NZNTM Cycle 3 Episode 8

Image: Isaac Hindin-Miller of IsaacLikes.com

How excited I was to watch this weeks episode that featured a runway critique with Kiwi fashion blogger Isaac Hindin-Miller! To have an afternoon to sit down and chinwag with this man is pure gold so I hope they lapped up his thoughts and have accepted the few harsh truths that he bestowed on them. As Colin exclaimed "Let's just hope Isaac likes you!" 

 

What the girls learned:

1. Don't wear a hat/beanie to a casting. -Bianca/Arihana

2. NO BOOTY POP AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY! - Arihana

3. Being labeled a commercial model (rather than catwalk/high fashion) is not the end of your career. In fact it is the beginning of what can be very well paying regular work. - Aroha

4. Lesbians of gore rejoice! Isaac found their missing sistah - Hillary
5. ENERGY! SPARK! High fashion = Needs high energy - Issy
6. Anyone remember Hosanna? Issy and Brigette need to work on their walk.
7. "There’s a very fine line between cool and awkward. Always air on the side of caution" - AJ

Image: The girls in their custom made red carpet ensembles

After a frantic "fashion day" of fittings, hair and makeup appointments across town the girls 
assembled for a faux red carpet experience. Poor AJ thought it was a race and scrambled down the red carpet like it was a three legged race. Some really cute outfits designed by 3rd year AUT Fashion students featured in the madness with Hillary winning a pair of diamond earrings for her grand entrance and stunning ensemble.

Image: Madeline Sami and Hillary

Funny woman Madline Sami joined the girls this week on a shoot at the Auckland Museum. Styled with moustaches and heels the girls needed to embody a masculine sexiness while referencing their femininity. Who came out a winner? Hands down it was Hillary. My money says this girl makes the final three.

Image: Madeline Sami and Arihana

Sadly Arihana had run out of tricks and her look which initially blew away the judges failed to wow them one last time. She was sent packing with her hoola hoops and Glassons goody bag  back to Dunedin. 

Next week a shock elimination grounds one girl before they make it to Abu Dhabi. Who will it be? I'm worried it might be Brigette...LOVE her but she hasn't rated too well over the last couple of weeks... The nerves are setting in!

XX

All images: TV3. My fave images are pictured above!

Check out the full album here.

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★ ☆ ✰ Shine like the stars ★ ☆ ✰

I heart the universe!

I made my tumblr all Earthy-from-space-and-moon-related today!

Click click click here to check it out 

xx

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M.A.C ME over please! XX

Image: M.A.C Me Over! // M.A.C 

I am really excited to blog about the M.A.C Me Over! range set to hit New Zealand M.A.C stores in September for 6 weeks only!

In November last year the call was made over the interweb for M.A.C fans to become the face of the brand for a new campaign. Contestants needed to align with the M.A.C ethos that celebrates "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes ".  The six winners were treated to a trip to New York to under take a photo shoot with Michael Thompson, receive A-list treatment from stylist Paul Cavaco, have their hair transformed by Serge Normant and have be prepped for camera by makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen. Amazing!

Some of the finalists stories brought tears to my eyes as I read through the press kit and it reminded me of three of the reasons I heart M.A.C:

1. Firstly, their ethos = All ages, all races, all sexes. 

I especially love that they say "all sexes" - rather than buying into gender binaries and stating "both sexes" they leave inclusion for those who identify outside this two gender model. I know this is a tiny amount of wording BUT it means the world to some. 

2. I always leave a M.A.C store feeling like a rockstar. No judgement if my skin is dehydrated/oily. And I never feel rushed. Me in a M.A.C shop = a kid in a candy store! If I could dress up and play all day with pretty makeup and dance to sugar pop music I think my life would be complete.

3. M.A.C collections are on trend and inspired by fabulous muses. Speaking of, did you hear that Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin are the spokespersons for the THE M.A.C AIDS FUND 2012 Viva Glam campaign? I can't WAIT to see the promo images!

