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!

Marr Factory "The Bathroom Edit" Directed by Ralph Matthews

With both Marr Factory and NZ Fashion Week done and dusted it seems like a good time to look back and reflect on how darn fun the last two weeks have been! The Marr Factory, along with Stephen Marr and Hallertau, have accumulated some extremely cute footage of all the models, post-show, sitting on a bright yellow toilet (!), being goofy and fooling around with bubbles, pom poms and mustaches in the backstage rooms of The Golden Dawn. It's fun!!

'The Bathroom Edit' is Directed and edited by Ralph Matthews. Watch the video below!

Enjoy!



Marr Factory - Avec l'amour from Stephen Marr on Vimeo.

NZFW: Company of Strangers by Damien Nikora

 Only a matter of hours now until we go to print with BLK #17, hence the low key posting action here and on our FB page over the past week. Deadline immersion! Time then, to start putting some posts up! Last week at NZFW Damien Nikora was shooting behind-the-scenes images for KMS California. Here is what can only be described as a quality photo essay of a NZ fashion show: last week's first ever NZFW outing by Dunedin label Company of Strangers - release the pressure! All photos by Damien Nikora

Lela Jacobs x Studio Abnumeral Exhibition Launch at The Keep

"The next great technological disruption is brewing just out of sight. In small workshops, faceless office parks, garages and basements, revolutionaries are tinkering with machines that can turn digital bits into physical atoms" Michael Weinberg, Nov. 2010

Offering something a little left of Fashion Week, Lela Jacobs teamed up with design studio Abnumeral to collaborate on some beautiful 3D printed creations. The fashion designer and design team, made up of John- Troy O'Sullivan and Rupert Enberg, launched their creations last night at Lela Jacobs' store on K.Rd, The Keep, in partnership with GEM wines, Hallertau beer and Waiwera water.

The exhibition saw not only 3D printed crowns, collars and cuffs from their collaboration but also Abnumeral's own designs of a lighting rig, a BIC lighter/ branding tool, restored antique brackets and a vegetable steamer, all of which were made by 3D printing machines in France, The Netherlands and Switzerland.

NZFW 12: ghd presents Blue Sky - Twentysevennames & Ingrid Starnes

Twentysevennames. Photo: Michael Ng

One of the few offsite shows this year was held at the Australis Room in the Britomart yesterday. Wellington based label Twentysevennames and Ingrid Starnes were both paired under the ghd presents Blue Sky banner. Twentysevennames started the show en masse before retiring to return individually on the catwalk. The collection entitled 'I Thought You'd Never Ask'  - based upon a book called Marriage Plot - answered plenty of questions for their legion of fans both here and overseas with strawberry, heart and polka prints matched with socks and jellys, and plenty of tangerine and caramel. Exactly the sweet outing required. Ingrid Starnes also reflected a bookish element albeit more Bronte than the previous show with an English country estate theme, 'Hunt's End.' Classic suiting in houndstooth, country coats, circle skirts and silk dresses in olive, orange, yellows, purples and blues suggesting that the riding is done, time for a Pimms perchance? Great to see two of Aotearoa's rising fashion stars incorporating a strong narrative to their work and knowing their respective audiences well enough to design with them in mind. All photos © Michael Ng www.passionforfashionphotography

Ingrid Starnes. Photo: Michael Ng

Film: Christopher Landon at Clyne by Damien Nikora

Christopher Landon from Damien Nikora on Vimeo.

Hibiscus Coast's finest Damien Nikora continues to impress us with his creative vision photographically but he is also pretty good at making animated short films like this one of Christopher Landon at Clyne. Like most good models, Christopher has concurrent creative pursuits to his modelling career, in his case, getting down and dirty with a paintbrush. Nikora captures the essence of this to a dab and paint-blood hands - shot at Landon's studio. Landon is exhibiting shortly, we will keep you informed.

NZFW 12: Zambesi Backstage by Yasmine Ganley

"Exhilarating!" was the word that came to mind for Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward, "Superb", "Classy", "Outstanding" weren't far away, Zambesi's AW 13 show at New Zealand Fashion Week was indeed one for superlatives, and one for the ages. Liz Findlay's brilliant women's collection was matched stride for stride by Dayne Johnson's coming of age as Zambesi Man designer with classic tailoring, rad prints and fun, almost nutty collarly concepts that just seemed so completely Zambesi across both labels. The well-cast model selection included boy legends like Vinnie Woolston, Michael Whittaker and Josh Skelton who all walked purposefully to one of the strongest soundtracks heard in a while. The Jason Chong-Li led Stephen Marr team whipped up a raft of intrinsically perfect Zambesi hair and Amber D and the team at M.A.C nailed, 'scuse the pun, the make-up and nails. Afterward, Dayne Johnson said that the team had a truncated window to produce this collection and that there was considerable time pressure on Liz and himself to come up with the goods. If this is anything to go by the pressure was well and truly absorbed, classic! Photos by Yasmine Ganley. 

