Happy New Year! After a fab break with family and some very dear friends we are glad to be back in Black for 2013, and this year, we're feeling like we have it all lined up. After cracking out three issues last year, we're planning three more killer issues of Black and a 20th issue 'Best of' book - initially as a digital platform 600 page plus offering but also, perhaps, as a printed version if we can find the right publishing partner. This month, though, we are putting together an exhibition and auction of the pieces of customised, painted, adapted denim - featured in this denim editorial in BLK #18 by Damien Nikora - in partnership with our friends at Service Newmarket, Auckland. For this shoot our friends at Neuw, Lee and Wrangler supplied us with over 30 pairs of jeans, a few denim jackets and even some leather pants. Black fashion director Rachael Churchward then worked with young designers Jessica Grubisa, Blair Hetet and Nina Van Lier and artist Dan Vient to customise the denim, tye-dye, recreate shirts, aprons, hats and in Dan's case turn jeans into artwork for the shoot. We are adding to the base of this collection and will display them as art in Service from mid-January before auctioning the pieces off on Trade Me in Feb. All proceeds will go to the NZ Mental Health Foundation, a cause close to our hearts. Stay tuned and have a great year!