Image: M.A.C Me Over! // M.A.C

The M.A.C Me Over collection that is set to hit shelves in a month "includes M·A·C classics, a nude and pink collection comprising our artists’ favorite shades and new limited-life shades; the other two go bold, one with trend-based blackened shades while the second plays it cool pastel." (Pictured above)

DELICIOUS!

XX

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Another diva signs off at 27

 Image: SongOnLyrics.com

 Have you read the moving tribute that Russell Brand wrote to Amy Winehouse? Describing one of the first times he heard her perform:

"A voice that was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine. My ears, my mouth, my heart and mind all instantly opened. Winehouse. Winehouse? Winehouse! That twerp, all eyeliner and lager dithering up Chalk Farm Road under a back-combed barnet, the lips that I’d only seen clenching a fishwife fag and dribbling curses now a portal for this holy sound. So now I knew. She wasn’t just some hapless wannabe, yet another pissed up nit who was never gonna make it, nor was she even a ten-a-penny-chanteuse enjoying her fifteen minutes. She was a fucking genius."

  Image: The Independent

Anyone who has had a lover, parent, friend who is/was an addict or who has been slayed by destructive disease of addiction will know of the exhaustion and fatigue that sets in while fighting demons. We need to continue to encourage each other to greatness and to inspire great change in the world. Your words may be just the extra power someone needs.

xx

 
p.s. I was going to post a link to a couple of Amy Winehouse songs that I can't get out of my head...  but it just kind of seems a bit morbid right?

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NZNTM Cycle 3 Episode 7

 

 Image: Arihana

The poor little darlings on  NZNTM this week were put through their paces on an episode aimed at helping the models conquer their fears. A visit to haunted attraction Spookers left both AJ and Tyne calling for rescue while Issy, Brigette and Hillary breezed through the hallways of the ex asylum. 

Being forced to go to Spookers is my worst nightmare. Earlier in the year my boss proposed the idea as a social event but thankfully my workmates are as scared as me and the event didn't go ahead!

After a bit of posing off the side of the Sky Tower with Rachel Hunter the girls were sent to Butterfly Creek to do a photo shoot themed around Greek gods and goddesses surrounded by all sorts of critters. Photo shoot director Chris Sisarich had a blast making the girls believe they were modeling with live wetas and taranchulas... OH that mans cheeky smile still makes me giddy!  

The pressure was all a bit much for Tyne who was sent packing after a less than average photo shoot. To be fair she did have a massive taranchula on her chest... It will be intersesting to see how the group dynamics change with her departure. Will poor Bianca bear the brunt of the girls drama?

 

 Image: Rosanagh 

What we learned this week:

- Issy, Hillary and Brigette are awesome. Like, I want to be their friends. 

- Colin has the best one liners. This week he referred to Hillary as "an anemic bore" during elimination. 
- AJ has an insane fear of heights.

- Arihana and Issy could easily be the final two judging by this weeks photos.
- The group cuddles at elimination have made a reappearance.

- ISAAC HINDIN-MILLER IS MAKING AN APPEARANCE NEXT WEEK! HOLLA!

 

Image: Issy

Who will it be? Only 8 girls remain!

xx

All images: TV3. My fave three are pictured above!

Check out the full album here.

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I wish I looked as FIERCE as Penny Pickard in SGC...

Photos by Derek Henderson // Penny Pickard in SGC 

Remember those amazing prints designed by Karl Maughan for Stolen Girlfriends Club for their Summer '11 collection shown on the runway at RAFW earlier in the year? Derek Henderson shot these campaign images featuring Penny Pickard (this is sounding like the guest stars of this cycle of NZNTM right?!) at the Auckland Museum for the collection set to hit stores over September, October and November.

I love this quote from the collection's inspiration:

"The collection is built into two parts: The intensely saturated colour conveys all the heightened sensitivity of being in love. The dark midnight colour represents that moment when love is gone."