Marr Factory Thursday: Kate Sylvester - film by Ralph Matthews

Marr Factory - Kate Sylvester from Stephen Marr on Vimeo.

Film of Kate Sylvester, the final Marr Factory show on Thursday night by Ralph-shoot-at-night-then-cut-by-day Matthews. Cut to the sound of live band for the night Surf Friend's 'Sunny Day'.

Film by Ralph Matthews
Hair Creative Direction by Matthew Benns & The Stephen Marr team
Make up by KieKie Stanners @ M.A.C Cosmetics
Styling by Karen Inderbitzen-Waller
Hair products by Wella
Additional filming by AB Watson and Joel Takao
Soundtrack: 'Sunny Day' by Surf Friends

Marr Factory Thursday - Kate Sylvester

Georgia Fowler joins Surf Friends. Photo: Oliver Rose

 The Marr Factory finished up five nights of great New Zealand fashion last night with a beautiful show showcasing Kate Sylvester's 'All My Heart' SS 12 collection. The Golden Dawn, Tavern of Power was again packed to the rafters and despite a few spots of rain early in the evening, the weather Gods were in a lenient mood. As the Kate Sylvester pop-up store backs onto the Golden Dawn, it made sense to use it as backstage and create a different walk for the models than on previous nights. For the second night in a row, Karen Inderbitzen-Waller styled the show beautifully, capturing the collection's pretty/sexy signature whilst adding her unique twists. The Stephen Marr team, led by Matt Benns, added extensions and length to create wispy flyaway hair and once again the team at M.A.C, led by KieKie Stanners,  complimented the collection superbly. For the second time this week a live band played the soundtrack, although Surf Friends were on fire, pumping out sweet indie grooves and leaping around a fair bit. At the finale the models assembled on stage as they had done all week but this time the band were in amongst them, models and music, resulting in model Georgia Fowler getting on the mic and singing along. It has been a great week and huge kudos is due to Stephen Marr, Hallertau, Showroom 22, the staff at the Golden Dawn and all of the designers, models and crews for getting into the spirit of the week and having plenty of fun doing it. Let's hope there will be more Marr Factorys in future. Now for Fashion Week! All photos by Oliver Rose unless otherwise credited to Yasmine Ganley.

Rhianon, Derya and Johanna:Photo Oliver Rose

Marr Factory Wednesday: NOM*d - film by Ralph Matthews

Marr Factory - Nom*D from Stephen Marr on Vimeo.

Here is the NOM*d film from Wednesday night by Ralph Matthews. Cut to 'Double Dare' the classic Bauhaus tune from the show soundtrack by Richard Shaw.

Film by Ralph Matthews
Hair Creative Direction by Sky Jackson & The Stephen Marr team
Make up by Olivia @ M.A.C Cosmetics
Hair products by O&M
Styling by Karen Inderbitzen-Waller
Additional filming by AB Watson and Joel Takao

Marr Factory Wednesday: NOM*d

Models on stage. Photo: Oliver Rose

The Golden Dawn, Tavern of Power, was positively heaving last night as the great Southern brand known as NOM*d rolled into town for the fourth night of the Marr Factory. For those of us who have been there all four nights so far, it felt like a welcome Groundhog Night experience returning to the friendly staff and environment that has been home to us all week. The collection, entitled 'A Raven's Tale', is on sale now in store and online like all of the fashion on display during the week of the Marr Factory and was succinctly styled by the talented Karen Inderbitzen-Waller, who is also styling tonight's Kate Sylvester show. A Raven's Tale, a la Alan Parson's Project or even Edgar Allen Poe, is no lightweight matter and Inderbitzen-Waller, ably assisted by Stephen Marr's Sky Jackson and team and the Olivia-led M.A.C team nailed the vibe superbly. There was a darkness in the eyes as the well-cast models sauntered down the runway to the suitably dark undertones in the music, created by long time collaborator Richard Shaw. Perfect then, to have DJ Carter Pearce on the decks after the show, dropping twisted and quirky old school tunes for the crowd who responded by hitting the dance floor en masse. Four great shows in a row and Kate Sylvester to come tonight, can hardly wait! All photos by Oliver Rose and, where credited, by Yasmine Ganley

Photo: Yasmine Ganley

Karen Walker Eyewear: C'est Fantastique!

