Kate Sylvester/Black Magazine Competition!

Photo: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller

We're teaming with our good friends at Kate Sylvester to run a competition throughout May here on Blacklog and on the Black Magazine Facebook page. The competition is open to Kate Sylvester fans anywhere in the world, and can be redeemed either through the Kate Sylvester online store, or, if you live near a Kate Sylvester store in NZ or Australia by taking the winning voucher in.

Competition details: 

• Send in a picture of yourself wearing your favourite Kate Sylvester piece, and go in to win a NZ$1000 Kate Sylvester wardrobe!  Black Fashion Editor, Rachael Churchward will choose the winner and we will publish the shot on both Blacklog and our Facebook page.

• Simply email your pictures - no more than 2MB in size - to streetstyle@katesylvester.com by Friday 1st June 2012, the winner will be announced via the email the image was sent in on.

*Image may be published on the Kate Sylvester blog, Facebook page and Black Magazine’s blog and Facebook page. Please include your full name when you submit your photo. Winner will be announced during the week commencing 4th June 2012. Image must be no bigger than 2MB and no smaller than 300KB and supplied as a Jpeg. Kate Sylvester wardrobe cannot be exchanged for cash or credit or used on sale items. Wardrobe will be issued as a voucher to spend at Kate Sylvester stores or at the Kate Sylvester online store.   

Haere Mai Gorman!

Iconic Australian designer Lisa Gorman opened her first New Zealand store recently on Nuffield Street in Newmarket. The poppy-chic label has been wholesaled here for some time but opening a New Zealand store is further indication, following on from the likes of Sass & Bide, that Australian designers are increasingly valuing the New Zealand market as an entirely viable option. Gorman is very much an Australian success story. She launched the label in 1999 in Melbourne's Fat52 boutique and in 13 years has grown the brand to a 16 store operation over the ditch. To celebrate her arrival and the AW 12 collection - inspired by adventurers and dreamers - photographer David K Shields teamed with Black fashion director Rachael Churchward and hair and make-up artist Michelle Hurliman to shoot Casey Lee at Red 11 looking decidedly Grace Kelly-ish in Gorman.

Lela Jacob's Little Friends

We were recently in at Lela Jacob's new store on Karangahape Road and came across these charming little characters. Known as 'The Murky Greys' these two are part of a family of four creatures handcrafted by Lela Jacobs in ceramics and leather. Two of the clan have already found a home with a loving buyer, the other two can be found at the new store known as The Keep, 504 K Rd. Photo by Greg Novak.

Black #16 On Set Black Market Shoot with Russ Flatt

Now at the rounding-up stage of Black #16, we have just had a lovely (and surprisingly relaxing) day up at photographer Russ Flatts' inspiring city loft. Ticking off some beautiful Black Market shots with the sunlight pouring in, we had our wonderful models; Dasha at Vanity Walk, Callum and Calvin at Clyne come over for the day, all dressed by Black magazine's Fashion Editor Rachael Churchward, assisted by the always amazing Jess Grubisa, in the latest and finest Stolen Girlfriends, adidas, Vanishing Elephant, Workshop Denim, Helen Cherry, Neuw, Deus, Storm, Sylvester, Lela Jacobs, Wesc,  and imports; Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs both from Workshop. In the beauty department we had the ever excelling Michelle Hurliman on make-up using M.A.C. and Jason Chong Li at Stephan Marr on hair, who always manages to create the perfect look for us.

With the next issue to hit the newsstands first week of May we are all getting excited over here!

Black Archives: 'Nineteen 93' Editorial from Black #10 Photographed by Robert Erdmann featuring Vinnie and Josh

We are just about to go to print with our Sweet #16 issue of Black magazine, and it is always nice to have a quick reflect back and celebrate some of the wonderful work we have already created. Here is one of our favorites from the Black archives of our tenth issue-  the 'Nineteen 93' editorial shoot photographed by Robert Erdmann featuring two very handsome boys; Vinnie Woolston at 62 models and Josh at Nova Models. Styled by Black's Fashion Director Rachael Churchward and grooming by Stefan Knight. Assistant fashion editor: Atip W. Photo and lighting assist: Check Wu. Digital op: Phil Grindle. 2nd assist: Daniel Max and fashion assist: Ant Gratten.