The countdown is ON!

xx

Click Click Click to continue to see all images...

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Hello, Poetry Phone

Have you heard that today is NATIONAL POETRY DAY?

What better way to celebrate than by indulging in a free-over-the-phone poetry reading from the delicious Sensitive Boyfriend?

I just had my very own one-to-one poetry reading and I must say I blushed a little!

Speaking with the super cute Drus Dryden over the phone made me giddy with nostalgic memories of speaking with boys via telephone well past my bedtime. Now I feel we are all facebooky/tweety that the intimacy of voice to voice communication gets downgraded to emergency use only. 

How precious to hear spoken poetry read for an audience of one! 

CALL NOW! (09) 309 POEM xx

p.s. I requested something FUN and this is the banjo/song version of my poem:

Reno Dakota // Magic Fields Cover

xx

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Want to show at New Zealand Fashion Week?

Are you designer who is a New Zealand resident, 18 years of age or over and currently enrolled in a NZ fashion-based tertiary course OR have completed a NZ fashion-based tertiary course within the last 4 years?

Thanks to the Wesptac Young Fashion Designer Competition you could win yourself a chance to show at New Zealand Fashion Week and a cheque for $5,000.00 + a design mentorship + a banking mentorship. AMAZE! Entries close next Thursday at 5pm and then public voting begins online to narrow the ten finalists down to the three that will showcase at NZFW and battle it out for the grand prize. GREAT opportunity!

CLICK  CLICK CLICK TO ENTER HERE!

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[Seriously]

Last night after being blown away by the awesomeness that is the ANEW Menswear Collective (read Katherine Lowe's post here) I went to an event titled "A S*** SHIRT PARTY". The plan is you are given the name, size and least favourite colour of one of the guests attending and have to buy them an outrageous shirt for $15 or less.

I am known to be rather loud in my wardrobe decisions to the amusement of this group of friends. One boy exclaimed as I entered the room wearing my pink neon WORLD MAN jacket: "OH I see you have your shit shirt already..." I was unsure if I should have told him that it retailed for $600 and was part of a my favourite AW '11 collection... 

I giggled for a good hour when my friend Charlotte gave me my shit shirt (pictured above)! What else do you give a queer fashion focused feminist? She was nervous that I would be morbidly offended but I think this is so freaking amazing. I now officially own a grey marle slogan t-shirt. So fashawn. SHAWTY WANNA THUG!!!!

XX

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Tell me about YOUR hair philosophy and WIN!!!

I LOVE GIVEAWAY TIME!!! And I love FASHIONTREND Australia!!! Here is the deal-e-o on the latest issue to hit the stands:

"FASHIONTREND Australia has just launched the July Issue showcasing Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and the Fall Winter collections direct from Milan and New York. Featuring a brave hair directive created by Brad Ngata for L'Oréal Professionnel, 'REBEL' is laced with retro glamour and lawless cool. 

Dedicated to emerging creative talent, this inspirational Issue unfolds into 150+ pages of unstoppable fashion."

I have 3 Issues to GIVEAWAY! How DELICIOUS!

To enter simply email me at hannah@aychblog.com the three words that summarise your hair philosophy by Monday 25th July.

Entries are open to readers in Australia and New Zealand.

xx

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW!

Available at MAG NATION and leading newsagents nationally.

Check out FASHIONTREND Australia on the web, Twitter and Facebook.

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Happy Birthday Nelson!

Mr Mandela celebrates his 93rd birthday today!

If you have grown up in a home that celebrates the voice of ALL people as free and equal then you probably think Mr Mandela is kind of awesome. I do! 

My momma has this incredible piece of Nelson Mandela art that I thought I had a photo of stored away but I cant for the life of me find it... the hunt continues.