The Karen Walker Eyewear 'Fantastique' collection goes on sale across New Zealand today. Stock is super limited, there are 6 models - 3 styles and two colour ways each of the fab filigree specs so best get in quick. All styles are on sale for NZ $399. These photos from the upcoming issue of Black. Photography: Charles Howells. Fashion editor: Rachael Churchward. Hair: Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr. Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Cosmetics. Models: MIchael Whittaker at Clyne Models and Chloe W at Red 11. Fashion assistant: Noah Whaiapu. Chloe wears: KWE Fantastique frames and scarf by Marc by Marc Jacobs from Workshop. Michael wears: Fantastique frames and shirt by Senex Puerilis Wunderkammer

Marr factory Tuesday: Workshop & Helen Cherry - film by Ralph Matthews

Marr Factory - Workshop and Helen Cherry from Stephen Marr on Vimeo.

One of the things we loved about the soundtrack to the Workshop & Helen Cherry show was Dylan Cherry's edit from Lou Reed's 'Waiting For The Man' into 'Pusherman' by Curtis Mayfield, nice. Here is the Workshop & Helen Cherry clip by Ralph Matthews of the show, cut to Mayfield's iconic drug tune.

Marr Factory Tuesday: Workshop & Helen Cherry

Georgia Fowler. Photo: Damien Nikora

Day three of the Marr Factory saw Workshop Denim and Helen Cherry pack out the rapidly-becoming-more-famous Golden Dawn, Tavern of Power. The tight show, styled by Black Magazine's Rachael Churchward, featured a veritable who's who of the Auckland modelling scene; top boys like Vinnie Woolston, Michael Whittaker and Christopher Landon rubbed shoulders with catwalk legends like Ngahuia Williams, Georgia Fowler and Penny Pickard, flanked by a swathe of the ubiquitous new breed like Lili Sumner, Kelvin, Rosie Crawford, Andrey, Cedric, Mary, Rhianon Stanford and Tess H among many others. Quality casting for sure. Music for the night was superbly mashed up in an oh-so-Workshop style by Dylan Cherry and his musical mate Elliot. The Stephen Marr hair team led by Lauren Gunn and Matt Benns, again delivered perfectly, as, once again, did the M.A.C team led by Josie Wignall - after two nights of sunnies it was good to see lots of eyes!  Churchward accessorised the two labels - which looked more cohesive together, than ever - with imports available, like all of the fashion on show, right now in store and online. These included: menswear by Alexander Wang and Marc by Marc Jacobs (both new to Workshop) and Wunderkammer Jewellery for Workshop. Womenswear by Vanessa Bruno, Alexander Wang, Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Petit Bateau and Wildfox. All photos by Oliver Rose and Damien Nikora

Breonne, Georgia, Lili and Chloe. Photo: Oliver Rose

Marr Factory Monday: Zambesi - film by Ralph Matthews

Marr Factory - Zambesi from Stephen Marr on Vimeo.


Here is the snazzy short film by Ralph Matthews of the Zambesi show held at the Golden Dawn on Monday night as part of the Marr Factory week.

Film by Ralph Matthews
Hair Creative Direction by Chong Li & The Stephen Marr team
Make up by Amber D @ M.A.C Cosmetics
Hair products by Wella
Styling: Women's wear by Liz Findlay, Men's wear by Dayne Johnston
Models from Red11