Workshop Online Store now open

The new Workshop online store is now open offering fans of the iconic New Zealand company, of which there are many both here and overseas, the chance to buy the very latest in Workshop Denim and Helen Cherry, no matter where you live. This isn't the only activity happening in the Workshop, as it were, they have also kicked off a Workshop Facebook page and have just opened a new outlet store in the soon-to-be-developed Rhubarb Lane precinct. So go on, get Workshopping!

BLK #16 On Set: Greg Novak shoot by 10 year-old Tyla Novak

Stacy Lee Ghin with model Rosie

Tyla Novak is following in her Dad's footsteps and yesterday on our beauty shoot with Greg Novak she snapped these great behind-the-scenes images, not bad for a 10 year-old. Fashion by Jessica Grubisa (with help from Rachael Churchward and Matt Templeton) hair by Shontal Healey at Stephen Marr, make-up by Stacy Lee Ghin. Models were Rosie at Nova, Tom at Red 11, James at 62 Models and Madeleine at N Model Management.

BLK #16 On Set: Deep In The Woods with Karen Inderbitzen-Waller

Karen shooting Victoria on the bike

On the weekend we shot with photographer Karen Inderbitzen-Waller for BLK #16. Deadline shoots are always fun and our excursion to Woodhill Forest Bike Park and surrounding environs proved just that in gorgeous sunny weather. Rachael Churchward and Jessica Grubisa pulled a selection of tasty, glamorous retro pieces to dress model Victoria at Nova. Michelle Hurliman provided hair and make-up, Avril Planqueel lighting and digital and Syd and Travis wrangled vehicles, bikes and beers.

Barkers 40th - a fine fashion story by Duncan Greive

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the day that Ray Barker created a Kiwi fashion institution, Barkers. Here, we publish a beautifully written account of that singular journey by Duncan Greive, first published in the Barkers 1972 magazine. The Barkers story is a fascinating one indeed, punctuated with impromptu meetings with stadium rock bands, seriously famous old school New Zealand gangsters, law-breaking Saturday morning trading initiatives and an explosion, literally, of trackpants. Read on, it is well worth it...

Deadly Ponies AW 12 film by Garth Badger

Deadly Ponies from Deadly Ponies on Vimeo.


Liam Bowden's Deadly Ponies label has long been a firm favourite with fashion folk on both sides of the Tasman and indeed, around the world. With DP's AW 2012 collection 'Hurrichain' Bowden's innate knowledge of leather in all its forms is showcased broadly but the addition of rag cotton fabric to the collection might just be the pièce de résistance. The inclusion of gold chain for handles, shoulder pads, quilting, goat and calf furs, and a colour palette of bold magenta, grubby silt and ink blue within the collection ensure that 'Hurrichain' is indeed a focused storm. Most exciting for DP fans, though, is the inclusion of a new range of jewellery within 'Hurrichain'. Using a rarely used craft of spray coating felt onto chain, Bowden has ingeniously created a chain ring, bracelet and necklace to match the collection. Here is an exclusive look at the craftsmanship and creativity required to make Deadly Ponies the Deadly Ponies we love. Film by Garth Badger, music by The Soundroom.

BLK #16: 4th cover Milou Van Groesen by Paul Empson

Milou in Topshop campaign by Josh Olins

Paul Empson has teamed with June Nakamoto to shoot the fourth cover and an editorial for BLK #16 in Paris featuring another of our favourite models, Milou Van Groesen. Paul and June are a bit like the old firm in Paris for Black and for this shoot June picked up on the trend for white fashion in the Spring/Summer collections by featuring the latest offerings, in white, from the big Paris houses while Paul tracked Milou down the streets of Paris at night.

