Blacklog Editorial #42: Damien Nikora shoots Kendell Tobin at Clyne

Damien Nikora travelled to Clyne model Kendell Tobin's home - which just happens to be in one of our favourite places on the planet, Tawharanui - to shoot this beautiful editorial. Kendell has just signed to DNA New York and in less than two months will be off to enjoy the ubiquitous #modellife. We shot Kendell yesterday for our Lee x Black films and she exceeded all expectations, watch this space...

New face: Juliet Carpenter at Red 11 by Lula Cucchiara

Clothing and jewellery, stylist's own

Juliet Carpenter may be a new face at Red 11 but she has a fashion background having collaborated with designer Georgia Alice on her recent collection, some of which is worn in this shoot. Photographer Lula Cucchiara teamed with Ash Mosen to also style the shoot which Lula says, "captures a tough girl transitioning between seasons, from warm weather to cooler temperatures. She wears white, she's a bit of a loner and is very tomboy-ish." Lula also treated the images with a cooler temperature to match.

David K Shields shoots Shanna Jackaway at Red 11 in Jimmy D

David K Shields just loves to shoot and shoot as often as he can mostly using nature's lighting rig, the Sun, to supplement his vision. Sometimes, though, shoots can whipped up in a day and then fall by the wayside, like this one featuring Shanna Jackaway at Red 11 in Jimmy D - so we thought we'd give it an airing here on Blacklog. Hair by Matt Benns at Stephen Marr. Make-up by Derek Aaron Young using M.A.C Cosmetics.

BLK Crew x Karen Walker Eyewear

Photographer Damien Nikora

Here at Black Magazine we have always prided ourselves on having fun on shoots. It's a staple requirement alongside good music, creative energy and plenty of good kai (food), a happy crew is a great crew. At the end of our shoot with crew; Damien Nikora, Rachael Churchward, Jessica Grubisa, Thistle Brown, Greg Murrell, Fraser Folagi and Sharlene Cassidy for BLK #19, Damien took the opportunity to shoot some of the crew in Karen Walker Eyewear, just for fun. Here in ascending order, are Damien, Rachael, Greg, Fraser and Sharlene wearing New Zealand's most successful eyewear brand. All photos by Damien Nikora

Lorde 'Royals' video by Joel Kefali

We absolutely LOVE this video of Lorde's musical masterpiece 'Royals' by director Joel Kefali of Special Problems. Given the explosion that has occurred around the young New Zealand singer/songwriter this year, the video could have been anything. That it is a quality piece of short film making that interprets, we think, the lyrical content and message of the song perfectly, speaks volumes for the strength of Ella Yellich-O'Connor's unique vision, and that of her savvy and considered management. 407,417 views in just a few days would confirm that thinking all round. Special Problems = Special Videos.

Blacklog Editorial #41: Thom Kerr shoots Rui Dalton from Hunter Model Management



Vintage Versace top, Ruby & Prankstar leather and gold plated neckpiece, Luke

Maninov rings (as hairties), Shieltiel Calamba chainmail headpiece, custom DC cap.

 17-year-old Sunshine Coast based Rui Dalton has been causing quite the stir... The half Maori half Serbian beauty was literally scouted two weeks ago. With one picture placed up on Black's facebook page last Friday, Rui has recieved numerous agency and editorial enquiries from around the world. His mother agent, Hunter Models, is pacing him out having only placed him so far with Dallys Models in his home state of Queensland, Australia. Rui will be keeping a low profile as he finishes his final year of high school but we can confirm that you will be spotting him in the next issue of Black - a very special issue indeed! In the meantime, freshly inspired from his Val Garland M.A.C masterclass Thom Kerr teamed up with regular Black contributor Sarah Birchley to create Rui's first editorial! With hair by Iggy Rosales and beauty by Vivianne Tran - it's Game of Thrones chic meets Hip Hop street - shot at Red Eclipse Studios in Brisbane.

Blacklog Editorial #40: Infamous Duo shoot Katerina Chang at Chadwick

Those secret squirrels known as Infamous Duo create a gorgeous wee floral story for Blacklog entitled 'Garden of Eden'. Steph Lai shows just how good she is with both hair and make-up on beautiful Katerina Chang from Chadwick Models, who wears jewellery by Stolen Girlfriends Club and flowers supplied by Wild Poppies in Grey Lynn. Prop design by Georgie Maylon.

