The Great Gatsby, according to Miuccia and Baz

 Small and perfectly formed, F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a sublime novel, albeit averagely interpreted in the past on the silver screen. The novel was set in the Jazz Age, in a fashion sense a fine era indeed and Baz Luhrmann surely knows this, courting Miuccia Prada, one of the world's greatest fashion designers and the legendary costume designer Catherine Martin to deliver the sartorial elegance the great novel deserves. Prada and Martin deliver a bespoke collection of over 40 unique Miu Miu and Prada cocktail and evening dresses that have been inspired by runway looks from the last 20 years to aesthetically take Gatsby to a new level.

Check the Fringe with Salon Mika

More side part then fringe, Mika will
reveal all in the Salon

Our good friend and 'King of Exotic Cabaret' Mika is bringing his take on cabaret - think Josephine Baker on a naughty night out with Grace Jones - to an iconic, for us at least, part of Karangahape Road. As part of the Auckland Fringe and Pride Festival, Salon Mika will run at Switch Bar, which just happens to be the same space that we lived in for six years and ran our magazine Planet from. Mika, who describes himself as: "One part plastic Māori, one part lifestyle liberationist and one part icon. Actor, singer, dancer, image‐maker," is a veteran of seven Edinburgh Fringe Festivals so expect a world-class show and a cast "of live musicians, dancers, exotic performers and poets from several countries." The R18 show opens to the public on Valentines Day, Feb 14 and runs through Wed-Sat nights from 8pm to Feb 23. Tickets are from $12 at 1-night.co.nz or 09 889 2161

Live More Awesome and the World's Biggest Waterslide

Day one of the dig!

We are so very impressed by our friend Daniel Drupsteen and his mate Jimi Hunt. Both have suffered at the hands of depression and both have decided to do something about it by forming Live More Awesome, a New Zealand based charity that aims to keep depression at bay by simply "living more awesome." True to their word they have come up with an awesome concept; the World's Biggest Waterslide to raise money for the Live More awesome Charity. The event, to be held at a private farm near Helensville on February 23 and 24 will feature three waterslides, one of which will be a massive 650 metres long. Tickets are $46 from Indiegogo and limited to 2,000 people - they're selling like hot cakes so best be in very quickly. Buy a ticket, help fight depression, have a hell of a good time and be part of history. Go ahead, live more awesome!

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #31: Charles Howells shoots Chloe Graham at 62 Models

Leather jacket from Lonely Hearts archive,
jewellery by Zora Bell Boyd

 Wellington-based model Chloe Graham has long been one of the best on 62 Models' books so when Charles Howells had the opportunity to shoot her we were more than keen to run the images here on Blacklog. Stylist Rachael Churchward put together an eclectic mix of local and international labels, Sharlene Cassidy looked after hair and make-up using M.A.C Cosmetics and Chloe did the rest!

Amici di Peroni with Hayden McMillan

We all love a good degustation meal, right? In December, Peroni threw a lunch on Waiheke Island with master New Zealand chef Hayden McMillan, head chef at Parnell's Tribeca restaurant that upped the ante on the lunch front! Travelling via Ferrari and helicopter, guests were treated to a cooking masterclass by McMillan who took them through the meal step-by-step, allowing time to sup plenty of Peroni. Tomato and watermelon gazpacho was followed by beetroot cured salmon gravalax, pork belly with avocado and prawns, milk-fed lamb with peas, dates and yoghurt and finally, mint slice and ice cream. It might be the Maori blood in us, but pork belly is high on our list of yummy things so let's share Hayden's delicious pork belly, avocado and prawns recipe with you...

"Stand Out" Collection by Glassons at Van Lier Rose Factory

"Stand Out doesn't have to be a shout, and it's certainly not a whisper. It is a clear voice for a different time, and it speaks of a new history"

This quote pulled from the new Stand Out collection by Glassons booklet is a good way to describe the brand's new step in the right direction. What has been up until now considered a mainstream chainstore, Glassons is about to take on a whole new girl.

Yesterday we were taken, by bus, up to the Van Lier Rose Factory in Coatesville where we sat amongst rows of rosebuds to watch the new Stand Out collection by Glassons runway show. And yes, we were impressed. A clean, sophisticated line up of smart casual-wear came roaring down the runway, set against foot-tap-worthy rock tunes played by a mixture of musicians from the DHDFDs, Rackets, Splash & Checks.

