Super cute Bally bucket bag

i love me some flared wide leg jeans

Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman

you can buy for me, yes???


http://www.dwr.com/product/designers/r-t/eero-saarinen/womb-chair-classic-boucle.do

A long hot summer just passed us by...

Muriwai Beach, 2-to-3 foot and glassy from our deck

...while Mother Earth ravaged places close to us and dear to our hearts: Christchurch, Queensland and of course, Japan, have had to endure unfathomable difficulties recently. Here at Muriwai, on Auckland's West Coast, La Nina has delivered a pristine summer of gorgeous days, good surf and much loved family and friends. It has been surreal to watch, read and assimilate the images and information that has accompanied the devastation whilst we were experiencing a classic New Zealand summer, in Auckland. It has also been humbling. Every New Zealander has been affected by the earthquake in Christchurch and deeply moved to try and help. We have all been inspired by the strength of the people of Canterbury and their response and resilience. A great New Zealand trait.

Support, and more exactly, money is going to be required for some time yet to get the new Christchurch up and running. On Tuesday 5th of April Black Magazine is presenting an event featuring the combined talents of Salasai and Nick Von K Jewellery, a component of which will raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Red Cross fund. It will be a night of films, performance and an exhibition of photographs by Russ Flatt that will be silent-auctioned on the night, with the proceeds going to Christchurch. It is invite only but we will cover it here on Blacklog and our Facebook page. Here is a Muriwai sunset at the end of the golden summer...we feel very grateful...

Black #14: Adam Custins shoots portraits

Gregor McGregor, his wife Pura and their son George, 1910
Photo: Frank. J. Denton, Whanganui

We are shooting portraits this issue with photographer Adam Custins, based upon the legacy of Rachael's great-great grandmother Te Pura McGregor and Rachael's ancestry, or whakapapa. We have realised the story in a modern-retro style with Maori, European and Chinese models.  Rachael is also Samoan, German, Irish and Scottish in her bloodline so this shoot is all about representing the multi-cultural bloodlines that abound in Aotearoa. Adam has been shooting on large format Polaroid film and to date the models have been; Yasmine @ Clyne, Danielle @ 62, Eve @ August, Seon @ Clyne, and Henry and Grace.


Te Pura Manihera was a chieftainess of Ngā Poutama at Matahiwi pa, forty miles north of Whanganui and the daughter of  Te Manihera who married Scotsman Gregor McGregor. She was the first Maori woman to receive an O.B.E (Order of the British Empire) and often led the haka for her tribe, sometimes in battle, in the late 19th Century. Later that night she would be comfortable integrating with the new settlers in a stylish Victorian ensemble and was capable of eloquent conversation. In one of numerous historical passages about Te Pura she is described as follows; "Pura was always beautifully dressed and never lost her grace and charm. She always walked slowly. At the same time she retained her skill in leading the haka, especially when it was one of welcome, and immediately afterwards, with all the dignity of true Maori aristocracy, she could adorn any (European) drawing-room, knowing instinctively what to do." Below is a photo of Te Pura (centre, with mere) and group at Tesla Studios, Whanganui, circa 1900...look out for the modern interpretation featuring Kiri and Jason Nathan, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme Des Garcons, Therese Rawsthorne, Wunderkammer Jewellery and more....Te Manihera, Te Pura, Maata, Te Huiakama, Hori, Rachael...arohanui..x

BLACKLOG EDITORIAL #10: Kiri Nathan AW 2011 by David K. Shields

Above and below: Lili, upstairs at Alberton House

This editorial featuring Kiri Nathan's AW 2011 range 'Hiamo' was shot by David K. Shields at Alberton House in Mt Albert on the day of Kiri's launch and show in the grand old building. It was a great night and Nathan used the building itself and its entire grounds to welcome us with a piece by the Atimira Dance Company prior to a show on the steps and walkways in front of the house. Inspired by dancer Jack Gray's Te Rarawa whakapapa from Mitimiti on the west coast of the Far North, it was a haunting and beautiful piece that set the tone for Kiri's creations perfectly, and those of her partner Jason Nathan, who created the beautiful pounamu pieces worn by the models. Hair by Matthew Benns @ Stephen Marr. Make-up by Phoenix Cosmetics. Models for both the show and shoot: Lili Sumner, Cheryl Waterbridge and Sharni Ripohau @ Red 11, Yasmine Bidois and Seon @ Clyne, Nicola Harris @ Nova and Genevieve Mora @ Vanity Walk. All clothing by Kiri Nathan, shoes by Kathryn Wilson.

Models in order below: Shani, Yasmin, Genevieve, Nicola, Seon, Rhianon, Cheryl, Shani, Cheryl.

The Department Store rolls up its sleeves for Christchurch

Image: Michigirl.com

This Sunday, in a collectively philanthropic effort, the founders of The Department Store are putting everything they have into raising funds for the people of Christchurch who have been so adversely affected by the Feb 22 earthquake. Karen Walker, Dan Gosling (BlackBox and Stolen Girlfriends Club), Stephen and Lucy Marr and Simon James will not only be donating every cent that crosses the counter to the Red Cross appeal but will also be spending the day there themselves to interact with supportive customers. Karen will be on hand to help style customers in store (has there been a better opportunity to have Karen as a personal stylist for a moment?), Stephen and Lucy (two of this country's best) will be cutting hair on the salon floor, Dan Gosling will be there with his team to help you pull together the slickest outfit you can and Simon James and staff will also be on hand, giving advice on design objects, books and interiors.

Add celebrities flipping sausages on the grill, top line DJs and the fabulous environment of The Department Store itself and you have a one-off, inclusive shopping experience that may never happen again. Be advised though, that Stephen Marr customers especially are urged to book early so call them on 09 488 0585 to do so...

Black #14: David Shields, Rachael Churchward and Adam Bryce shoot neo-grunge

Lili & David

Kia ora koutou, we are right in the middle of our shooting schedule for Black #14, our 5th birthday issue, hence the low volume of posts lately. Yesterday, we crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge to shoot amongst the sandy cliff faces and reedy wetlands of the inner Waitemata Harbour. David Shields lensed the shoot, fashion editors Rachael Churchward and Adam Bryce revisited the best of early grunge (circa 1988 - 1992) with a modern twist, Greg Murrell fashioned some suitable hair and Natalie Dent applied the make-up using M.A.C Cosmetics. Assistant fashion editor was the redoubtable Jessica Grubisa. Extra hair and flash shoes by Tom @ Ryder. Models were: Lili Sumner and Cory van Malland @ Red 11, Elena and David Lawson @ 62 Models. Without giving too much away here are some over-the-shoulder snaps of the day...

Rachael with Cory

Lili, hair by Greg

Elena, hair by Greg

Greg standing by with Elena (standing on rock)