Glassons "Escape" Campaign BTS film by Luke Byrne

With a treatment reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project, Luke Byrne's BTS film of the Glassons 'Escape' campaign explores a little of the territory made famous by Jane Campion's Top Of The Lake sans fear and loathing, and crooked cops. The film is a cut-up cutie featuring models Anja Konstantinova and Teresa Omen who were in the Queenstown/Wanaka region to shoot the campaign with photographer Tim Barber and stylist Zara Mirkin.

Chanel film by Karl Lagerfeld stars NZ model Ashleigh Good

It is no secret that in recent times Karl Lagerfeld has recognised the special qualities of Ashleigh Good at RPD. Not only has she closed the last Chanel show in Paris but she has also just opened and closed the Chanel Cruise 2014 show in Singapore. If that is not enough Lagerfeld has given her a star turn in this not-so-small film about the early days of Gabrielle Chanel's first store. Good, playing Jacqueline Forzane, mixes it with Keira Knightley's Coco and Clotilde Hesme's Adrienne Chanel and a raft of star models who aren't necessarily the greatest actors but sure look good in the sumptuous costuming and set that recaptures the French resort town of Deauville 100 years ago. That Ashleigh's role is a bigger one than that of Lindsey Wixon, Tallulah Harlech, Amanda Harlech, Caroline De Maigret, Stella Tennant, Saskia De Brauw, Jamie Bochert, Jake Davies or Baptiste Giabiconi says a lot about Lagerfeld's belief in the New Zealand girl who has gone from a Mairangi Bay bus stop to a muse of one of the world's great designers, in record time. Bravo Ashleigh!

BLK #19: Here's The Thing (Thing)

Dan Buckley is not scared of death, in fact he believes in R.I.P - ing it, “Do everything you need to do so you can rest in peace.” With partner Drew Gregory he’s taking the brick-by-the-horns with new label Thing Thing. Grant Fell learns about stitching Things together on the sewing machine - so the threads can hang out. All clothing by Thing Thing. Photos: Above and throughout: Drew Gregory. Hair & make-up: Mary Dawson Models: James at 62 Models and Dasha at Vanity Fair. Photo below: Damien Nikora

"Smoke and Mirrors" at Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery from May 16

Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Avril Planqueel have been working on their book Smoke and Mirrors for several years. On May 16 the book will be launched, coupled with an exhibition of prints and sculptural work, at the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery in Parnell, Auckland. The works were created all over the world, but in particular Las Vegas, Paris and New Zealand. Fashion-leaning works that feature models such as Julia Nobis, Vinnie Woolston and Zippora and Jasper Seven are coupled with interior and exterior images that reflect their own artistic sensitivities and aesthetic. The pair succinctly describe the book: "Smoke & Mirrors traces a journey of closely examined nostalgia and a fascination with difficult beauty. Cutting a path between the real and the imagined, interior and exterior, the light and the dark, the new and the faded, the work expresses a delicate, but potent girlishness spared from sentimentality by an ever-present grit." At the opening an extremely limited number of special edition books will be available with a custom cover and a limited-edition print. Books will be available for retail sale later in the year at selected stockists. The exhibition runs through to early July. Unmissable.

Blacklog Editorial #39: David K Shields shoots Jordan Barron at Red 11

He may be from windswept Central Otago but equally-windswept Muriwai is a second home for David K Shields. What better place then to shoot handsome, yes-I-can-surf Jordan Barron at Red 11 in Zambesi, Zambesi Man, Vanishing Elephant, Deborah Sweeney, Julian Danger and Cybele.

One To Watch: Bianca at N Model Management by Infamous Duo

There's plenty of attitude going on here with Bianca at N Model Management, and attitude makes for great models. These images shot by Infamous Duo. Hair & make-up by Steph Lai using M.A.C Cosmetics. Bianca wears: Jacket by Stolen Girlfriends Club, singlet by Marcs, high-waisted knickers by Ksubi.

'Our Land' exhibition by Dan Max

"Vast' is a beautiful word and something that photographer Dan Max clearly understands. His exhibition of 22 limited edition images, entitled "Our Land" is running now at 14 Maidstone Street in Ponsonby, Auckland. The photographic exhibition documents the relationship New Zealanders have with the land we inhabit and there is something very peaceful within it all. Says Dan; “They're landscapes that seem to whisper gently, yet the subjects scream with character. Though the vast horizons can give an overwhelming sense of isolation, it is not long before they engulf you in the warmth of belonging. They have a timeless aesthetic that celebrates the unspoiled values of living off the land, a softness that captures the quiet of escape, and offers vistas that you long to step into,” Well said Maxy, and put simply, this is photography as painting. The exhibition runs until May 15.