AND how incredible is Invictus the movie? The All Blacks have a part to tell in this story with a young Jona Lomu look-a-like featuring who will make any rugby mad kiwi beam with nostalgic pride. 

xx

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NZNTM Cycle 3 Episode 6

Image: Tyne

The clear winner of this weeks photo shoot with the shows sponsor the Ford Festiva was Tyne. While drama ensues in the house over her eating habits what we learned is that she takes a damned good photo!

Image: Brigette

After a quick session of self take photos with NZNTM senior makeup artist Stefan Knight the girls took part in the obligatory makeup challenge. I think this would have been more hilarious earlier in the season before the girls had several professional photo shoots under their belts.

What we learned this episode:

- Alberton House is beautiful. I went to Marist College so had the joy of walking past it every day en route to school. Gorgeous. I got super excited thinking it would be utilised in a shoot.

- Chris Sisarich has such a babin' smile. There is something about his massive grins that makes me weak at the knees. #realitytvcrush

- The kadrillion oranges in Arihana's shot made for a horrifying image.

- Brigette should win this competition. As Sara said "Snaps for Brigette". She is SUCH-A-BABE!

- How super awkward is it to be the guest judge and be in the background of Sara's elimination call?

Image: Aroha

In the end Amber's long legs and bright smile weren't enough to keep her in the competition. It looks like she is still a contender in the real New Zealand modeling industry as Kathryn Lowe wrote this afternoon (and Model Go See snapped) she has already gone back to brunette and is back on the market.  

xx

All images: TV3. My fave three are pictured above!

Check out the full album here.

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That's SO GAY!

Image: The new neon collection by FCKH8.com

If there are two things in life that make me smile they are inspirational messages from Mother Monster and the FCKH8.com videos. Check out this latest one that cites the "Top 5 Reasons to Ban Gay Marriage!" Major LOL!

I'm trying to decide which FCKH8 tee's I'm going to buy from the latest neon campaign:

I think I'm going to go for the "THAT'S SO GAY" tee!

XX

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NZNTM Cycle 3 Episode 5

Life in NZNTM land this week began with the tragic recounting of the separation of BFFs Issy and Yanna. Tears, sadness... and before the wahmbulance could be called Sara Mail cut straight to the excitement that is models learning how to dance. Cue snicker.

Image: Rosanagh

You would think that all those long limbs, minimal body weight and moodiness would bode well for a burgeoning dance career but it seems these model hopefuls haven't had much experience poppin' and lockin' it on the d-floor. Vogue dance crew showed the ladies their moves only to have all of the models (with the exception of Tyne) embarrass Colin with their less than awesome groove. In these group situations it seems that NZ Tall Poppy Syndrome runs rampant with none of the hopefuls bold enough to act like they give a damn about this opportunity. Am I right?

Image: Tyne 

The massive house drama that we had been looking forward to was only a misunderstanding between Bianca and Tyne over who should sit in a certain seat. This lead to AJ calling Tyne a b**** and group therapy was needed. Tyne repented and was sent to say 10 Hail Kaiser Karls and all was put right in fashion land.

The girls were shipped off to Te Kuiti to learn about wool production, ad libbing on camera and dealing with the ethical dilemmas. Poor Arihana struggled to rave about New Zealand wool on camera after being traumatised after watching a sheep get shawn. This darling is a girl of conviction. Issys bright eyes and mega personality won her the promote New Zealand wool challenge leaving her with $1500 of Westfield vouchers. I couldn't help think that her awesome fro of a mane would have been a great styling choice should this have been a real life promotional piece!

Image: Kylie Cooke in Areez Katki 

One massive highlight in this wool segment was the mention by NZNTM stylist Kylie Cooke of super-incredible-amazing Auckland designer Areez Katki and his use of hand knitted wool fibres in his creations. Awesome! Areez also features in this weekends Canvas magazine fashion pages styled by Dan Awha and assisted by the lovely Emma Gleason. 

Image: Kylie Cooke in Areez Katki 

Olivia Hemus shot this weeks photo challenge at Smash Palace (pictured). Aroha struggled under Olivia's direction but Bianca, Issy and AJ all bloomed with some extra guidance. I think its great she was so hands on with the girls letting them know exactly what was working and when to move on. It's the only way they are going to figure out HOW to be a model!

