solid effort. Tilley brought highly rated Auckland cinematographer Garth Badger on board to shoot and edit the clip and it seems Garth shot the underwater sequences sans wetsuit in bitterly cold Auckland weather but hey, he is a New Zealander, that is what we do! Well done to all concerned...

Gracie Otto's Michael White film 'Chalky' by Thom Kerr

We have never seen a project more worthy of crowdfunding than Chalky, Gracie Otto's film about legendary British producer Michael White,  and we don't say that lightly. Here, Black's Australian Editor Thom Kerr profiles the project and interviews Gracie, exclusively for Blacklog. We have one only word: Donate.

Michael now

CHALKY

Australian filmmaker Gracie Otto has been globe trotting for the last two years collecting interviews to piece together the life story of Michael White - a notorious British impresario and film producer. Although well known in private theatre and art circles, his incredible legacy has largely remained anonymous to the general public. After a chance encounter, Gracie Otto became fascinated by Michael and set on a personal quest to make sure his accomplishments would be shared with a world wide audience via her documentary 'CHALKY'. And now Gracie needs your help to bring this fascinating story to the big screen! Interview follows...all images stills from the trailer

Nabil Sabio Azadi's 'For You, The Traveller' by Thom Kerr

21-year-old Nabil Sabio Azadi is an Iranian Kiwi who has recently settled in Brisbane, Australia after travelling around the world working for many prestigious magazines and clients. During his adventures, both wonderful and terrifying, he began his personal quest to find out more about his place in the world. We will be talking more about Nabil in the next issue of Black but we wanted to share with you his latest project, For You The Traveller. It is a beautifully hand-crafted directory that contains the names of various characters scattered across five continents, including countries like Argentina, Norway and Kenya, who will house you during your travels if in possession of the book.
Story by Thom Kerr

During Nabil's moments of great loneliness whilst overseas, the idea began to spark that he could perhaps create something tangibile to remind people that they are not alone. If we put ourselves out to the universe, a human connection is always waiting.

New Faces at Scout Models, NZ

Amberly

 Last week photographer David K Shields combined with Black fashion director Rachael Churchward and make-up artist Stacy Lee Ghin to shoot four brand new models from the new scouting agency here in Auckland, Scout Models. On a rainy day in the mountains Shields captured Amberly, Olivier, Paris and Blair for, in most cases, their first shoots.

Blair

Olivier

Paris

BLK #17 Interview: Driss Lambaraa at Tango

Tango’s Driss Lambaraa spent his teenage saturday afternoons in Casablanca, Morocco, dressed in French finery, dancing to a mono turntable. Grant Fell and Yasmine Ganley learn about his circuitous journey, via Tangiers, Paris, Slyt and Innsbruck to his revered vintage store in Little High Street, Auckland. Photo: Calypso Paoli.

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #29: Eilika at Red 11 by Damien Nikora

We had hoped to run this shoot in the latest issue of Black Magazine but literally ran out of room. We love Damien Nikora's amazing sense of perspective and use of natural light to tell a story, in this case in an abandoned house up north. Russian model Eilika M at Red 11 liked his style so much she specifically requested to shoot with Damien and this is the result.

BLK #17: Interview: Michael Whittaker

Auckland model, poet and writer Michael Whittaker is still only in his early twenties but the Orewa native has already packed a bunch into his life; modelling around the world, writing poems and plays and juggling a few degrees at Auckland University is par for the course for the talented young man. Grant Fell and Rachael Churchward get the juice on Patti Smith, Katherine Mansfield, Enrollment, entitlement and the one masterpiece we owe the ether. Photos by Damien Nikora. Read on...!

BLK #17 Opening Pages by Ian Ferguson

We love giving our art director Ian Fraser Ferguson at Friends of Design plenty of opportunity to be creative with the design of the opening pages in each issue of Black, and BLK #17 is no exception. This issue Ian designed a number of icons and circular type styles that related to the images and titles of each shoot and then incorporated those into his opening pages for the sections and the editorials in the issue. This issue he designed them all whilst on a sabbatical with his family in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Sri Lanka. You go Fergs!

Douglas + Bec for Kate Sylvester Collection

Kate Sylvester and Douglas + Bec are proud to announce their upcoming collaboration. Born out of a shared philosophy and design etiquette, grows a synonymous unity of specifically made design pieces for your home.