Quilted leather-esque bomber jackets and mini skirts, leather-esque sleeved winter coats and cropped cigarette pants in dense patterns stole the show. Pieces to take home? The denim. Great fitting boy-ish denim jeans, dungarees like you've always wanted, embroidery collared shirts and tough denim vests. Simple and easy with a price point to allowing constant thrashing.

Wrangler AW 13 Campaign feat. Ruby Jean Wilson by Cory White

 Wrangler's AW 13 campaign continues the brands directional, quality imaging with the latest offering by photographer Cory White and stylist Tamila Purvis capturing the range's 90's grunge band influence to a t (shirt). Starring undeniably one of the hottest models in the world at the moment, Ruby Jean Wilson, and two great male faces in smouldering Jacob Hankin and the suitably hirsuite Nic Smith, the collection draws upon the lyrics of Neil Young and the music of the incomparable Daniel Lanois to inform the look and feel. Denim shirts are big, as are trucker jackets. both rich parts of the brand's iconic heritage, whilst vintage lace, printed velvet, textured jeans, faded denim and the return of the skirt signal the grunge direction. Dig it! Photography: Cory White Styling: Tamila Purvis Models: Ruby Jean Wilson, Jacob Hankin and Nic Smith, all at Priscillas

Maya Handley of Turnedout for Glassons in NYC

Keeping up their New York City vibe in their summer campaigns, Glassons head over to the big apple for the second summer in a row to shoot their new summer campaign with Maya Handley of tunrnedout.tv.

turnedout.tv has been a huge inspiration for me personally and I know for a fact that the aesthetic and charm Maya captures in her photographs of girls on the street grabs the attention of girls from all over the globe. When all the other street-style bloggers turned to commercialise their images and start printing their own books as a means to evolve, Maya, by instinct, clearly pulled in the other direction and continued to capture the realness on the street, exposing her sharp eye for pre-fashion-cues. Photographing inspiring girls who we learn hold jobs we get jealous over, girls who wear shoes and hats we love- but have no idea where they could have found them, and girls who dress themselves, for themselves - not to be photographed. 

An inspiring kiwi lass herself, New Zealander Maya, now residing in New York, works for people such as Grazia Italy, Dana Lee and Oyster. Having also taken images for other kiwi brands such as Stolen Girlfriends Club and Lonely Hearts, she now adds Glassons to her NZ list. Engulfing the Glassons brand straight into her world of turnedout.tv Maya has captured the new season's collection in a whole new light. A light which we are loving. 

The images embody that same spontaneity of turnedout. Delivering a combination of Maya's eye for detail, color, natural light, and personality; it is the New Zealand girl's take of life in the big city! 

Hair, in a very big way with Iggy Rosales, by Thom Kerr

Alyssia wears: Knit by Koren Wheatley, vintage shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch 

22-year-old Iggy Rosales has been making a name for himself as the quietly confident colourist turned session stylist. Rising up the editorial ranks, he's become known for his ability to execute complicated styles with fearless ease and speed. We asked him to create some big hair with fresh face Alyssia from Volta Models and talk us through some of the methods behind his madness. And in the process we discovered he was born in New Zealand! Naturally it was only a matter of time before his skills would grace our Blacklog audience!

Intro and interview below by Thom Kerr. Photography: Thom Kerr Styling: Sarah Birchley Hair: Iggy Rosales using Kevin.Murphy Make-up: Lauren Chalmers Model: Alyssia at Volta Models

Roberto Cavalli FW Menswear feat. Vinnie Woolston

Roberto Cavalli teams with son Daniele to deliver his latest menswear collection in a trippy film set in a fantastical nightclub to the bluesy sounds of The Cyborgs. Of particular note to NZ fashion followers is the appearance of New Zealand's number one male model, Vinnie Woolston at 62 Models.

