Magazine Outtakes [The Pearl + Hammer Edition] #342

I'm off to Auckland to meet up with my pal Sarah. Who you have most likely seen on the cover of Pearl + Hammer. We're going to hit the Auckland streets tomorrow like gangsta's working the bloc. Come holla at us if you see us taking photos, eating, or singing poorly - to ourselves (because that's pretty much all we do). I light of this awesome NYC/NZ encounter I present to you some outtakes that didn't quite make the cut for Pearl + Hammer.

Morgs

I dig Ksubi Lookbooks #320

I love Ksubi lookbooks. Just like Suzanne Paul loves luminous spheres. Serious. 

Remember this one?

So good. I mean, the styling is not always my fav but the photographic concepts are always fun. Love. 

Morgs. 

The Weekly Wrap - Photoshoot, Back in NYC, & Crazy people #283

Poor Sarah gets to be my puppet all the time. Today I made her stand in the middle of the road down in SoHo. Great photo though right? And that Benetton jumper is just magical.  

1. Got back to NYC. I feel like I exist in the world again. As I described to Hayree on Skype, "Going to Washington DC for 2 weeks is like when you go tramping in the bush with no communication to the real world". In short, it's fun to begin with but then you're like, "Give me my tall white mocha, a working internet connection, the sound of sirens, a view of the Empire State Building, a New York Times, and a whole lot of sleeping pills."

2. The comment on this post made my day. Thank you! 

3. I read this and appreciated how much goes into making an album. Dayyuum Lance. 

4. One of the most disturbingly hilarious things happened to me when I went out in Queens (cue the shudder) the other night. The party we went to was great and it was so good to catch up with friends. However, as we were waiting at the train platform to go home (it was about 3am) this girl walks past me crying. I was being a nice person and asked if she was ok. This is what followed: 

Me: "Are you ok?" [concerned look on my face complete with the 'sad eyebrows'].

Girl: [sobbing] "Nooo"

Me: "Ohhh. Do you want a hug?" [just trying to be nice].

Girl: [Nods her head]

Me: [I lean in to give her a hug]

Girl: waaaaaaaAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH [the Kim Kardashian ugly cry goes here].

And because I cant handle serious situations (and because I was a little tipsy) I started laughing - like really laughing. Then this happened:

Girl: [completely out of the blue] "Do you know Rhonda?"

Me: [more confused than the disciples when Jesus was resurrected] "Huh? What? Ah no."

Girl: "Because she just ruined my night and said she is sleeping with my boyfriend. To. My. Face"

Me: [I stand there still confused] "Oh. No I can't say I've met Rhonda."

Girl: "Like why would she do that?!"

Me: Judging by her very traditionalist demeanor I reply, "She's a devil worshipper." [Trying not to laugh]

Girl: [nods head]

We were all very confused as to what was happening right infront of us, but it wasn't to end there. The girls boyfriend then appeared. Picture a lanky tall, pale, white male - similar to Napoleon Dynamite - but with a peodo moustache. I couldn't help impulsively blurting out, "Tina eat the ham!". They then got on the same train with us. All I can say is awkward tortoise. It was a night to remember. 

5. I made Sarah pose in the middle of the road for a project I've got coming up. Check the picture above. Such fun. 

Morgs

Photo Friday - Naomi & Kate #260

Just because I'm a little bit obsessed.

Morgs

Last Day of NYFW - The Shoe Edition #253

Sadly today was the last day of New York Fashion Week, ending with the big collections from Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Show stopping as always, but commercial as always. Over the past week when I've had my break, from duties that require me to look at a computer screen and answer emails until my finger tips bleed, I got to shoot some street style. These shoes. FYI the 'New Balance' trend isn't going anywhere. The crowds were infected with sneaker disease. Myself included. 

☮ Morgs

None the Richer at New York Fashion Week #252

I kept seeing this group of three people walking into fashion week. I thought I'd seen the girl in the group before but couldn't work out where. I took photos of them each day I was doing street style, just because their dress sense was so insanely cool. Today I they showed up again and some photographers stopped them right infront of me to take photos. Again I was blown away by the clothes they were wearing, but it wasn't until I heard the Australian accent that I clicked. I asked one of them if they were from Aussie label None the Richer. Success. I'd known about NTR from a stint I did in Melbourne. A friend of mine had told me I should check them out. I did, and I stored the name in my expanding brain compartment of people to watch.

The brand was started in 2009 by Ulyana Bezeruk and has since picked up a loyal following. What's admirable is that Ulyana has no formal design training yet she creates at a level many wish they could reach. I think, regardless of what creative field you are in, you need that thing that sets you apart - your style. All too often you see new designers, or rather creators, that have lots of talent but no personal style - they stick to trends. In other words they're followers not leaders. Good talent needs a leader who can steer it in the right direction. Given the bold statement None the Richer have made at NYFW as style setters, I have no doubt there is infinite potential for this brand to perpetually perform at high level. I can't wait to see what comes next.