BLACKlog Editorial #25: Greg Novak shoots Johanna at 62 Models

We shot Johanna Bear last week with photographer Robert Erdmann and hair stylist Kevin Murphy for this next issue of Black. Somewhere in between Black photographer Greg Novak managed to whisk the Australian beauty away to the West Coast and pick up these beautiful natural images. Greg is also doing a make-up course and we have to say he's started out well! Johanna is with 62 Models.

Ryder Salon 2012 Campaign by Damien Van der Vlist

With their new doors being opened in just over a month inside Auckland's Britomart precinct, it is a time of change and momentum for the very respected Ryder Salon! To coincide with the celebratory launch of the new store, Ryder have just released to us their stunning new images for the Ryder Salon 2012 Campaign shot by Damien Van der Vlist featuring: Rhiannon at KHM, Seth, Felix and Ella at 62 Models, Rosie at Nova and Lily at Clyne, all styled simply and beautifully by Rachael Churchward, assisted by Jessica Grubisa, and with make-up by Virginia Carde. Greg Murrell and the crew from Ryder including Nicholas and Kerry created a series of signature hair looks. Be sure to check out Ryder Salon's new space when it opens in early May!

Behind the Scenes of Kevin Murphy campaign shoot in New Zealand

Coming off the end of a huge week here at Black, we can now have a look at our time spent on the campaign shoot for Kevin Murphy shot here in beautiful New Zealand by Robert Erdmann. Three days jammed packed with fabulous hair by Kevin Murphy and outstanding styling by Rachael Churchward. The wonderful team we worked with set up at a different location each day; starting with Auckland's Highwic House, then into Kingsize Studios with superb and glamorous lighting by Michael Knapp and the last day saw us all venturing to the glorious west coast of Karekare beach. A hugely successful campaign with the sneak peaks of images we did see - looking amazing! We will be itching to share them with you all as soon as we can! Photos by Yasmine Ganley and Grant Fell

Anna Langdon's Kitschfolk und Kendheit collection by Thom Kerr

'Kitsch' is such a great word. It is onomatopaeic in the sense in that it looks like it sounds and sounds like it looks. Young Sydney-based designer Anna Langdon, the latest in a quality line of new designers to emerge from Sydney's The Fashion Design Studio, not only encapsulates kitsch in her graduate collection 'Kitschfolk und Kindheit' but moves beyond mere meaning into fabulous new territory with a carefully constructed selection of wool-based, embroidered and impeccably cut pieces. There is an inherent sense of Australia and her rural NSW upbringing with the ubiquitous Rosella reflected in the range (and featured in the video below) and an underlying nod to all things sustainable and environmentally aware. Langdon, like her school alumni before her; Dion Lee, Karla Spetic, Gary Bigini, Akira Igosawa and Alex Perry looks set to step onto a bigger stage, sooner rather than later. Stills photos by Thom Kerr, stylist: Chris Leger, make-up: Jovita Lee, hair: Lauren McCowan, model: Rose at London Models. Video below by Ryan Barry-Cotter, edited by Samuel Raftl and soundtrack by Rainbow Ride.


A Moment Makes Now from Samuel Raftl on Vimeo.

Fashion Film: Garth Badger 'She Says' with Kingsize Studios

She Says from Garth Badger on Vimeo.


We worked with the talented and prolific Garth Badger last week on the Kevin.Murphy campaign. Garth was the D.O.P shooting footage for an upcoming KM 'app' - more on that in the next few days - and was able to use his amazing Canon EOS C300 with Zeiss CP2 Prime lenses. To say he is in love with this brilliant new tool by the digital photography behemoth is an understatement, and with good reason, the days of the 1D or 5D as premier digital moving image cameras are already numbered. Here is Garth's first project with the camera, a partnership with the venerable Kingsize Studios featuring models Widika and Ariel at Red 11, styling by Barry Betham and make-up by Verity Griffiths. Music by Boycrush.

