GHD New Gen Show

Top: House Of Ezis and (above) ISBIM.

New generation shows are always an interesting outing and this year's ghd New Gen show didn't disappoint. The participants couldn't have been more different from each other but that is what makes it fun. There was no shortage of theatrics; Trix and Dandy's pulp fiction extravaganza saw contemporary Clyde (sans Bonny) Michael Pattison rampaging down the runway with a machine gun and Serena Fagence's show took space-age to a new level with the amazing Bionic Pixie delivering one of the week's best soundtracks live - dressed to thrill in a shimmering suit. The fashion highlights though belonged to ISBIM, Whiri and Brisbane designer Andre Pytel's beautifully-tailored House Of Ezis range which looked completely at home on this side of the Tasman. Congrats to ghd for getting behind the new breed.

Below: Top to bottom - ISBIM, ISBIM, House Of Ezis, Whiri and Bionic Pixie performing in Serena Fagence

Pamtastic!

I was fortunate to sneak into the Pamela Anderson and Richie Rich press conference on-site at ANZFW yesterday and snapped a few pics of the legendary actress and her designer partner. I have to say they were both amazing in that environment - gracious, quick-witted, funny and completely endearing - even though some of the "NZ press" asked the sort of inane questions you might expect them to - like "Pamela, do you prefer to wear next to nothing, or nothing?" Whatever. It's great that Brian Long and the ANZFW crew managed to get the pair down here to show tonight, I for one am a new convert. The Huffer show is taking up all of our attention today so this will be the last blog until the weekend when we will upload pics from a number of shows. Have fun...

ANZFW 09 - Kate Sylvester show

Like Zambesi the night before, and Nom D earlier in the day, Kate Sylvester did not disappoint her legion of faithful fans with a strong show in an inner city warehouse. Conceptually the range and styling was a tribute to one of Auckland's foremost style leaders - "Black Lips" herself, the ever fabulous Judith Baragwanath. For many years the model, turned style icon and writer, was the most individual dresser in town and has long been admired for her satorial panache so it was great to see Kate Sylvester tipping a hat in her direction. The event had a festival atmosphere and without a doubt, the most stylish audience yet. Set to a soundtrack of fuzz rock classics, Sylvester, with the help of long time cohort Karen Inderbitzen-Waller, rolled out a substantial collection which ended with troupe of models stomping down both runways. A highlight for the crowd it seemed was male model PC cruising the catwalk in a women's full slip and boots - and - in a fashion week strangely lacking in goodie bags (recession, I know) the three KS medals have undoubtedly been a highlight already

Getting The Black Eye

We're out and about with the Sony Alpha picking up our choice of great personal style all week. Images from Day 1 on site and Zambesi last night - cue Tammy and the lovely Keisha above - can be found on The Black Eye each night, or as soon as we get a chance to post them.

Zambesi Classic

Last night on the big stage at the Sky City Theatre Zambesi delivered a classic show in trademark style. Using the full extent of the stage and backstage area, and against a beautifully lit cyc, models wound their way backward-and-forward on an S shaped runway to a suitably dark and menacing soundtrack. Some classic Zambesi looks from years gone by were reborn amidst a raft of new styles and themes. A great collection and show from the great New Zealand label who, like ANZFW stalwarts Nom D and Kate Sylvester, can always be relied upon to deliver.

Bravo Zambesi...

Twenty Seven Names

Here's a pre-show shot of the first looks for the Twenty Seven Names show. The girls behind the label, Rachel and Anjali, claimed the sixties as inspiration for the collection named Butter Not Bombs. It opened with all the models walking out together in a parade of ultimate cool. I'll be honest, I did get a few goosebumps. It was a rebellious yet pretty array, with one foot in tailoring, the other in grunge. The garb was teamed with burly black Doc Martins or white Chucks making it effortless for the models to stomp down the runway and own it. We saw trench coats, suit pants, oversized shirts and chunky knits as well as some lace, velvet and bodices. Twenty Seven Names shows always have the best music and this one was no exception. I loved every minute of it.

Jordan Rondel

Lonely Hearts

Lonely Hearts kicked off fashion week last night with a film installation at the Process showroom. The screens showing the video were enclosed in a circular section cut off by spooky film tape hanging from the ceiling. It was packed with people, but what I caught a glimpse of proved that Lonely Hearts is just as clever, nonconformist and damn hot as ever.

Win Yourself an Ultra Artwork

Top image: Michiko Hughes. Above: Anna Fitzpatrick

The good folks at Samsung are offering Blacklog readers the chance to win one of the artworks on display at the Samsung Ultra Touch/Zambesi site. The exhibition was held this week at the new Zambesi store in Newmarket but you can still bid for the artworks online until Sept 30 or win one for free on Blacklog! Simply go to the site, choose the artwork (top or bottom line, 1 to 5, left to right) and email the answer to this simple question to mail@blackmag.co.nz to be in with a chance to win an enlarged, professionally-mounted artwork of your choice:

How many megapixels is the Samsung Ultra Touch phone camera?