The Strateas-Carlucci-sphere

Peter Strateas and Mario Luca Carlucci had early success with their first label Trimapee before closing it down gently to go straight to Paris with their next venture Strateas Carlucci, a picture of tailoring, construction and form..

interview: Grant Fell photo: Superteam Studios

The Art Factory of Amanda

She’d happily eat Yoko Ono’s grapefruit with Dali but Amanda Charchian would be much happier making things; sculptures, photographs, films, collages, paintings and installations, will do.

interview: Yasmine Ganley photos: Eliot Lee Hazel

Karen Walker, meet Fred Perry

The iconic Fred Perry shirt, one of the world's most recognisable, has just turned 60 years of age. To celebrate the brand asked '60 of its most loyal and distinguished fans' to furnish a birthday shirt to celebrate. The selection is deliciously diverse, from Raf Simons, Collette and Inez and Vinoodh to Damon Albarn, the world's greatest bike rider Sir Bradley Wiggins, Neville Brody and Nitzer Ebb among others. The fact that New Zealand designer Karen Walker has been selected as one of the collaborators is testament to her standing as not only a fashion designer, but a creative thinker. The designs range from Damon Albarn's incredibly simple '60' moniker to UK designer Sister by Sibling's relatively complex Fred Perry shirt/dress/tutu so it is great to see that Walker's design (pictured) looks and feels so very Karen Walker. The entire collection can be viewed on the Fred Perry microsite and in collaboration with Dover Street Market and set designer Andy Hillman some will be displayed in an exhibition at DSM on Jan 26, before the installation travels to DSM Ginza and I.T Beijing after the London event. Admirably, the collection will be auctioned to raise money for the Amy Winehouse Foundation later this year.

Levi Hawken, the Bomb, according to Liverpool Street

All photos: Damien Nikora Styling: Cy Hermann

Levi Hawken, he of 'Nek Minnit' fame has more to offer than a catch phrase, he's a role model for the challenged and challengers, in many senses of the word: Levi has spent his life overcoming obstacles. Physically, due to ectodermal dysplasia, figuratively, as a leading NZ skateboarder, and most recently, unwanted fame as the ‘Nek Minnit guy’. Grant Fell and Rachael Churchward get the lowdown on hill bombing, teaching kids the right way to skate and the inextricable nature of association...

BTS film: Thom Kerr shoots Rowena by Dylan Buzolich

Black Magazine from Dylan B on Vimeo.

Following on from the last post, here's the behind-the-scenes film of Thom Kerr's shoot with Rowena at Chadwick directed by Dylan Buzolich. Hair and make-up by Justin Henry. Styling, and a not insubstantial amount of clothing, by James Todorov. Song: The Supreme Beings Of Leisure 'Last Girl on Earth".

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #30: Thom Kerr, Justin Henry and James Todorov shoot Rowena at Chadwick

Headpiece by James Todorov( customised), blouse by

 Alice McCall, ring by House of Baulch

 Whilst in Melbourne in December, Black Australian editor Thom Kerr hooked up with our Melbourne editor Justin Henry for the first time. Like-minded souls tend to find each other and before you know it, this Blacklog editorial was born. The pair added Melbourne artist James Todorov to the mix and shot beautiful Rowena Xi Kang at Chadwick. Says Thom: "James is a performance artist, a clothing designer and a talented stylist with a wonderful eye. I noticed James work back in early 2012 so it was very rewarding to finally make the time to create something together. I'd also been wanting to work with Black Magazine's rather fabulous Melbourne editor Justin Henry for quite some time, so we thought it fitting that we involve James in our collaboration! Justin is a fan of Todorov's styling work as well, and both of us are confident that soon you will be too..." Sold!

Our Valentin: Why it's good to Love Ugly

I Love Ugly is quite clearly New Zealand's fastest growing clothing brand with a huge following online and internationally. Founder Valentin Ozichs and his team have all of the elements in place to ensure that I Love Ugly is only going to grow, in many directions.

interview: Yasmine Ganley photos: Oliver Rose

MIranda Tapsell: The sparkling Sapphire

At 17, Darwin-born actress Miranda Tapsell witnessed a stage show called ‘The Sapphires’, it changed her life. Serendipitously, many years later, ‘The Sapphires’ has changed her life, yet again, this time with Miranda as one of the stars.

story and photo by Thom Kerr  styling: Chris Leger  hair: Richard Kavanagh at DLM  make-up: Jovita Lee dress: Dan Jones

Ribal and Gil, Melbourne's Superteam

They may look like the Odd Couple, because, well they happily are. Melbourne photographers Superteam Studios inhabit a creative space that only they can find, and it shows in their superlative work.

interview: Grant Fell photo: Superteam Studios

The many hats of Ashley Ruprecht

Describing her own style as ‘part future retro-goth, part Glenda the Good Witch from Wizard of Oz, it is clear that NY-based hatmaker Ashley Ruprecht is a vision of style. Just don’t go to the movies with her.

interview: Grant Fell photo: Alex Forsey styling: Sara Dunn at Clicks & Contacts

Is that you Johnny? Thom Kerr and Lindsay Rose ask questions...