White oak, brass, ceramic, hand dyed linen & leather combine to make a timeless collection, designed by Rebecca Snelling, with the iconic Kate Sylvester aesthetic in mind, and handmade with love by Rebecca’s father, Douglas Snelling. Stand out pieces include a Brass folding stool, a hand turned Table Lamp with a hand dyed blush linen shade and the perfect Side Table in 'duck egg' painted wood with brass crossed legs. Other pieces to accompany the collection include a 'wood' scented candle made by a French perfumer based in New York and an ivory ceramic swan, made by the ex-Crown Lynn ceramicist with a hand-painted gold-leaf beak!

Douglas + Bec is a family project. Designer, Rebecca and maker, Douglas Snelling have been producing hand crafted lighting and furniture for over five years. Gaining international recognition, Rebecca’s material sensibility and Douglas’ traditional craftsmanship strikes the perfect balance between contemporary and classic design.

This debut collection captures the spirit of Kate Sylvester’s sophisticated and irreverent charm. She is a true creative, with an established and loyal following. Her ability to transform her ideas across any aspect of design, whether it be a dress, jewellery or a desk lamp, has been substantiated with this partnership.

You can browse the full Douglas + Bec for Kate Sylvester collection below! The collection will be available in Kate Sylvester stores from this Friday, and also at Douglas + Bec!

Fashion film: Ashleigh Good at RPD in Dazed Digital film by Jeff Bark

As if any more evidence was required that NZ model Ashleigh Good's star is on the rise here is a fashion film shot by photographer Jeff Bark and styled by the amazing Katie Shillingford for Dazed Digital. Set in suburban New Jersey, Ashleigh is one of two girls to answer a sweaty amateur photographer's call for models to shoot in his humble environs and yet again, it is clearly Ashleigh who is the star, although Tilda and Zuzanna pull their weight, too. Music: Some Velvet Morning by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood.

In Love With Ugly Days

Somewhere between a sloucherooni on the coucherooni and a high-steppin, kick boxing fitness finisher is where you will find the I Love Ugly man when he is at home in his stylish studio pad. This extremely smooth fashion film directed and cut by Reel Good to an exclusive for ILU tune by Ben Jamin called With You stars Eden at N Model Management and indicates the rapidly growing New Zealand label has found a niche for its menswear if not the man himself. Featured in the clip are the new Zespy trackpant, the Smart Pant and Ralph Pant, all three of which epitomise the label's sophisticated simplicity. Follow them now on Facebook!

Working Out Of Blackness

Every now and then an artist captures our attention synergistically. In this issue of Black Thom Kerr and Bex Sheers shot an editorial with three gothic schoolgirls set against a background of scholastic blackboard, chalk and schooly paraphernalia. Less than a day after the magazine had been published in New Zealand we were contacted by a Melbourne artist called The Black Math whose stark sometimes challenging images, concepts and messages seemed in tandem, not only with that shoot, but with some of the artistic aesthetics we espouse. Not all, but certainly a few...look out for a colab in next issue of Black, on sale first week of December.

BLK #17 Covers: Sean and Emily

This issue of Black, the 'Intercontinental' issue, number 17, we went black & white, with a little bit of colour and some snazzy design by Ian Fraser Ferguson. We have a simple philosophy: the rules are, no rules.
Emily DiDonato cover: Photography: Derek Kettela Fashion Editor: Soraya Dayani Hair: Luke Baker Make-up: Valery Gherman Emily wears: APC and Theyskens' Theory
Sean O'Pry cover: Photography: Michael Schwartz Fashion Editor: Marcell Rocha Hair: Danielle Prianno Make-up: Hung Vanngo Sean wears: Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior Homme and Patricia Von Musulin

Haere mai Stranger! Vinnie Woolston for Wrangler and Thrills

What happens when a world class denim brand like Wrangler teams up with a motorcycle specialist like Thrills to create a fashion line and shoot a film with director Riley Blakeway in Byron Bay - casting premium NZ male model Vinnie Woolston at 62 Models together with Emily Jean Bester as lead talent? This film, actually.... The models shine in this sexy sojourn into the northern New South Wales back blocks and the colab between Wrangler and Thrills looks like a winner, although we'd have to say that Vinnie, a good Raglan boy, could have fixed that car, magnificent as it is, in a jiffy! Cool narrative and great fashion film by Riley Blakeway...