None the Richer shot by me at New York Fashion Week

Design and tailoring can take you a long way but it's great styling will take you even further. And in the words of the models, "Yeah sure you may not like that brand, but we're walking the show because they've got the best stylists".

Follow None the Richer of facebook and twitter

☮ Morgs
p.s jam of the day 

Street Style Day 4 of NYFW #247

Day 4 of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week here in NYC. Check out some of the street style I shot. ps. The full photo reel will be over on my 'neeew' tumblr. Enjoy!

Yes, I am using an internet connection established in the 70's #236

People (by people I mean people who think they know everything about blogging) say you shouldn't apologise on your blog ever. I say y'all are wrong.  I am in New Zealand, but I've been spending time with extended family who literally live on a hill in the bush. I barely have phone reception let alone internet. Right now I am sitting at a DELL computer (circa 2002) in a video store, in a town that has about 2000 people in it. The keyboard looks like it's used by teenagers that rabidly check their facebook after school. I can't even see the numbers. It costs $6 for one hour of internet, which is great I guess, except it's slower than a handicapped pigeon. Yes it's that serious. My blogging has mainly been done via my phone. Annoying much. I apologise for the lack of internetness. I will not miss a day though. Exciting stuff I am allowed to share with you all, I have got a few fashion shows I will be attending in New Zealand before I go back for New York fashion week. Epicness. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be somewhere where internet abounds and gigabytes run free. Ok, nerd moment.

This is what I have to deal with. Excite.

Peace, Morgs

The Many Faces of KW Eyewear #180

It's no secret im obsessed with Karen Walker eyewear. Just to make your (by 'your I mean 'my') day brighter here's a few photos of those who've worn them best. Enjoy. 

Peace, Morgs

People to Watch - Sarah Koyi Lai #165

This weeks people to watch is my friend and 'coffee Sunday co-pilot', Sarah Koyi Lai. She's a kiwi working in fashion here in New York. What's awesome about Sarah is that she has amazing style. I have, on countless occasions, found myself writhing in jealousy over what she's wearing (it's usually an ensemble that only those with a great figure could pull off). She also has a signature perm that's not easy to replicate, and everyone here in New York seems to notice. Sarah is one of those people that is constantly stopped by streetstyle photographers. Just yesterday we were walking along 14th Street and a man politely asked us (I say 'us' but I mean Sarah) for a photograph. Like a true professional Sarah kept a natural stroll as he took his pictures. The result? See below (I also included a few photos I took of Sarah at NYFW in February-enjoy!).

Photo: Lovis Dengler

Sarah and I also had a bit of a chit-chat about her life, here's how it went down:

The Weekly Wrap - Spotting Rihanna, Michael Kors, and Karma #157

Apocalyptic Chic via TMR
New York, New York

1. I was lucky enough to be in the same room as Anna Wintour and Michael Kors. Listened to Michael talk about his life and how he got to where he is- something I wont forget. 

2. Returned a woman's bag to her by pure chance. Still waiting for that good karma oh mighty being that rules the universe? Any minute now...

3. Dad sent me a rap song he wrote. Dad you're hilarious. Love you. 

4. Met some amazing up-and-coming designers this week. Can't wait to work with y'all. 

5. Went to Bookmarc (Marc Jacobs' bookstore) today and found a signed copy of Jack Kerouac's On the Road. Amazing. Too bad it cost $300. One day.  

6. Was walking home through the West Village to the train (once again). I breezed past someone I thought looked familiar. I almost said hello thinking it was someone I'd met and forgot their name. Turns out they were very familiar but not someone I knew. It was Rihanna just stopping by in the hood. I probably should have guessed by all the people chasing her with Iphones. That s*** cray. 

7. Wonderful emails from you amazing people. Thank-you. I will endeavor to reply

Peace, Morgs

Twenty Seven Names S/S '13 Nine Lives #156

The two ladies behind one of NZ's 'cult craze' labels, Twenty-Seven Names, have yet again come up with an exciting spring/summer collection. After starting their label in 2005, previously Love Lies Bleeding, Anjali Stewart and Rachael Easting have built a successful indie label. From making t-shirts in their Wellington flat they now roll with big guns such as Urban Outfitters.

The '2013 S/S look plays on the preppy but disheveled 'school girl' aesthetic. As always with Twenty-Seven Names I look more at the cut of their garments. Their clothing is always constructed in way that makes the female figure look pretty freaking flawless. The draping, the fit, the collars, they're consistently the best in New Zealand.

As the name of the collection (Nine Lives) suggests there’s a strong reference to the feline species. Although I wasn't really convinced with the cat print at first I must admit it is starting to grow on me. I think it will have more of an effect on those who like 1950's vintage or, on the other hand, those who watch Youtube videos of cats all day. I'm joking. Or am I? Regardless that's pretty much everyone because lets be honest who doesn't love watching cats do weird things? Irrelevant tangent. Make sure you check out the new collection it wont disappoint. 

Don't tell me you can do something if you can't #154

Marilyn 

I think the phrase 'Fake it till you make it' is something everyone adopts at some point in their life, but it really shouldn't be stretched beyond its limits. 

