Tiger Tiger

Boh Runga, in association with NZ Mint, has released her latest line of jewellery. 'Tiger' is a range based upon both her Chinese heritage and 2010, the Chinese Year of the Tiger. It's a sign of bravery, the Tiger that is, and was admired by ancient Chinese as the sign that kept away the three main tragedies of a household - fire, thieves and ghosts. The collection looks to be even more desirable, and wearable, than Runga's last and represents the first time the talented designer has made rings. The Tiger 'Lovecat' cocktail ring (above) bears steely sapphire eyes and heart-shaped ears and the collection also features the earrings, bracelets and pendants she has created so convincingly in previous ranges.

Recommended retail prices start at $315 for the ring, $149 for pendants, $169 for bracelets and $135 for earrings inclusive of gst (currently 12.5%) - all in NZ dollars.

Available from selected NZ Mint jewellery retailers and online here at NZ Mint.

smoking looks cool

i don't know where this came from or why i perceive smoking this way, but it just looks cool. what the f*** is wrong with me for thinking that? i can't stand them because they make my allergies flare up intensely, but darn it, they look nice.























(photo from the sartorialist)

Not so Neff

Over the past month or so Matias Aguayo has provided something of a soundtrack to the way we are thinking about Black 12. Me Vuelco Loca, Rollerskate and Walter Neff spell both house and pop genius but also sound independent of both genres. Ay Ay Ay!

Aussie beauty mate!

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Spring

We shot beauty for Black 12 at Kingsize today with photographer Craig Owen, Black fashion director Rachael Churchward and the make-up artistry of M.A.C's Amber D, her assistant Kiekie Stanners - and model Alexandra Spencer (62 Models NZ/Chic Aust). We loved her. Alex, both a quality fashion model and beauty face, is pretty active both sides of the camera. 4th and Bleeker, her blog, is registering an average 100 comments per post which puts her in the serious league of fashion bloggers, and it's a beautiful blog; she knows her fashion. A visit to the 'store' on the site reveals the Jeepers Creepers Jumpsuit, designed by Alex who also models the same garment over four seasons, a great idea in itself. The JCJ has had a fantastic response already and there are more designs and a possible production partner in the pipeline. She says she never wanted to force anything down people's throats but rather to have her ideas evolve organically. The evolution is well under way...

Strangers in Hong Kong

It seems a long way from Dunedin to Hong Kong but not for local designer Sara Aspinall's Company Of Strangers who have just confirmed a partnership with Hong Kong stores Ballet and Voulez Vous - with a third store about to sign. Aspinall, who was assistant designer to Margi Robertson at Nom D for some years, made the connection when she attended the Rendezvous trade show in Paris recently and the relationships mirror a growing interest in New Zealand designers from the region. This campaign, shot by Olivia Hemus also features the styling talents of another Nom D assistant designer, Charlotte Rust. More proof of the depth of talent stemming from NZ's biggest little fashion city, Dunedin...

Photographer: Olivia Hemus
Styling: Charlotte Rust
Model: Chloe @ 62models
Hair and Make-up: Margo Regan
Graphic Design: Craig Fraser

i will always love you, alexander mcqueen

the skirt suit, the bird hat, all of it has left a permanent mark on me. this design in particular has been an inspiration for years and will remain a piece of me forever.