Sew, why not? Home Sewn at Nathan Gallery, Britomart

Home sewn blouse by Margarita Robertson, 1970

Deadline has meant that we were a little slow to say something about the fantastic Home Sewn exhibition taking place at the Nathan Gallery in the Britomart. Focusing on the evolution of home sewing in New Zealand - the machines, the patterns and fabrics, the techniques and technology from a time when fashion was quite simply made in the home, Home Sewn runs up until September 26. Of equal interest is the fab wee book of the same name which features a number of patterns created by ten of leading New Zealand's  designers that you can take home and recreate yourself. This is the third exhibition curated by Doris Du Pont's excellent New Zealand Fashion Museum and it once again celebrates our fashion history, this is important work that Doris and the museum are doing so get along and check it out and buy the book, what a snazzy idea.

Home Sewn
Nathan Gallery, 40 Customs Street, Auckland
Until Sept 26, books available at exhibition

The book, only $45!

BLK #17: Film of Codie Young/Karen Inderbitzen-Waller shoot by Delphine Planqueel

In keeping with our 'Intercontinental' theme this issue Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Planqueel travelled to Paris this issue to shoot Codie Young at Viva paris entirely in Raf Simons SS13. Here is the short film directed by Delphine Planqueel on a very French-looking estate. Special thanks to Bianca at Raf Simons, Paris. Raf Simons is available in Zambesi stores in NZ.

Karen Walker SS13 at NYFW: Interview and BTS video by Renee Bevan

Another triumphant show by Karen Walker last week in New York. Here is an exclusive behind-the-scenes film - with interview - by our video-person-in-New York, Renee Bevan. Thanks Renee!

Indigenous Ink 2012

The second annual Indigenous Ink, a living exhibition of Maori and Pasifika tattoo art and culture, is being held November 16-18 at the Mangere Arts Centre - Nga Tohu o Uenuku. The event has attracted artists from across Aotearoa and the Pacific; Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti and The Cook Islands. Participating artists include:

Su'a Paul Sulu'ape
Haki Williams
Turumakina Duley
Tuigamala Andy Tauafiafi
Ishmael Jaco Augustine Schmidt
Carl Cocker
Tihoti Mataura
Hohua Mohi
Paitangi Trace Ostick
Tyla Ta'ufo'ou
Kingi Pitiroi
Vincent David

Keep up to date on the Indigenous Ink Facebook page. Unmissable for fans of tattoo art. 

Ayami Nishimura by Rankin

 Our friends at Rankin Photography in London sent us a copy of his beautiful colab book with the great Japanese make-up artist Ayami Nishimura. The book is one of three that Rankin has now published conjointly with make-up artists; the others with Alex Box and Caroline Saulnier. The quality of work - both photographically and in terms of make-up - is stellar. As much as we love the book we just know that there are make-up artists and photography fans out there who would love it even more so we are going to give it away on our Facebook page. Here are some close up samples form the book...

NZFW: Stolen Girlfriends Club BTS photo essay by Damien Nikora

Stolen Girlfriends Club's show at NZFW was the biggest show of the week with over 1200 rabid fans packed into a low-ceiling underground car park, just around the corner from the SGC club house. As is becoming the boys behind the brand it was also one hell of a party in the basement of the Wall Fabrics building and suitably 'Dead End' to go with the name of the collection. Here are a selection of behind-the-scenes images by the very talented Damien Nikora and his assistant Jordan Oldfield.

Backstage at Karen Walker Spring 2013 "Fantastique Magnifique" Collection at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is well under way this week and it's looking great. The greatest of all, of course, is that of the most recent showing from kiwi maverick; Karen Walker. In Karen Walker’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, 1950's optimism is blended with all things celestial, creating a luminous and translucent collection that’s a nod to a past so consumed with the future.

A wonderfully smart and quirky collection strutted down the runway with that signature pop of color; this season seen in shades of rose, periwinkle, and maize, and with a nod to the Space Age- an addition of a metallic melon. Heavy fringes and long, loose hair gave the models that French-y vibe that we love from Karen Walker.

The juxtaposition of the past and future, beauty and geekiness, domesticity and technology and the earthly and celestial combine to create a collection that is both classic and modern. Walker’s moon-kissed collection reminds us that some times looking up is the best way to go forward.

We were lucky enough to receive first hand, and fresh from the scene, polaroid images from backstage at New York Fashion Week with the Karen Walker team and her models just before they showed their new collection to the city that never sleeps!