Marr Factory Monday: Zambesi

Window on the Dawn. Photo: Oliver Rose

Day two of the Marr Factory and The Golden Dawn felt very much like a humming wee Tavern of Power as Zambesi and Zambesi Man showed their SS12 collection. Pre-show we had fun playing with the Golden Dawn Spirit Guide, a snazzy app that let's you discover the 'lost arts of Divination, Scrying, Astral Travel, Feasting and Astronomy.' The chalky catwalk is shaping as a simple but clever concept and Zambesi's intricate Z logo marked the turning point to the model's weaving, exploratory walk. In recent times Zambesi have often included a band or live act with their shows and last night was no different. Set up in the corner, She's So Rad, a band that are rapidly garnering international attention, provided live catwalk music with dreamy, psychedelic versions of tunes by the likes of The Clean and Julee Cruise, ably assisted pre and post show by a selection of snappy, upbeat tunes by DJ Ridge Jaggers. The show was a good length and the models, all from Red 11, looked suitably vampy with awesome make-up by Amber D and the M.A.C team and equally brilliant hair by the Jason Chong-Li led Stephen Marr team. Afterwards the photo call in the rooms upstairs was well directed by Oliver Rose who alongside Black photographer Yasmine Ganley, film maker Ralph Matthews and a small scrum of photographers and bloggers was searching for every angle possible in the wooden-walled and wallpapered rooms. It is this earthiness, casualness and camaraderie which is already making the Marr Factory week something to remember. Tonight, Workshop & Helen Cherry, styled by Black Magazine fashion director Rachael Churchward, more updates tomorrow and of course, a few Instagrams tonight. All photos by Oliver Rose, unless otherwise credited (Yasmine Ganley).

Wall of Zam. Photo: Yasmine Ganley

Marr Factory Sunday: Karen Walker video by Ralph Matthews

Marr Factory - Karen Walker from Stephen Marr on Vimeo.

As Marr Factory Week rolls on we'll be adding more images and videos like this one by Ralph Matthews for the Karen Walker SS12 show last night. Good to see the moving footage...

Film by Ralph Matthews
Hair creative direction by Lauren Gunn & The Stephen Marr team
Makeup by M.A.C Cosmetics
Hair products by Wella
Additional filming by AB Watson and Joel Takao

Marr Factory Sunday: Karen Walker

Photo: Oliver Rose

Last night Karen Walker opened the week of Marr Factory shows to be held at Golden Dawn, Tavern of Power on Auckland's Ponsonby Road. A bubbly Sunday crowd made up of Karen Walker customers, media and the fashion forward public turned up on time at 5.30 to partake in the hospitality provided by Stephen Marr and Hallertau. At 7pm, like Moses with a headset on, Murray Bevan parted the people and Karen rolled out her superb SS 12 (Southern Hemisphere) collection, aptly entitled Sea Monsters. It was hard not to think of the way a certain Lady singer forms a bond with her followers as the girls stalked the chalky catwalk accessorised beautifully with matching Beau Coops for Karen Walker heels and the glittering, to-be-launched-this-week Karen Walker Eyewear 'Fantastique' frames. The gorgeous succession of models did indeed seem like Karen's little Sea Monsters. One of the features of the week is that everything that is shown on the catwalk can be purchased in store or online almost immediately (the Fantastique frames go on sale this week). Stephen Marr have done a great job of turning the bulk of the brick building that sits on the corner of Ponsonby and Richmond Roads into a suitable venue for five nights with five of New Zealand's most revered designers, roll on Zambesi tonight. We'll be posting a video of last night here soon, in the meantime here are a selection of images from the evening. All photos by Oliver Rose Photography unless otherwise stated, by Yasmine Ganley.

Photo: Yasmine Ganley

Heading down to the Factory

Today is day one of the much anticipated Marr Factory shows here in Auckland. Over the next five days we'll be covering each show here on Blacklog and on our Facebook page, plus of course snapping Instagrams. Inordinately excited to tell you the truth! Karen Walker tonight, posts tomorrow morning...

Wunderkammer Showroom Clean-Out Sale

Our friends at Wunderkammer are doing something special this weekend. As they concentrate their efforts on ZBB Wunderkammer Jewellery, new mens clothing brand Senex Puerilis Wunderkammer and developing the existing store on Ponsonby Road, they have decided to close the showroom at 62 Ponsonby Road. That space has been home to an amazing array of taxidermy, cabinets, specimens, lamps, pews, art and of course, a full size billiard table. This weekend - starting on Friday, August 24 and ending on Sunday, August 26 they are selling the lot. Larger items are available to view by appointment prior but anyone who knows and likes the Wunderkammer environment and can see a little bit of that in their home, should attend.

The Marr Factory - Next Week!

This Sunday, sees the first of five fab boutique style shows presented by Stephen Marr and Hallertau at the much loved Golden Dawn Tavern in Ponsonby. Karen Walker is the opening show and is presented in association with Black Magazine but we will be there every night covering each show with a selection of our own photos, imagery from Oliver Rose and his team and the talented folk at Special Problems who will be providing videos of each night. A large part of the building which houses the Golden Dawn has been earmarked for backstage, hair & make-up etc so it will be humming all week whilst guests out front will ensure more casks of quality Hallertau than usual are required. Most of the shows have sold out but there are a few stray public tickets still available on iTicket.co.nz if you get in quick.