BLK # 16 - MIchael Schwartz shoots Hanne Gaby Odiele

Last Friday, our Black New York crew of photographer Michael Schwartz, stylist Aeri Yun and make-up artist Valery Gherman shot Hanne Gaby Odiele for one of our four covers and a ten page editorial for BLK#16. Hanne needs little introduction to fashion folk, she has been one of the most in-demand models in the world for a couple of years now and the cover image is without a doubt one of the strongest we have ever had. Here is an on-set image from the shoot showing Black NY editor/make-up artist Valery Gherman giving Hanne the lip...by Michael Schwartz.

BLK#16. On set. Robert Erdmann, Rachael Churchward and Kevin Murphy shoot fresh new faces - day 2

Jordan Barrett at the half-way stage of his 'do'

Yesterday, the second day of our BLK #16 fresh faces shoot went without a hitch, although, like today, it was a good thing we were inside. This weather sucks. Photographer Robert Erdmann teamed once again with Black fashion director Rachael Churchward and Australian hair legend Kevin Murphy with make-up by Stacy Lee Ghin. Models were: Jordan Barrett, Tom and Laura N at Red 11, James and Johanna at 62, Moira at Nova and Rose at KHM. Crew as per previous post.

Laura in 'fro form

BLK #16. On set: Robert Erdmann, Rachael Churchward and Kevin Murphy shoot fresh new faces - day 1

Chrissy Hart at Red 11

Isaac at N.Model Management

Day one of our Kevin.Murphy week is complete. Yesterday Black fashion director Rachael Churchward teamed with photographer Robert Erdmann and hair supremo Kevin Murphy to shoot some of Aotearoa's freshest faces at Kingsize Studios. Models were Tess H at Clyne, Asena @ 62, Kirsten at KHM, Dasha at Vanity Walk, Danika, Isaac, Grace at N. Model Management and Chrissy & Maddy Hart at Red 11 with make-up by Stacy Lee-Ghin. Of course big shoots need plenty of people so able assistance was provided by Greg Novak, Shontal Healy at Stephen Marr, Jessica Grubisa, Matt Templeton and Fadavi. Day two of the Black shoot today!

Tess at Clyne

Lela Jacobs Winter 2012 Manifesto of Uncertainty

Developed during a time of obvious economic and social unrest and ultimately a time during which everyone is re-evaluating their personal ideals and their outlook on life, Lela Jacobs Winter 2012 collection entitled Manifesto of Uncertainty is therefore suggestive of the current state of flux our societies find themselves in; re-writing ones manifesto, so-to-speak.

BLACKlog Editorial #24 Leys Institute Gymnastics Club since 1906

Leys Institute Gymnastics Club, a community asset since 1906, situated in St Marys Bay in Auckland and run by husband and wife team Lynn and Warren Burroughs is being forced with no other option than to close down. After years of giving grace and poise to the surrounding community of children, adults and some of New Zealand's top athletes, Leys Institute Gymnastics Club's government funding has come to a halt.

Political Mother by Hofesh Shechter

Last night I saw something that may have possibly changed my life. The dance and music performance Political Mother put together by Berlin choreographer Hofesh Shechter. Having just won numerous awards for this work overseas, The International Arts Festival currently taking place in Wellington was on the money with bringing this one over.

Eden Mulholland Debut Solo EP 'Jesus Dont You Get My Jokes' Video

We love the Mulholland brothers, a fine bunch of musicians all doing some amazing work as of late. Here is a look at the first single's music video 'Shanty Town', from Eden Mulholland's debut solo EP entitled, 'Jesus Dont You Get My Jokes'. Coming out in Australia in May/June 2012. Beautiful imagery paired with one very cool track! Nice one Eden!!