New Face: David K Shields shoots Tom Spence at Ali McD

A couple of new faces for you here on Blacklog over the next day or so. First up the debonair Tom Spence at Ali McD in Dunedin. Male modelling is a fickle business but we sense Tom has the sort of face, look and build that will garner interest - both here and overseas. Photos by David K Shields. Grooming: Katy Parsons using M.A.C Cosmetics Hair: David Hollick at Aart on St Andrews

Zambesi S/S 13 MBAFW Show video

For those of you who weren't in Sydney for MBAFW recently, here is a video of the Zambesi S/S 13 show which featured powerful, and symbiotic collections, from both Zambesi and Zambesi Man. Make-up by Amber D and the M.A.C Cosmetics team. Hair by Richard Kavanagh and the Redken team. Show director/Producer: Marissa Findlay Music director: Sophie Findlay

R.I.P Joseph Churchward Q.S.M, Great Samoan New Zealand Typographer

This week marked the passing of Joseph Churchward Q.S.M, the great Samoan New Zealand typographer who is famous in typography circles worldwide for having created over 660 beautiful fonts, all hand-drawn and many with ethnic origins; Churchward Maori, Churchward Samoa, Churchward Asia, Chinatype, Ta Tiki among them. Many more can be found on My Fonts including the iconic Churchward Maricia and Churchward Marianna named after his daughters. He is also Black Creative Director Rachael Churchward's relative on her Samoan side. New Zealand typography has never seen the likes of him, and is unlikely to again. Rest in peace Uncle Joe. In remembrance here is the interview with Joseph Churchward by his daughter Maricia which was published in BLK #15; Photos by Louis Hatton and Grant Fell

Blacklog Editorial #38: Gothic Matador: Thom Kerr shoots Sinead from The Agency Models Australia

Vintage Moschino jacket and Jean Paul Gaultier leather tassel top @ Cara Mia Vintage
Sarah Phillips Shorts
Amira bustier
Forever New gloves & hat

When Sinead from The Agency Models Australia was sent to Australian Black Editor Thom Kerr for a go-see, he decided to team up with regular contributor Sarah Birchley to shoot her first major editorial exclusively for Blacklog. Channelling latin matador meets new romantic goth, her beauty is complimented by the make-up talents of Jovita Lee and the hair stylings of Lauren McCowan from Cloud Nine. Let the autumn festivities begin!

BLK #19: Lorde, of Takapuna

There is a good chance you have heard Lorde's single Royals over the past couple of months, no matter where you live in the world. That single and her e.p The Love Club were certified gold in just a few weeks in New Zealand and heavyweights in the music and media industries, worldwide, are singing her praises. Only 16, this talented musician from Takapuna, with a childhood steeped in poetry and literature is taking newfound fame in her stride, as are her mates, but really, she's just keen to get back into the studio. Interview: Grant Fell Photo: Charles Howells. Styling: Rachael Churchward Hair: Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr. Make-up: Carolyn Haslett using M.A.C. Ella wears: Ksubi and Rue De Seine

BLK #19 Fashion Film: Ribal and Gil at Superteam shoot Madison at Giant/IMG

"Don't Haunt This Place" Editorial - Black Mag Issue 19 from Superteam Studios on Vimeo.

Whilst shooting Madison at Giant/IMG for BLK #19 Ribal and Gil of Superteam Studios - with cohorts Dexter Lee and Jamie Wdziekonski helping out - managed to shoot this BTS clip of a day spent in Ned Kelly country. Madison wears: Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Christian Dior, Ann Demeulemeester, Zora Bell Boyd, Strateas Carlucci, Maticevski, Gwendolynne, Julia De Ville and Fionnbharr Pfeiffer. Styling by Rachael Churchward and Sophie Barker. Hair and make-up by the ever prolific and talented Justin Henry using Bumble & Bumble and Stila Cosmetics. Thanks to Grzansquared and Country Emporium for the location. Music by Miles Davis...