Special guest judge this week DJ Sivere( Rip It Up editor and Mai FM programmer ) had some hilarious comments to make during judging. He said that Bianca was to fierce and AJ looked a little bit slutty.... OH isn't that what fashion is? When you use a pretty girl on an album cover? OH!!! 

Image: Aroha

Aroha walked away the winner of this weeks photoshoot while Arihana and Briana faced the firing squad in the bottom two. Arihanas unusual face got her through to another round but young Briana was sent packing. Is anyone else feeling that all of Arihanas shoots look exactly the same? Hope we see something more exciting from her in the next few weeks because she is goooooorgeous! 

xx

All images: TV3. Check out the full album here.

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Whimsy Fix and pretty things

 Image: Me with my bloggy face on.. and music... I AM CLOTHED!

The wonders of the interweb never cease to amaze me!  A little while ago I came across the intriguing Twitter page of jewellery brand Whimsyfix. I was so curious by their description I begged to learn more... Here is what I found out:

So you create Handfashioned Vintage/Neo-Victorian/Steampunk Jewelry... It all looks so beautiful! Where did your passion for this aesthetic begin?

Thanks! - I think it's all pretty gorgeous too!...

I've loved Jewelry from an early age, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who was ridiculously stylish and always always sported some sort of charm, gem or string of beautiful Jewelry. Thus saying she wore Jewelry every single day of her long life and collected many many pieces on her travels around the world.

Image: Whimsy Charmer Bracelet // Antique Bronze

Recently I inherited a lot of her vintage pieces and I was blessed to be able to wear what she treasured – so I made a decision to wear at least one of her vintage pieces everyday!, and from the moment I pinned that ruby brooch or tightened her diamond screw back earrings securely to my lobes I felt more connected to the yesteryear.... Her memories pass and mine begin.

I adore anything from the Victorian & Edwardian days and really admire the glamour of those yesteryears but as with everything, I love it clashed together with a bit of renegade offbeat styling reflecting a darker side – the alternative, unusual and sometimes odd & kitschy.

Image: Whimsy Charmer Bracelet // Antique Bronze

So, Whimsy Fix Jewelry Boutique was created in the hopes that I could help gals be able to wear beautiful edgy jewelry that reflects notions of the olden days and Victorian/Edwardian eras and have it be affordable so that they could wear something new everyday!

Also, I noticed that I couldn't find Jewelry that tickled my fancies close to home.

I'm a busy girl who loves online shopping so I wanted to be able to provide a nice Boutique where girls and guys could shop for beautiful quality handmade items from their comfy homes.

Image: Lolita Cameo Skeleton Ring // Antique Bronze

Another issue I wanted to tackle was the fact that whenever I bought jewelry online, It would eventually hurt my sensitive skin necklaces/rings would give rashes and earrings would kill my lobes! Well I figured this is because they contained lead & nickel.

Well, we can't have that!, So I've created my Whimsy Fix range to be lead & nickel free where it matters so it's kind to your skin and can be worn in complete confidence.

 Image: Lil Robot Lover Boy Earrings // Antique Bronze

And are you connected in someway to the Steampunk community?

I'm relatively new to the steampunk community, I have a few people who have reached out to me from the fledgling Auckland Steampunk Association which is taking off fast!.

I know I certainly look forward to being able to get more involved in the future.

 

My Jewelry isn't hardcore steampunk but I definitely get some inspiration from steampunk and that is reflected in my pieces such as the new range of beautiful working quartz fob and pocket watch necklaces that are due to be launched in the nest couple of weeks.

Image: The talented Anna Downie

Who is the magic behind Whimsy Fix?

That would be me, Anna Downie, I'm 31 and married to an amazing musician who tours the country and also builds beautiful retro styled amps, I'm lover of cooking,music,wine, art, and have a slight addiction to Tattoos and all things Vintage/Retro.