Workshop Denim AW 2012 Campaign by Tim White and Jamie Huckbody

Photographer Tim White and stylist Jamie Huckbody combine brilliantly on the new Workshop Denim AW 2012 campaign. In a shoot that screams "rock'n'roll' a selection of great local models; Jasper and Christopher at Clyne, Rhianon at KHM, Sam, Amelia and Lili at Red 11 and Zac and Sakura at 62 Models show us their moves in no uncertain terms. Make-up by Virginia Carde, hair by Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr. Both shoots feature in a beautiful new look book which very much leans toward the description 'book' - great to see some time and effort spent on that, it is very much a 'keepable' effort from both Workshop Denim and Helen Cherry and harks back to some of their great printed look books of years gone by. The release of the book is also perfectly timed with an expansive new website and blog which you can see here.

Helen Cherry AW 2012 Campaign Images

Here is an exclusive look at the Helen Cherry AW 2102 campaign images, shot by photographer Tim White and styled by London-based creative director and stylist, Jamie Huckbody. Huckbody collaborated very successfully with both Helen Cherry and Workshop Denim at last year's NZ Fashion Week show and these images were shot not long after with one of our favourite models, Taren Cunningham at 62 Models. Make-up by Virginia Carde, hair by Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr.

Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Spring 2012 Video

Style and function. Meditation and effort. Yin and yang. Nike and designer Jun Takahashi of Undercover present the best of both worlds with the Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Spring 2012 Men’s collection and the first ever Women’s collection! This high-performance running gear harmonizes Nike’s technical innovation with cutting-edge style and traditional craftsmanship of the fashion industries finest.

In This Neck Of The Woods; GM for Lee

There has always been something of the bush ranger - a touch of the hirsute, itinerant Ned Kelly, the outsider walking gun-in-hand between the Eucalyptus and burning campfire - to Gareth Lauchlan Moody's fashion explorations. His influence on early Ksubi is legendary but it is really his absolute Australian-ness, seeping from every pore of his brilliant Chronicles of Never label that has really stamped a mark as a real design and conceptual talent. Clever then, that Lee, one of the world's great denim brands, opted to partner up with Moody to create a new line that celebrates the ethos of Chronicles and repositions that design thinking in a killer new range, GM for Lee. Here's the film to launch the collaboration, shot over several days in where else, but the Australian bush...

When 2D and Noodle met Chuck

Always a sucker for a good colab, Converse's iconic All Star brand might just have hit the nail on the head with their latest friendship, the Damon Albarn-led Gorillaz. Created from day one as an amalgam of music and design/animation, the Gorillaz have always leant heavily on the artistic skills of co-creator Jamie Hewlett, whose psuedo-fictional ensemble of 2D (lead vocalist, keyboard, and melodica), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar and drum machine), Noodle (guitar, keyboard, and occasional vocals) and Russel Hobbs (drums and percussion) is quite simply a graphic masterpiece. The Gorillaz Chucks will be in store in March at Qubic Store Newmarket, Real Groovy - Amazon, Pat Menzies Auckland, Banks Shoe Lower Hutt, Inferno Whangarei and Void Dunedin. Perfect footwear for your Plastic Beach...

BLK #16 - On set: Mariah Jelena shoots Andrej Pejic

In 2008, Chadwick Models in Sydney sent us digis of a brand new, androgynous model called Andrej Pejic. We instantly fell in love with his incredible beauty and asked if they would fly him in for a shoot. The agency agreed and the editorial shot by Russ Flatt appeared in Issue 9 of Black. It was one of the first two shoots ever published of Andrej and he has since gone on to take the modelling world by storm, currently ranked #18 in the world of male modelling by Models.com. When the opportunity to shoot a cover, editorial and interview with Andrej for issue #16 of Black arose, we again, jumped at the chance. Photographer Mariah Jelena, stylist Kate Carnegie and hair/make-up maestro Justin Henry completed the shoot last week in Sydney and we are pretty excited about it. Here are some exclusive behind-the-scenes images from the shoot.

Interview with Model Renee Peters featured in Black #16

About to be featured in the next issue of Black magazine #16 is Red 11 model Renee Peters from NYC. We loved her so much we shot with her twice at Kingsize Studios with NZ photographer Russ Flatt. Here are some out takes of the Nashville model and Black team hard at work! We also got a little interview with the lovely Renee which you can read below!