We've decided to use Blacklog this year to place some of the content from Black online. So here in the first of a series of excerpts from BLK #18, is Johnny Castrati!

intro and photo: Thom Kerr interview: Lindsay Rose Hair & Make-up: Becca Gilmartin

You may be asking yourself, who is this handsome fellow you see before you? Why does he look so familiar? Often you read various deconstructions about the science of beauty. Theories on how the symmetry and shapes of facial features play a key role in our subconscious idea of beauty. Take our subject for example. Spend a moment to scan over his portrait and appreciate him - he ticks all the boxes. Dreamy eyes, a strong jaw line, a healthy mane of hair. He definitely possesses a certain movie star quality about him. For those of you curious, his name is Johnny Castrati and he’s been causing quite the stir across Australia’s burlesque scene. Attaining the status of heart throb, you’ll often find Johnny serenading women on stage or speaking of love lost on the open seas. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. Johnny is a fictional character created by comedic actress Lindsay Rose. Yes, you heard me correctly. Johnny Castrati is played by a woman. So we thought it more fitting to ask Lindsay to interview Johnny, to get a sense of the woman behind the man or... um... the man behind the woman? You get what I mean.

Happy 2013!

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

BLK #18: The Ferg Files

This issue of Black our art director Ian Fraser Ferguson at Friends of Design happily went round in circles imbuing graphics and fonts with summer reds, oranges and dusky pink. Once the issue is out here in New Zealand we like to post the intro pages with the Ferg touch, so without further ado...

A Christmas Gif for you

Greta Larkins aka FashGif loves the creativity that the animated GIF offers. Of course animated GIFs are not new but Larkin's creative approach to the form and broad application to fashion is certainly unique. Since launching FashGif in 2011,  ostensibly to experiment with GIFs on her favourite runway walks, the Tumblr site has been featured on Tumblr's Spotlight fashion section, Trendland, DAZED Digital, Fashionista, the Daily Dot as well as colabs with Vogue Homme Japan, Oyster Mag and Calvin Klien among others. Now add Blacklog to that list as her friend, photographer Tracey Lee Hayes, colabs with FashGif on her Alys shoot with Justin Henry in BLK #18.

The Sweet Sound of Summer

We rarely do giveaways here on Blacklog but our friends at Corona have given us a sweet Christmasy package to give away and who are we to stem the Christmas cheer! This Corona bean bag, a tee shirt, sun hat, 4 x 6 packs of scrumptious, cooling Corona and an ice cooler bucket to chill the fine ales in, could all be yours. All you have to do is email your favourite summer tune, of all time, to mail@blackmagazine.co.nz. Please include your contact email and phone number. We will choose a winner on New Year's Eve, based upon how much we like the tune, and post it here on Blacklog. To give you a start, here is one of our all time favourite summer tunes, Richie Havens' version of the Beatles' Here Comes The Sun...sure feels like summer!

BLK #18: Reeds Of Innocence film by Delphine Avril Planqueel

Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Rachael Churchward combined once again in the latest issue, BLK #18, this time creating a family; a mother, daughter and son on holiday and away from constrictions, in Hawaii, or maybe Auckland. Make-up by Amber D for MAC Cosmetics, hair by Jason Chong-Li at Stephen Marr using Kevin.Murphy. This film by creative thinker, lighting & digital expert and rapidly learning filmmaker Delphine Avril Planqueel...

Black Casting Chair: Thom Kerr and Justin Henry shoot Dannielle at Volta

Here at Black Magazine we are privileged to share wonderful relationships with various agencies around the world. During the casting process, we come across some great fresh faces. For all sorts of wonderful reasons big and small, we can't put everyone into the magazine. Not making the cut however doesn't mean that the potential isn't there. So to spread the love we will continue to share with you the faces we believe have strong potential for development. So we've created the Black Casting Chair - which will consist of stills and videos of various models from around the world. Everyone included has something a little bit special about them. Let's get the ball rolling - meet Dannielle from Melbourne Australia, represented by boutique agency Volta models. Story, styling and photography: Thom Kerr  Hair and make-up: Justin Henry

Taschen for Xmas please!