Please include your name and courier address with your email. We will announce the winner on Monday.

Image below; Lens Flare On The Tracks by Otis Frizzell

Treat Time

Check out these pretty and delicately spicy Belgian biscuits I baked. They may not look as professional as the ones you can buy from cafes all around Auckland, but I like the rustic aesthetic and they taste just as great. These biscuits make the perfect gift for someone who deserves a treat and since it was Ange Crane's birthday yesterday, it was an apt opportunity to make them. Here's my recipe:

Makes 28

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
250g softened butter
1 organic egg
2 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2teaspoons ground ginger
2 3/4 cups plain flour softed
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/3 cup good raspberry jam
Icing:
1 cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon butter, melted
3 drops of red raspberry essence

Coloured sugar:
1/4 cup white sugar
2 drops of red food colouring

Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper.
Cream sugar and butter until fluffy and add the egg. Sift in mixed spice, cinnamon, flour and baking powder. Mix until you get a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll out the d

ough and using a cookie cutter of your desired shape to cut out 56 biscuits.
Place them onto the trays and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden.
Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool.
Spread half the biscuits with jam and sandwich with the remaining biscuits.
To make the icing sift icing sugar into a bowl and add the milk, butter and raspberry essence. Stir until mixture is well combined, a spreadable consistency and pale pink. If It is too stiff, add a little more milk.
To make the coloured sugar simply mix sugar in a bowl with red food colouring.
Finally, spread the icing over the biscuits and sprinkle with the coloured sugar.

Bon appétit!

By Jordan Rondel

Cruise Control

Today we viewed the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2010 and Men's Pre-collection Spring/Summer 2010 ranges at the Louis Vuitton VIP room in downtown Auckland. Marc Jacobs has outdone himself, and that's saying something, with the French Coquette-inspired Cruise range - a spirited, sparkling collection that will have LV lovers the world over re-organising their wardrobe (or trunk) to make space for a collection that is literally shimmering with gems. Nautical themes tie in to cinched dresses that effortlessly harbour one of the most challenging partnerships in fashion; stripes and polka dots together. The sparkle that shines is omnipresent; shimmering monogram-stamped sequins, Swarovski crystals and elements of Vuitton's famous luggage are incorporated into heels, boots and clothing emanating a 'cool couture' attitude. But wait there's more! The new men's collection had Black Senior Fashion Editor Atip W and myself dancing a jig with a small but classically American range replete with bicycle courier-inspired lightweight goodies, and a fabulous 60's college jacket that is beyond "must have." All-in-all, two stunning summer collections that point strongly to great things coming from Marc Jacobs and the iconic brand. The Cruise range can be seen here at ILVOELV.

Sneaky Squizz - Black 11 - 3

We have all of Robert Erdmann's London shoots in now and, as you would expect, they all showcase top drawer photography, fashion, hair, make-up and models. The men's shoot (above) features the styling of the inimitable William Gilchrist, stylist for The Rolling Stones Shine A Light tour/movie and an authority on men's fashion. Hair is by Tyler Johnston, make-up by Shama - both at CLM London and the model is Petr @ Select London.

Black's New Stylehunter

Publishing magazines can take an inordinate amount of time. The Churchword and I recently decided that despite our best efforts we haven't been keeping our blogs up to date as often as we would like to and we needed to enlist some help, particularly with The Black Eye. Who better to ask then than stylish girl round town, Jordan Rondel. Many of you will know her as a contributor to the excellent Isaac Likes and we have admired her personal style for some time now so it made perfect sense. Jordan will be on the look-out, along with Rachael and myself, for the sartorially sublime at Air New Zealand Fashion Week and on the streets and in the work places around town. She will also make contributions here on Blacklog.

Black 11 - The Schwartz Report #4 - Hannah Holman

Today in New York, Michael Schwartz, Valery Gherman and Elizabeth Sulcer will be shooting our fourth cover girl for Black 11. Hannah Holman is a relative newcomer compared to Heidi Mount, Constance Jablonski or Siri Tollerod but she is definitely on the rise. The Elite New York girl has recently shot the new global campaign for Miu Miu with Mert and Marcus and also just shot Vogue Nippon with uber stylist Joe McKenna. She has a fabulous face and a hell of a 'look' - watch this space...