BLK #19 Four Covers

Photography: Paul Empson
Hair: John Ruidant at See Management NY
Make-up: Vincent Oquendo at See Management for M.A.C
Model: Megan Collison at Next NY wears: Louis Vuitton

BLK #19 is hitting the streets around New Zealand so here are the four covers; three shot in New York, two by Paul Empson and one by Michael Schwartz and one by Andy Eaton in London. The models are Meghan Collison at Next Models NY, Anais Pouliot at Trump Models NY, Karlina Caune at New York Model Management and Josephine Skriver at Storm Models London.

Blacklog Editorial #37: David K Shields shoots Holly Rose and Rhianon in Rue De Seine

Here come the brides, a pair of them in fact. Michele Corty's Rue De Seine label and store in Newmarket makes such beautiful dresses, for weddings or any other special day. The label is all over BLK #19 and we are more than pleased to have it. This lovely shoot by David K Shields for Blacklog features some of the prettiest dresses marked 'special'. Styled by Michele Corty with hair and make-up by Dean P. at Green Apple Italia, Holly Rose at Red 11 and Rhianon at Clyne experience a wedding day at Muriwai, just for one day...

Bluesfest 2013: Street Style by Thom Kerr

Double Trouble - No Frills @ Bluesfest - Click here to visit the twins youtube channel...

From the 28th March to the 1st of April, Byron Bay played host to one of Australia's most popular music festivals, Bluesfest. This year saw some impressive international acts perform such as Iggy & The Stooges, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Ben Harper, Rufus Wainwright, Chris Isaak and a host of other world class musicians. This year I went along to cover the festivities with Black contributors Sarah Birchley and Iggy Rosales. Sarah and I will be putting together a photo journal including reviews of our favourite performances for you in the next week. In the meantime, we thought we'd share snaps of the various cool characters we met along the way! Viva Las Byron Baygas!

My Hero

Lela Jacobs Riders on the Storm Winter 2013 Collection Show

Last Thursday night, right on dusk, Lela Jacobs showed her Winter 2013 collection entitled, "Riders on the Storm," to a refreshing Auckland audience down at Silo7, Wynyard Quarters. Set against a breath taking backdrop of the sun going down on the Auckland harbour, models walked in and around the Silo7 structure, layered in wool, silks and leather in palettes of timber, black and white. Lela's "Riders" walking to the sound of live Spanish guitar, played by Alexndre Champagnat, really set the tone and ambience of the evening.

Blacklog Editorial #36: David K Shields shoots Ash at Clyne

David K Shields is on a roll. His ability to capture natural light on a model continues to amaze us - how to make hair look great, in a nutshell. For this, the thirty-sixth editorial shot exclusively for Blacklog, David combines with his good friend Dean P at Green Apple Italia, who flew into Auckland from Sydney for a few days and multi-tasked on this shoot with styling, hair and make-up roles to shoot Ash Walker at Clyne Models. Beautiful work guys, Ash's natural beauty to the fore...

VAL GARLAND: M.A.C. Cosmetics Masterclass Sydney by Thom Kerr and Becca Gilmartin

VAL GARLAND MASTERCLASS: PHOTO: SONNY VANDEVELDE

Last week on Thursday evening the 4th of April, M.A.C. Cosmetics brought in iconic makeup artist and creative director Val Garland to facilitate a Masterclass to select media and M.A.C Pro members. As Black Australian editor in Sydney I was lucky enough to attend the event alongside some of my industry peers. As a photographer it was a fascinating process to hear how these concepts and beauty approaches are brought to life. That said, I asked top Sydney makeup artist Becca Gilmartin, who is just as well known for her body art as her beauty, to write a piece about the event as I think it's appropriate to learn about the night from a makeup artist's perspective.

Blacklog Editorial #35: David K Shields shoots Jay at Clyne

 There is no doubt that David K Shields is cementing his reputation as a master of natural light and this shoot for Blacklog, styled by Chris Lorimer, and featuring the fabulous face of Jay Lichter at Clyne just further enhances that thinking. Hair and make-up by Sky Cripps-Jackson at Stephen Marr using Becca Cosmetics. Chris styles Jay in an eclectic mix of Thistle Brown, Company of Strangers, Silence Was, Vaughan Geeson, Kowtow, Deborah Sweeney, Jared Godman and Kate of Arcadia.