One can never receive too many Taschen books or products, especially for the Christmas/New Year summer holidays here in Aotearoa when reading, browsing or devouring books somehow becomes as easy as eating too much pavlova. Here's three that we have (had) under the Christmas tree; The beautiful Yohji Yamamoto book, curated by iD founder Terry Jones is an insightful tome on the Japanese master, replete with a superb piece by Workshop collaborator Jamie Huckbody from a 2002 issue of iD. If calendars are your thing then Gil Elvgren's Pin Ups is perfectly formed whilst the Advertising from the Mad Men era calendar is more like a diary imbued with mid-Century ads and the style which has made Mad Men a must watch for lovers of fashion. Let's not forget how popular Taschen is with the Simpson family, either, having opened their latest store in Springfield (below).

BLK #18 Covers

Photo: Michael Schwartz Stylist: Sonny Groo
Hair: Tuan Anh Tran Make-up: Valery Gherman
Model: Sui He at New York Models for Shiseido
Sui wears: Alberta Ferreti, Irfe and Mawi

It's good to have another issue in the bag. BLK #18 is the first of our tri-annual end of year issues and chock full of holiday goodness and reading. On sale later this week in NZ and early Jan in Australia and further afield. The digital version will be available world wide later this week through Apple Newsstand and Kindle. Four covers this issue and here they are!

Photo: Andy Eaton Stylist: Sara Dunn
Hair: Panos Papandrianos Make-up: Jo Frost
Model: Franzi Mueller at IMG London
Franzi wears: Maison Martin Margiela

Photo: Paul; Empson Stylist: Sam Ranger
Hair: Lok Lau Make-up: Sharma
Model: Julia Frauche at Nathalie Models London
Julia wears: JW Anderson

Photo: Charles Howells Stylist: Rachael Churchward
Hair: Greg Murrell Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy
Model: Annabella Barber at Chic Sydney
Annabella wears: Zambesi

Kenneth Mannchen Artist in Residence at The Keep

For the past week, The Keep store has played host to artist Kenneth Mannchen who has been creating works from their shop window. Kenneth's latest works, "He has left us alone but shafts of light sometimes grace the corner of our rooms", displayed man/Mannchen-made recreations of his entire wardrobe of garments, hand-stitched from Japanese rice paper.

Each rice paper garment was then folded into envelopes and handed out into the crowd to be either tried on, worn, or simply hung on a rack to admire the delicacy of craftsmanship. The wearing and tearing of the recreations throughout the opening night was be heavily encouraged by the artist in order to assist the display of his personal practice of instant Wabi-sabi. The tears were then mended by Kenneth using leather, hessian and his own Alexander McQueen bodysuit.

Topolino. make-up artist for Black Magazine, talks about his M.A.C technique

He calls himself the 'rat of the studio' but we are happy to have such vermin in Black. French M.A.C artist Topolino has featured quite strongly in the last few issue of Black, shooting in Paris with Paul Empson and delivering gorgeous looks in every editorial. Here is a video that let's you know quite a lot about the man behind the brush, his thinking and his lost in translation approach to working around the world...

On set: BLK #18: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Rachael Churchward shoot a special family

Holly Rose finals by Rachael

Yesterday we completed our shooting schedule for BLK #18 in the familiar environs of Auckland's inner west. Karen Inderbitzen-Waller lensed the shoot and Rachael Churchward and Karen combined to style an unusual 'family' that may or may not have been an alien Amish family on a holiday to Hawaii. M.A.C's Amber D once again provided stunning make-up in partnership with Stephen Marr's Jason Chong-Li who created gothic short haired wigs and even wore a scarf to get into the vibe of the shoot. Delphine Avril Planqueel was instrumental, as always, providing a shooting storyboard, lighting and digital and also shooting a fashion film which we will publish here on Blacklog in early December. The model family consisted of the wonderful Mercy, a big model in the UK throughout the 80s and 90s who last modelled in 1997, and the scarily fraternal Josh Skelton, Holly Rose at Red 11 and Jay at Clyne.

Jay get's his wig on with Jason

Kiri Nathan SS13 by David K Shields

Auckland designer Kiri Nathan recently showed her SS13 collection at Sir James Wallace's Pah Homestead in Hillsborough. The setting was apt for the collection which featured beautifully designed and constructed pieces that suggest the time spent learning trade basics from Annah Stretton has indeed paid off. Next year the British Council are getting in behind Kiri and helping her to show at London Fashion Week where we believe she will shine with her distinctive New Zealand designs. It was a splendid evening with a fashion show featuring Clyne models, lots of scrumptious Villa Maria wines to be had, make-up by Phoenix Cosmetics and hair by Dharma. Hostess Miriama Kamo was only upstaged by some snazzy guitar playing by the legendary Tama Renata.  Much arohanui from the team here at Black to Kiri and Jason and crew and congrats on the collection. All photos by David K Shields.