Here are five good reasons we are looking forward to The Marr Factory:

Sunday 26th August – Stephen Marr & Hallertau Present KAREN WALKER in association with Black Magazine
Monday 27th August - Stephen Marr & Hallertau Present ZAMBESI
Tuesday 28th August - Stephen Marr & Hallertau Present HELEN CHERRY & WORKSHOP
Wednesday 29th August - Stephen Marr & Hallertau Present NOM*D
Thursday 30th August - Stephen Marr & Hallertau Present KATE SYLVESTER in association with NZ Herald Viva.

Converse FA12 Winter Boot Fest!

Chuck Taylor All Star Sargent

The Converse FA 12 boot collection is available now at specialty retailers nationwide and online. For ardent (or new) fans of the iconic Chuck this little selection steps the boot firmly forward in a way that runs the gamut from outdoorsy to on-stage. From the new version of the classic Bosey Boot, via the sturdy Major Mills, the Lady Outsider, sleek Sargent and the wintery Alice through to our personal favourite, The Hiker, this boot collection is steeped in tuff chic. Winter styles that can be worn all year round.

Chuck Taylor All Star Hiker

BLK #17: On set - Marissa Findlay and Rachael Churchward

Lily in Helen Cherry, Zambesi. Rings by Wunderkammer Jewellery. Nails by M.A.C

Yesterday we completed our fashion shooting schedule for BLK #17 at two East Auckland properties, in the rain, of course. Photographer Marissa Findlay got snazzy with the ring-flash, Rachael Churchward styled Red 11's Anmari Botha and Lily Sumner in slick, sporty, luxe Helmut Newton-esque fashion, M.A.Cs Amber D excelled herself with make-up and nails and Stephen Marr's Matt Benns read the brief beautifully. Assists were Leila Wrathall, Hana Tutton,Virginia at M.A.C and Lucy Herbert. Labels: Louis Vuitton, Zambesi, Karen Walker, Helen Cherry, Kate Sylvester, Stolen Girlfriends Club, adidas by Stella McCartney, Storm, Ksubi, One Teaspoon and Speedo. Footwear and accessories by See by Chloe (at Workshop), Dior & Sergio Rossi (at Ashley Ardrey), ManiaMania (at BlackBox) and Wunderkammer Jewellery. Vintage belts from Tango. Some available in-store and online this week...BTS photos by Grant Fell

Anmari gets the Amber treatment in Zambesi Eyewear, Louis Vuitton and Ksubi

BLK #17 - On Set: David K Shields & Rachael Churchward

Ella, hair by Shontal Healey

Only two shoots to go now for BLK #17. Yesterday we travelled to our good friend Bo Hendgen's farm at Muriwai to shoot with David K Shields and models Ella Verberne, Hunter McLeod at Clyne and Cedric at N. Model Management. Bo owns NZ's finest essential oil company Absolute Essential and also owns several beautiful horses. Cin Cin and Luciano were extremely inquisitive throughout the day and exhibited a penchant for the camera, like all good models! Rachael Churchward styled Ella in a mix of local brands and vintage/antique and made the boys look suitably 'Gone With The Wind' to accompany her. Hair was wild and windy by Shontal Healey at Stephen Marr with make-up by Sharlene Cassidy. Today we are shooting hair and beauty with Charles Howells, Rachael Churchward, Greg Murrell and Amber D.

Hunter, up close with Luciano. Below: Howdy Cedric!

Bag this! Barkers colab with Parisian.

As Barkers continue to refine their artisanal vision, their long running partnership with Auckland manufacturer Parisian forged new ground for both of the iconic NZ companies recently with the creation of their first leather satchel. Here, in this well-made short film by Reel Good, Parisian's product developer Vern Hown talks candidly about the leap of faith the company made in creating the snazzy satchel, a colab mooted to them by Barker's Matt Oliver which which will soon realise a wallet and other tasty leather treats. A nice synergy indeed...

Black Magazine for iPhone and iPad now available!

We are pleased to announce that as of today you can buy digital copies of Black Magazine for iPhone or iPad from both the Apple Newsstand (if you have an iPhone) or from the Apple iTunes Store. The latest three issues are up there so you can buy individual issues or buy a one year subscription - US $12.99 for 3 issues.

Simply go to either destination and search: "Black Magazine" download the free app and away you go.

Excited!