Talking Pictures

Above: Marrissa Findlay's lovely flamingos

Mobile phone technology is developing so quickly that anything may soon be possible with the power-packed communication devices; changing channels, blocking police radars, opening the garage door - our world is the personal communication device's oyster. Yet it is the camera component of the phone which is here and now. Recognising this Samsung have teamed up with some of Aotearoa's most creative people to celebrate the launch of the new Samsung Ultra Touch staging an exhibition and auction of images taken on the phone's 8 megapixel camera with dual power LED flash. The selection of collaborators is quite inspired too: brilliant film-maker Taika Waititi, artist Otis Frizzell, Front Row Diary editor Anna Fitzpatrick, TVNZ make-up queen Michiko Hughes, actress Madeleine Sami, George FM breakfast host Nick D, fashion photographer Marissa Findlay and media personalities Tee Twyford and Josie Steenhart. The exhibition takes place at the new Zambesi store in Newmarket on September 16 and will raise funds for one of the best charities around, Youthline. Judging by these first pics in - which can be seen online here on a regularly-updated basis, it will be a fascinating mix of creative capture.

Above: Anna Fitzpatrick knows a good pair of shorts when she sees them.
Below: Michiko Hughes snaps the fashion TV.
Bottom: Otis Frizzell takes one of an E.

Black Showcased On F-Tape

Black collage courtesy F-Tape

We have been honoured by inclusion on London fashion mega resource F-Tape's independent magazine special which has been created to coincide with the upcoming London Fashion Week. The site decided to pull together their choice of the best 20 or so indie fashion titles in the world and have included Black Magazine on that list. Considering the list includes such venerable titles as S., Tokion, Wonderland, Volt, Hercules, Zink, Dansk and many more, we are pretty excited - and for the contributors whose work was chosen by the F-Tape crew from the images supplied.

Thanks F-Tape!

Seductive Lens

We weren't able to make it along to the Plaything Gallery recently to witness the Derek Henderson film for Stolen Girlfriend's Club Weapons of Mass Seduction first hand. Luckily Luke Harwood flicked us the link to the film online at Curious Films as it is a lovely thing. Featuring a bunch of SGC's friends and associates never quite starting - or finishing - their sentences, the film is set to a lilting music track by Milan Borich and it's an hypnotic way to see the current range. There are a few musos including Borich, Rebekah Davies and The Check's Jacob Moore (above). Here's the link...

Vision On

Children Of Vision launched their online store this week and judging by the post (above) on the front page of influential UK fashion blog Kingdom Of Style, it had an immediate affect...

Flying Finn

Some people hate pigeons. "Flying rats!" they say indignantly while shooshing them away from park benches, statues and river banks. Not so artist Finn Fair who rather charmingly describes them as "a proud, heroic icon of the downtrodden and disenfranchised" and has incorporated the winged creatures into his recent body of work Shine On Dirt. The artist sees a parallel between pigeons and the under class and says the work draws on this parallel and celebrates his "friends, the artists, musicians, labourers, workers, beneficiaries, the ill, the eccentrics and misfits." Shine On Dirt is "an obvious sign of adoration for the beautiful personalities I have surrounded myself with." As long time fans of the outsider, we can only agree.

Shine On Dirt opens at the COCA gallery in Christchurch on September 22.

Alastair Makes Good

Image: Models.com

We have some fond memories of Air NZ Fashion Week and perhaps no more so than 2003 when a young I.D magazine stylist called Alastair McKimm came to New Zealand and hooked up with Nom D. Alastair ingratiated himself with the locals although he very much became 'The I.D guy" rather than Alastair McKimm. At that stage he was a freelancer who had been fashion editor on a number of I.D shoots rather than being on the staff payroll. He returned to style Nom D's show the following year and has strong ties to the New Zealand fashion scene. The Churchword had been trawling Streeters.com recently and was very impressed to see the quality of work the stylist has been delivering of late, so it came as no surprise to see his cheeky face on the front page of Models.com overnight. Having just been made fashion director of uber cool New York mag The Last Magazine, let's hope he is on the list of media targets for next year's Air NZ Fashion Week.

Below: Alastair styles Aggy

Nice Artse!

It is no slight on New Zealand advertising creatives but sometimes sitting right behind a bus's back end can be gruelling for those of us who don't want bank interest rates or photo copier refill deals shoved in our faces. Great news then that Tiger Beer and the creative crew known as Cut Collective are offering an aesthetic alternative that will be considerably more pleasing on the eye.

The Cut Collective, comprised of five Auckland artists; the brilliantly-monikered "TrustMe", Component, Flox, Enforce 1 and Kool have spray-stencilled no less than 10 buses with their thought-provoking pieces, aimed at "people encountering art outside of the traditional context of the gallery or museum."

The buses are scheduled to hit Auckland streets from Sept 7 to November 22 but in the meantime you can check out more of the Cut Collective's work at Bungalow 8 in the Viaduct.