Black NY Editor Valery Gherman's adventures with lions and (swimsuited) lionesses for Sports Illustrated's 2012 Swimsuit Issue

When it comes to sheer numbers looking at an editorial, it doesn't come much bigger than Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue, ask, er, Rachel Hunter. The video linked below has already received several billion impressions, as have the other behind-the-scenes videos on the S.I site and that is just for behind-the-scenes video clips. Black Magazine's New York editor Valery Gherman is the make-up artist alongside photographer Derek Kettela (who has shot six Black Magazine covers and delivered at least as many editorials) on several of the shoots with this year's models including; Irina Shayk, Kirby Griffen, Genevieve Morton and Cintia Dicker. Valery sent through the picture above during the shoot in Zambia - it was of course embargoed until now - and he clearly knows how to steer a white lion through the Zambian bush! Proud of you V!

Genevieve Morton in Zambia - 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Video Player - SI.com

Richard Kavanagh hair directs Tribune Standard AW 2012 show at NYFW

Models prepped for a little 'bellringing' - photo: Ben Hider

After many years working with hair legend Guido at numerous fashion weeks around the world it was great to see Richard Kavanagh, Creative Director for Rodney Wayne - and he of the superbly tattooed sleeves - last week directing hair for Tawfik Mounayer's Tribune Standard show at NYFW. Mounayer has been a right-hand man to Izaac Mizrahi among others and is high on the radar of US Vogue who love to champion a new designer or two each season. This season in New York Tribune Standard was 'hot' enough to be given the unique opportunity to ring the New York Stock Exchange bell to announce the end of the week's trading, and the end of fashion week - a moment possibly viewed by a not insubstantial audience of 100,000,000 on CNN - replete with models dressed in TS and adorned with Kavanagh's signature knotted hair for the event. Nice work Richard and congrats on your first NYFW show as hair director...
Update: It transpires that Black NY editor Valery Gherman was also the make-up director on this show. Go the Kiwis!

At the NYSE - hair by Richard Kavanagh - photo: Ben Hider

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #23: Bente Hansen by Greg Novak

German model Bente Hansen flew into Auckland recently for a weekend of shooting. Photographer Greg Novak took the opportunity to team with stylist Chris Lorimer to capture her angular beauty for Blacklog. Hair and make-up by Sky Cripps-Jackson at Stephen Marr.

Shop One Night - This Thursday

Deadly Ponies/Viva bag

For those with a penchant for an online shopping bargain this Thursday night represents a landmark moment with the staging of NZ's first one-night-only online shopping event entitled Shop One Night. Instigated by online shopping site Shop What's New, a broad selection of NZ designers and fashionistas have collaborated to offer special one-off deals and creations at remarkable prices between 5pm and midnight, this Thursday only. Like a massive online NZ pop up store Shop One Night mirrors a global phenomenon created initially by US Vogue when the stalwart created Vogue's Fashion Night Out, which upon going online, became Vogue's Fashion Night In. Shoe designer Kathryn Wilson collaborating with Shorty Street star Kimberley Crossman and jewellery designer Boh Runga is just one example of the many colabs, offers, value-added gifts and demon prices on offer so visit the site and stand by on Thursday with your credit/debit cards to get the bargains and one-off gems...

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #22: Mary at KHM/RPD by David K Shields

Vintage blue rabbit fur jacket from Tango
Leather lace-up top by One Teaspoon

We love the way photographer David K Shields effortlessly brings out the best in models. Mary Maguet at KHM/RPD is present and glowing in this Blacklog editorial, styled by our good friend Ana McDonald.  Mary wears Zambesi, Kiri Nathan, One Teaspoon, Andrea Moore, Wunderkammer Jewellery, Peter Lang and a selection of pieces from Tango. Make-up by Stacy Lee-Ghin and hair by Derek Aaron Young.