On Set in Raglan with Russ Flatt and Vinnie Woolston

 A week ago today the Black team took the highway south just short of two hours to the beautiful West coastline of Raglan. There to shoot a menswear fashion shoot for our next issue of BLK magazine #18 and the campaign images for ZBBJewellery, photographer Russ Flatt, model Vinnie Woolston and stylist Rachael Churchward worked their magic in the iconic NZ surf town.

With the sunshine out, the friendly locals out to support, and the stunning backdrop that Raglan supplied- we were in absolute awe of this place! Lets all go back!

On Set: BLK #18: Damien Nikora shoots 'Eras of Denim"

Neuw jeans painted by Dan Vient

Yesterday in the sandy environs of Atlas Concrete just north of Helensville we shot an editorial with Damien Nikora that we have been planning for some time now; a deconstructed, reconstructed, customized, painted and bejewelled ode to the weft and the warp, a love song to denim. Fashion editors Rachael Churchward and Jessica Grubisa worked with young designers Blair Hetet and Nina Van Lier and artist Dan Vient to create a contemporary smorgasbord of denim pieces that celebrated the eras of denim gone by, whilst mixing in current pieces from denim designers and retro gems. Denim companies Neuw, Wrangler and Lee all donated a substantial number of pieces to be played with and all items will be auctioned on Trade Me in December with proceeds going to Mental Health NZ. Thanks to all of those companies, the chilled out folks at Atlas Concrete and to the crew and models on yesterday's shoot: Photographer: Damien Nikora Fashion editors: Rachael Churchward and Jessica Grubisa Hair: Greg Murrell and Kasey Groundwater at Ryder Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Photo assist: Alan and Jess Fashion assist: Rose Morgan Assistants: Dan Vient, Olivier. Models: Lily Fraser at Clyne, Cedric and Danika at N.Model Management, Michael at 62 Models, Moira at Nova, Blair, Olivier and Amberley at Scout, Rose Morgan at Red 11 and Dan Vient

Blair in shirt made from Neuw jeans by himself. Cedric wears: Neuw, Company of Strangers, Workshop and Zambesi

"Heraldik" Exhibition by Hannah Jensen at Saatchi & Saatchi's

 

 "I am really proud of and honoured to stand in a room with all my family members surrounding me."

 

Currently on show at the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery is Auckland based artist Hannah Jensen's new exhibition, Heraldik. “Heraldry, is an art of identity…. A coat of arms or a heraldic badge represented what was considered to be a family’s defining qualities.” 

 

Hannah draws lines between her family and the abundant world of animals, taking each of her immediate family members, she chose an animal which best represents their individual defining qualities. Her grandmother, who she speaks of fondly and with great admiration, loves horses. “She’s very proud, very strong. So I carved a horse’s armour. The detail in the armour depicts the intricate details of her life. She’s had a very interesting life” says Hannah.

"On Mexico Time" by Taylor Steele for Corona Extra

We're just about to jump in the car this morning and take a road trip to Raglan; the surfers paradise of our west coast in New Zealand for our Black #18 mens shoot with photographer Russ Flatt. The highways, the play lists, the sunshine (hopefully) and the salty air makes us think of a true kiwi summer- and it's not so far away now! Summer and beer go together like a horse and cart, you can't have one without the other...

BLK #18 On Set: Charles Howells shoots Annabella Barber at Chic

Six shoots complete and seven more in progress for BLK #18 here in New Zealand and around the world. Yesterday we shot beautiful NZ-born model Annabella Barber from Chic Management, Sydney at the incomparably snazzy Auckland bar, The Golden Dawn, Tavern of Power. Charles Howells lensed the shoot whilst Rachael Churchward styled Annabella in Helen Cherry, NOM*d, Zambesi, Lela Jacobs and several brilliant pieces by Auckland designer Shona Tawhaio, among others. Hair by Greg Murrell at Ryder Salon using KMS California and make-up by Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Cosmetics. Hard-working assists were Taniora and Bryce. Special thanks to Stephen, Sam, Nick and Mark at The Golden Dawn for giving us so much freedom with your fabulous bar! All photos by Grant Fell.