New Talent: Hayley Bayliffe shoots Talia

Dress by Zambesi

 After completing a degree in Design and Visual Arts at Unitec - majoring in photography - Hayley Bayliffe has quickly gained a foothold as a photographer of promise, most notably by scoring the cover of Remix Magazine with a poppy photo of model Rosie Crawford holding an ice cream. We liked the use of glass mixed with dramatic poses in this shoot of Talia @ Red11 - and the combo of styling by Juvena Worsfeld and hair & make-up by Rebekah Banks.

BLK #19: BTS Film of Thom Kerr beauty shoot by Yasmin Suteja

BLK #19: BTS Thom Kerr from Yasmin Suteja on Vimeo.

Black Australian editors Thom Kerr and Justin Henry, have been flying back and fourth between Australia's big cities to shoot editorials and stories for BLK #19 and we're loving the result. Thom and Justin will be covering MBAFW here on Blacklog, Black FB, and Instagram at: thomkerr, justinhenrybeauty and on black_mag so stay tuned for updates. Meanwhile, we will be beavering away on final deadline and printing of the issue so let's celebrate with this sweet BTS film by Yasmin Suteja of the Thom Kerr beauty shoot this issue. Thom worked with fashion editor and regular Black contributor Sarah M Birchley, M.A.C Australia's senior artist, the irrepressible Nicole Thompson a.k.a Pinky and hair guru Cameron Rains to shoot Annemijn and Laura N at IMG, Sarah at Viviens and Kellie at Work.

Blacklog Editorial #35: David K Shields shoots Holly Rose

Wandering in the dappled light of a West Auckland forest, David K Shields teams with stylist Chris Lorimer to shoot Holly Rose at Red 11 in Blak Luxe, Cybele, Meadowlark, Pardon My French, Chaos & Harmony, Starfish, Riddle Me This and Company of Strangers. Hair and make-up by Sky Cripps-Jackson at Stephen Marr using Becca Cosmetics and Kevin.Murphy

Grey Lynn to East River and back; Stefan Sinclair by Adam Custins

Story and photos by Adam Custins

Born and bred in Grey Lynn, Auckland, Stefan Sinclair has been a tattoo artist for the last eleven years. He began out when he was about 22.  "After high school, I thought I'd next go to Elam, but I had hated being in school so much that university just felt like going back to school again; so I took a year off." During this time, Stefan was getting alot of tattoos done for him self, and one day was talking to the artist working on him, and listening to his story realised that this was a job he could do too. Stefan loves the fact that being a tattoo artist allows him to "work with an ancient craft, doing honest work, while trading art for a living." This ancient craft has brought him to New York and other cities around the world, sometimes for month long guest spots / residencies / other times simply to explore his craft as an artist. During the Northern summer of 2012, I met Stefan at “East River Tattoo” in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This was the second year Stefan has gone to New York to become absorbed into the local tattoo community, and share his work with fellow artists or those wanting to get work by him.

BLK #19: BTS Lorde feature shoot with Charles Howells

Variations on a shot

Lorde. The talent behind that song, Royals, you've all been hearing on the radio, and I know I'm not the only one when I say that my hand involuntarily reaches for the volume-up button! Yesterday, we had the honour of shooting Ella/Lorde at White Studios with Charles Howells. What a gem; softly spoken, with enough strength inside her to take on the whole world. And that's exactly what's she is going to do. Well, the music world anyway. Recently signed with Universal Music, Lorde is taking her Takapuna-bedroom tunes to the global music scene. At a point where her life is about to take on a whole new direction, we are more than excited to have Lorde feature in our next issue!

Photographed by Charles Howells, styling by Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward (who had Lorde in Jimmy D, ZBB Jewellery, Ksubi and Rue de Seine headpieces), hair by Lauren Gunn at Stephen Marr and make-up by Carolyn Haslett using M.A.C Cosmetics. These behind-the-scenes images taken by Black magazine's Deputy Editor, Yasmine Ganley.

Blacklog Editorial # 34: Infamous Duo shoot new faces at N Model Management

N Model Management have been going in leaps and bounds since iconic New Zealand model Ngahuia Williams set up the fledgling agency a couple of years back. Specialising in interesting new faces and the edgier spectrum of new models, the agency has also been quick to pick up on talent from feeder agencies like Newfacenoagent and Scout Models. Here, the mysterious and engaging Infamous Duo beautifully capture seven of the agency's new faces in a slick beauty shoot for Blacklog. Hair and make-up by the very talented Steph Lai. Models are: Amberley, Maddy, Blair, George, Bianca, Max, Courtney and Ella.

