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!