New Talent: Photographer Chris Fatseas by Thom Kerr

Dress by Adrian Bressanutti, bra and knickers by American Apparel, shoes by Mimco

Here at Black Magazine we receive numerous submissions every day for the publication. Although we commission all the stories in the magazine, occasionally fresh talent catches our eye. Not everything is appropriate for print, but sometimes we come across work that we can share with our online audience. As our readership expands globally, we want to honour the new talent coming through by endeavouring to share the spotlight on those we feel are creatively blossoming. It's important at the beginning of any career to stay passionate, focussed and always be willing to learn! And showcasing rising talent is a wonderful form of encouragement. We highly value our Black magazine community of readers and will continue to introduce lots of fresh faces, both in front and behind the camera, to begin to share the wealth of talent that the magazine brings to our doorstep. And we'd like to start with a shoot by budding Australian fashion photographer Chris Fatseas... Intro and interview by BLK Australian Editor Thom Kerr  Photography: Chris Fatseas Stylist: Carmel Quinn Hair: Igor Rosales Make-up: Gemma Elaine Model: Isobel Larkin at Division Model Management

Dress by Adrian Bressanutti, bodysuit by American Apparel, shoes by Mimco

That Sandy's a Bitch! NY photo essay by Adam Custins

As the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy unfurls along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, residents of New York and its neighbouring cities are coming to terms with the devastation and unsettlement the superstorm has left behind. Yesterday during the height of the storm we were receiving updates from our crew in New York, in particular Valery Gherman and Adam Custins. Before things became too serious Adam Custins got out and about to take a few photos of the incoming monster. Thankfully all are safe and will hopefully have power and normal services soon...

Storm Summer 12/13 Campaign by Russ Flatt

In keeping with the festive season ahead there's plenty of sparkle and shine in the new Storm Summer 2012/2013 collection but still, plenty of the label's edgy quirk. Deb Caldwell is an expert at designing and creating pieces that the New Zealand woman just loves, as the burgeoning success of the brand testifies. Here are a few images from the latest campaign, photographed by Russ Flatt and styled by Black fashion director Rachael Churchward. Hair and make-up on model Nana at Red 11 by Stacy Lee Ghin.

Julia Deans 'Broken Home' video by Stephen Tilley

We really like the direction that Julia Deans has taken with her new single Broken Home, quite a step away from her last album in terms of style and direction, but a good step. Speaking of direction this is photographer Stephen Tilley's first attempt at video direction and it is a solid effort. Tilley brought highly rated Auckland cinematographer Garth Badger on board to shoot and edit the clip and it seems Garth shot the underwater sequences sans wetsuit in bitterly cold Auckland weather but hey, he is a New Zealander, that is what we do! Well done to all concerned...

Gracie Otto's Michael White film 'Chalky' by Thom Kerr

We have never seen a project more worthy of crowdfunding than Chalky, Gracie Otto's film about legendary British producer Michael White,  and we don't say that lightly. Here, Black's Australian Editor Thom Kerr profiles the project and interviews Gracie, exclusively for Blacklog. We have one only word: Donate.

Michael now

CHALKY

Australian filmmaker Gracie Otto has been globe trotting for the last two years collecting interviews to piece together the life story of Michael White - a notorious British impresario and film producer. Although well known in private theatre and art circles, his incredible legacy has largely remained anonymous to the general public. After a chance encounter, Gracie Otto became fascinated by Michael and set on a personal quest to make sure his accomplishments would be shared with a world wide audience via her documentary 'CHALKY'. And now Gracie needs your help to bring this fascinating story to the big screen! Interview follows...all images stills from the trailer

Nabil Sabio Azadi's 'For You, The Traveller' by Thom Kerr

21-year-old Nabil Sabio Azadi is an Iranian Kiwi who has recently settled in Brisbane, Australia after travelling around the world working for many prestigious magazines and clients. During his adventures, both wonderful and terrifying, he began his personal quest to find out more about his place in the world. We will be talking more about Nabil in the next issue of Black but we wanted to share with you his latest project, For You The Traveller. It is a beautifully hand-crafted directory that contains the names of various characters scattered across five continents, including countries like Argentina, Norway and Kenya, who will house you during your travels if in possession of the book.
Story by Thom Kerr

During Nabil's moments of great loneliness whilst overseas, the idea began to spark that he could perhaps create something tangibile to remind people that they are not alone. If we put ourselves out to the universe, a human connection is always waiting.