Glassons Everyday Fun Sydney show

Glassons are making a pretty decent egg-and-spoon-race of putting the fun into fashion. Everyday Fun is a clever positioning for the label, a concept built around games that have been played for as long as we have been able to tie three legs together; egg and spoon races, musical chairs, Twister, blind man's buff, perhaps - all executed with a free-spirited twist and of course the increasingly desirable collection of staples and fashion-forward pieces rolling out from Glassons HQ. Recently, Glassons creative director Adam Bryce and crew flew to Sydney to launch the idea in a gymnasium, replete with bleachers and a hoard of local media, bloggers, instagrammers and Black Deputy Editor Yasmine Ganley, whilst a well-cast selection of models rotated the court in a fashionable game of musical chairs - let's face it, girls have always just wanna have fun. This film by Luke Byrne. Stills report by Yasmine Ganley on Wednesday.

BLK #19: BTS Thom Kerr shoot by Yasmin Suteja

Thom Kerr, Black Australian Editor, Sydney, is of course first and foremost a very talented photographer so when he suggested a shoot inspired by Warhol's celeb over painting series, as in paint over their hair, we jumped at the idea. Thom worked with fashion editor and regular Black contributor Sarah M Birchley,  M.A.C Australia's senior artist, the irrepressible Nicole Thompson a.k.a Pinky and hair guru Cameron Rains to shoot Annemijn and Laura N at IMG, Sarah at Viviens and Kellie at Work. Colour me good! All BTS shots by Yasmin Suteja.

Workshop Vulcan Lane show - film by Lula Cucchiara

Workshop Winter 2013 Collections Show - A film by Lula Cucchiara from Workshop NZ on Vimeo.

Check this sweet film of the Workshop & Helen Cherry show we helped style and produce recently in Vulcan Lane by Lula Cucchiara. Lula is a stylish, creative Argentinian New Zealander with a great eye and serious editing skills, oh, and she takes great photos too! 

BLK#19: BTS Damien Nikora shoots five of our favourites

 Jessica Grubisa and Thistle Brown are two of the most colourful friends we have and we felt the time has come to pass the Black baton, as it were. So, on Sunday, we shot with Damien Nikora, Jessica and Thistle, tentatively known as Jessile GruBrown as fashion editors. Creative direction by Rachael Churchward, hair by Greg Murrell and Fraser Folagi at Ryder Salon and the generally (in NZ fashion) unknown but incredible Sharlene Cassidy (using M.A.C Cosmetics) to capture 12 pages for BLK #19. Shooting Lili Sumner and Andrey at Red 11, Mary at RPD, Ben at Newfacenoagent and Thistle himself, Sunday was a lot of fun! We've purposely kept it B&W here so that you really do enjoy the colour in the mag itself - and the digital version...thanks to SSION and the great disco artists of the early 80s like Bohannon and Jimmy Bo Horne for the tunes...BLK #19 on sale mid April! All photos by Grant Fell.

Blacklog Editorial #33: Superteam Australia shoot Yani at Giant

 South African model Yani recently relocated to Melbourne and signed to Giant Management so Justin Henry  Black Australian Editor, Melbourne and the boys at Superteam Studios combined with stylist Jamie Wdziekonski of Oh Jamie fame to put together a lovely shoot for her. She has an incredible face, so who better to frame it with gorgeous make-up and hair than Justin, and to capture her spirit than Superteam's Ribal and Gil. Jamie dressed her in incredible structural pieces, entirely from Strateas Carlucci.

Workshop Denim AW 13 Campaign by Damien Nikora

Photographer Damien Nikora is going from strength to strength and in recent times has proved he is pretty sharp when it comes to shooting denim and capturing the spirit of the weft and the warp. For the Workshop Denim AW 13 campaign Workshop supremo Chris Cherry wanted to shoot James and Lee, a couple of real men, as in men who are not models by day, and iconic New Zealand model Ngahuia Williams at N Model Management. The result is a rock'n'roll campaign that isn't afraid to roll up its sleeves and get a little dirty. Hair, make-up and grooming by the ever classy Virginia Carde.