Korowai by Kiri Nathan, silk dress from Modes

On Set: Ryder Salon Blacklog Editorial behind-the-scenes by Grant Fell

Virginia Carde's deft touch on Rosie's eyelid

Yesterday we shot with photographer Damien Van der Vlist - back in New Zealand after setting up camp in London - and the crew from Ryder Salon to capturing looks that are indicative of the salon's style. In late May Ryder Salon is joining the migration down to the Britomart precinct, a development which is giving Auckland a long overdue make-over in a town planning sense. Peter Cooper and his development organisation Cooper & Company should take a well-deserved bow for the style and quality the area now exudes; brilliant vision and town planning at its best. Rachael Churchward styled six models; Rhianon at KHM, Rosie at Nova, Ella, Felix and Seth at 62 and Lily at Clyne, whilst Virginia Carde weaved her inimitable magic with make-up. Hair of course by Greg Murrell with assistance from talented Ryder Salon stylists Nicholas Macaulay and Kerry. Grant Fell spent the afternoon generally getting in the way and taking these behind-the-scenes images. Watch this space over the next few weeks for the full editorial images from the day.

Nicholas Macaulay's final touches on Lily's hair.
Lily wears: Trenchcoat by Helen Cherry, shirt and tie by Workshop Denim

Casting, casting, casting

Asena at 62 Models: Photo- Charles Howells

For the past week we have spent quite a bit of time casting for BLK #16 and a number of other projects across six out of the seven main agencies in Auckland; Clyne, Nova, 62 Models, Red 11, KHM and N. Model Management. The brief was to see as many new faces as possible and we have to say we're excited by what we have seen. The level of great, interesting new models has been a step up from previous years with plenty of different faces and figures for different projects. Here is small selection of some of the brand new faces that we have been loving this week. Many more will appear in Black Magazine, here on Blacklog or across the various projects our company BLK NZ Ltd has under way. Thanks to all of the agencies, the models who attended, and Charles Howells who turned up with camera and lighting kit to most of the castings. Beautiful kids of Aotearoa everywhere!

Laura N at Red11: Photo - Charles Howells

Lily at Clyne: Photo - Charles Howells

BLK #16: Darren McDonald and Paul Bui shoot Emily Jean

Emily Jean test above and below by Zachary Handley

The shoots are rolling in for BLK #16, six complete with eight more under way - love a packed shooting schedule! The week before last our Australian senior fashion editor Paul Bui teamed once again with Darren McDonald to shoot soon-to-be-big Emily Jean at Chic Sydney. She has fabulous bone structure and in the few shots we have seen of her to date - including the shots by Darren and Paul - it is clear the camera clearly 'loves' her. Keep an eye out for her at New York Fashion Week.

Elliot Ward-Fear AW 2012 'Flame' collection - shot by Thom Kerr and starring Liv O'Driscoll

Drawing inspiration from "ancient Chinese warriors, medieval battle armour and 1970's science-fiction heroines", Elliot Ward-Fear's AW 2012 collection, aptly entitled 'Flame' supports the belief of many that Ward-fear is a fashion superstar in the making. The collection is comprised of one-off, made to order separates and features luxurious fabrications including Japanese fabric paper, gold lame, double-knot ponte, moleskin and a brushed suiting-grade wool/cashmere blend. One of the designer's signature notions with each range is the development of a character that Ward-Fear feels embodies the spirit of each collection's aesthetic. 'Flames' protagonist is an ancient warrior Princess, brought to life in this space-age rendition by NZ model Liv O'Driscoll (at Chadwick/Red 11/MHI) and shot by Sydney-based Black photographer Thom Kerr. Stylist Cassandra Scott-Finn who collaborated with Kerr on the fabulous God In An Alcove shoot in the latest issue of Black styles up a storm, turning O'Driscoll into a "futuristic battle-ready bombshell" with make-up by Becca Gilmartin and hair by Lauren McCowan. Assistants on the shoot were Anastasia Spathis and Brian Le. From cut-out mini-dresses, cropped lace-up tops and jackets to high-waisted pants or embellished arm and leg guards, Ward-Fear displays his own unique vision of a fashion future, right now.