I am Mum to one beautiful 7 year old boy and one fur baby pup.

I love being at home but dream of travel.

I live in a converted barn in the countryside in rural north Auckland and have my studio at home – creating jewelry is my passion so Whimsy Fix keeps me busy and happy! 

When I'm not reminiscing of the olden days and era's gone past I am the operations manager for a charitable trust called Miomo – which sees me spending a lot of time working with 17-24 year olds to help them make better lives for themselves.... so that's me!

Image: Cheeky Chuck Earrings // Antique Bronze

It's so exciting that you have just launched your Etsy Store. Are there any other retailers on the horizon?

I'm sure there are retailers on the horizon, we haven't yet crossed paths but will definitely keep you posted when something eventuates!  I would love to expand Whimsy Fix and see it perched on the counters of perhaps some Tattoo studios and alternative stores.

Image: Turn up the Mic Earrings // Antique Silver

Who would you love to see wearing your creations?

I can imagine Helena Bonham-Carter wearing Whimsy Fix. but really I'd like to see everyday girls with edgy attitudes who aren't afraid to look as though they've time travelled back to 1899 and party like it's “99! and have fun wearing something that tastes a little out of the ordinary.

They'll get comments wearing Whimsy Fix – I promise.

 XX

You can check out the Wimsy Fix Jewelery Boutique here, become a fan on Facebook here and follow on Twitter here.

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Who is Chess Countess?

Image: Chess Countess

Are you attending Chess Countess' listening party? It runs from TODAY till the 11th of July. You can also now purchase her brand spanking new EP from today and you can RSVP to her release party this Saturday on Facebook and purchase early bird tickets here! 

Yay young talent!

xx

P.s. My fave track from the EP is Silent Hills - listen to it here. 

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NZNTM Cycle 3 Episode 4

Image: Colin and his amazing glasses

This week the model hopefuls took part in a posing lesson then challenge with Wil Sabin and a variety of props. I LOVED the glasses that Colin was wearing! All of the girls agreed that everyone did well, I think the mirror helped them understand good/bad poses and I think a few girls had light bulb moments with revelations on what works. 

Image: Brigette

An awkward 2 degrees sponsored challenge saw the girls run around the Auckland zoo taking pictures of each others best assets to create an ultimate body to promote.. a cell phone plan? Kind of bizarre...

The photo shoot the girls took part in this week was a campaign image for Pascoes jewellery shot by Guy Coombes with Kiwi model Vinnie Woolsten. The girls were giddy! While the girls were blushing over getting up close and personal with a real life super babe Brigette, Bianca and Aj got down to business and came out with some amazing images (pictured above and below).

Image: Bianca

From this episode we can conclude that photo shoots are everything in this competition. Poor Yanna did well in the posing challenge and has been a star in previous weeks only to get boosted out for a bad image this week. Such is life in this cruel industry!

Image: AJ

Another week and another elimination looms. It looks like Episode 5 brings some fiery tantrums in the model house.. Will Tyne stick around?

xx

All images: TV3. Check out the full album here.

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In memory of...

Sadly I attended a family funeral today. Isn't it strange that when a loved one who has been suffering passes that we still feel sad? Shouldn't we be dancing? Oh humans!

Image: Stained glass window of St. Louiss death in Tunis, St. Louis church

One of the things I was dreading was figuring out what to wear... I am always torn when people say "I want you to wear bright colors when I pass" as often black is so often reflective of how one is feeling in these situations...

Mourning attire in the Victorian era followed strict rules that could see a widow mourn entirely in black for three years as Queen Victoria did when her husband passed away. I think customs like this can bind people to the past but can also give those grieving something to focus on. In the same way burial services can give those who are saying goodbye the chance to have some agency in the arrangements surrounding death. 

xx

P.s My Grandmother (bless her) told me all about eco friendly caskets today... slightly morbid conversation but also slightly awesome...

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