The Stylist's New Best Friend

We were recently asked to trial the new Phillips Perfectcare Iron and it quickly became the item we least wanted to give back. Here at Black we are not given to talking effusively about irons or products in general for that matter but this is quite a special tool. Why so good? Not only is it an iron and steamer in one but it is also the best iron and steamer we have ever used, in one. Usable on all fabrics, super safe on all fabrics and more than anything it just keeps on going with up to two hours before you need to top up the water. Seriously, this is the perfect stylist tool for big shoots where there are many garments to deal with or a high turnover of garments and just as importantly it's perfect for your own personal ironing at home. Available now at Briscoes, Noel Leeming and Farmers. Steam in and get one! Photo: Damien Nikora

Zambesi AW13 Campaign by Marissa Findlay

 No one knows Zambesi and Zambesi Man better than Marissa Findlay, which is why the great New Zealand house gets her to shoot each and every campaign. For AW13 Marissa teamed with world-class make-up artist Amber D for M.A.C Cosmetics and young dynamo at Stephen Marr, Matt Benns to shoot Anmari Botha and Jordan at Red 11 in and around the label's classy new showroom/workroom.

Workshop & Helen Cherry Vulcan lane show BTS images

Michael Whittaker at Clyne

 On Thursday we teamed with the crew at Workshop and Helen Cherry to show latest seasons collections for both brands, and also many of the international brands in Workshop stores, in the iconic location that is Vulcan Lane. The brands partnered with Jerry Clayton BMW to create an evening for VIP customers, media and clients in the High Street District, an area that is still looking pretty vibrant, with plenty of foot traffic, despite the growth of the nearby Britomart District in recent years. Drinks and canapes were held in the flagship Workshop Vulcan Lane store before the show took place in the lane itself. Black Fashion Director Rachael Churchward cast and styled the show creating clear stories for both men and women and casting many new, emerging faces. Hair by the Stephen Marr team led by Matt Benns and great make-up, accomplished in hot conditions by the fab crew of M.A.C make-up artists. Styling assist and videography by Lula Cucchiara. Here are some behind-the-scenes images by Grant Fell, we will post show photos by Tim White and Sam Lee here soon.

Seon at Clyne, Madison at 62, Andrey at Red 11,
Mary at RPD,  Dillon at Clyne, Rhianon at Clyne

The Art of Denim - Online auction live on Trade Me

Neuw jeans painted  by Dan Vient

The Art of Denim is an ever growing concept that grew out of our Piping Down The Valleys Wild denim shoot with Damien Nikora in the latest issue of Black Magazine. For that shoot we partnered up with Neuw, Lee and Wrangler to provide denim that we could paint, customise, deconstruct and reconstruct with a selection of local artist and designers. A week ago we launched the concept at Service Newmarket and have added a few new Wrangler pieces this week that have been given a treatment by designer Lela Jacobs and artists Clara Chon and Alexander Mark Hoyles.

We now have all of the pieces up on an auction on Trade Me which will be live for the next seven days, with all proceeds going to Mental Health New Zealand. Here is the link to the Trade Me auction.  The auction closes late next Monday, March 11.

A huge thanks to everyone involved but in particular the designers and artists: Lela Jacobs, Zora Bell Boyd, Jessica Grubisa, Blair Hetet, Rachael Churchward, Nina van Lier, Dan Vient, Erin Forsyth, Anna Hanson, Eric Nauta, Clara Chon and Alexander Mark Hoyles. All images in this look book by Damien Nikora. Styling by Rachael Churchward. Make-up: Sharlene Cassidy using M.A.C Cosmetics. Hair: Janine Jones at Ryder Salon. Models: Lily Fraser at Clyne, Lucas and Eden at 62 Models, Dan Vient, Roman and Aleysha at Service. Thanks to White Studios.

Wrangler jacket customised by Lela Jacobs, Wrangler jeans
cut to shorts and painted by Clara Chon

Shoot of a lifetime: Derek Kettela and Valery Gherman shoot Kate Upton for SI Swimsuit issue

Valery works on Kate Upton

When Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue was published a couple of weeks back we were more than a little proud of Black New York Editor Valery Gherman and photographer Derek Kettela. Derek and Valery have combined to provide a number of great covers for Black Magazine but it is a considerable step up to score the cover of one of the world's biggest selling magazines. This issue, crews were sent to the seven continents and Derek and Valery were lucky enough to visit both China and Antarctica, where they shot the cover with Kate Upton. When Valery was here in Aotearoa at Christmas he gave us a slide show of the Antarctic trip and there is no denying it is an extremely beautiful place. Valery has given us a few of these to publish here on Blacklog, enjoy...