Thus, don't tell me you can do something if you can't. 

Don't tell you can design a website if you can't. 

Don't tell me your a writer if you've just finished a literature degree and the most you've written is poems to your non-existent dream girl. 

Don't tell me you know people who know people because you talked to them once on twitter.

Don't tell me you know the right way when it's obvious my smartphone knows better. 

Don't tell me you can make a better Iced Tea Lemonade than Starbucks because you can't. 

Truth. 

However, do tell me if you or your friends can do any of these things (I may write about them in pseudo-fancy publications.)

photography, music, design, video production, any facets of fashion

email me links or post them anonymously on my tumblr. 

Peace, Morgs

An evening with Michael Kors #152

Michael Kors Holiday 2011

Forgive me for the cheese-y delivery of this post but there really is no other way to put it.

Tonight I had the privilege of attending a talk with Mr. Michael Kors. Anna Wintour also decided she would tag along. No big D. Ever since I had moved into my new apartment I lost most of my motivation to get work done. It's been so long since I've been around people who are passionate about the same things. I forgot what it was like to feed off others creative energy. Thank goodness for tonight. 

The talk was curated by none other than Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week as we know it (that was enough in itself). They talked about all the steps in Michael's life that ultimately led him to where he is today. It's all very well to attend a fashion show (or the like) with someone like Michael presenting a collection; but to actually be able to learn from them is a whole different experience.  It was something I will not forget.

Highlight of the talk was: 

He talked about the first time he dressed Vera Wang for the Costume Institue Gala. He attended the event with her and was so elated that it was his first time exposing his designs to the public. A little later on that night John Lennon was killed. He said it was one of the most somber moments he has ever witnessed. 

[cue the goosebumps]

Photo Friday // Kate Moss Spotting & Street Art #140

The 'Kate Moss for Supreme' ad's are everywhere in New York and you kind of get used to it. I think they're amazing. As should you. I also found some more of that knitted street art down in Soho. I found out the artist is actually really well known. He's like the Banksy equivalent of the 'yarn' world. Word. 

PRADA Mind-F*** #135

If you read my blog you'll know I went to the Prada-Schiaparelli exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Before I lose your complete attention with my nonsensical rambling about stuff you probably don't want to spend your free time reading, I'll let you be mind f***'d by this conversation between the two designers- that was screened at the exhibit:

image

Schiaparelli: "Dress designing to me is not a profession but an art form…It's an opportunity for the cloth to respect the architecture and vice versa."

Prada replies: "Dress designing is creative, but it is NOT an art form. Fashion designers make clothes and they have to sell them. We have less creative freedom than artists. But to be honest whether fashion is art or whether art is art doesn't really concern me. Maybe nothing is art. Who cares." 

Arrgh.
Brain hurts.

Peace, Morgs

Shopping in SoHo // Karen Walker Gone Global #134

Photo: Me,  Model: Ant Walton

After unsuccessfully attempting to attend a Bikram Yoga class (I blame the hot weather, not my lack of commitment) I met up with some friends for some shopping in SoHo. We all had a bit of a 'proud New Zealander' moment when we spotted something a little close to home... 

How do you know when your brand has officially gone global? 

- Sales? 

- Celebrity clientele? 

- Media attention? 

Not even close. It's when they start making ripoffs of your brand and selling them in an upmarket vintage store (see photo). 

That's what's up! 

Although I'm sure Karen Walker would be a little pissed about the knock offs, I think it indicates the level of international hype and demand for the brand. As well as being a little disgusted, I must admit I was a little proud. Not to worry Karen, we then went Barney's to get some legitimate Number One frames. 

Peace, Morgs

Meeting Ilona Royce Smithkin #133

Tonight I met one of my idols. It was magical.

Photo: Ari Seth Cohen

My friends and I were all headed out to get some food and have a drink in the West Village. As we were getting off the train at 14th street a petite woman in a bright green tracksuit walked past us . One of my friends proceeded to say, "Woh look at that granny swag!". I then stopped them all in a crazed fit of joy. Perhaps a little over excited, I explained to them who in fact had just walked past us. It was none other than Ilona Smithkin.

Ilona is one of the style matriarchs of New York City. At 90 years old she still makes her own fake eyelashes from her own hair!

Another Strange Moment in my Life // Betsey Johnson #132

Rob Loud/Getty Images

I always leave Friday as my free day where I can completely dedicate myself to my blog. Exciting right?! I always set out on these predetermined excursions to go and report back on things I find interesting. Except when I do, something strange always gets in the way (I shit you not). This time I was going to see the Prada/Schiaparelli exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum. It went well and it was an amazing exhibit. Every time I leave that museum my brain is exhausted, I actually go in to zombie mode. This time I was walking back through the Upper East Side and a town car (a chauffeur driven car) pulled up beside me. Remember I'm still in zombie mode. Then this woman dressed in bright blue pants and wedge heels tries to lug these giant bags out of the car. A giant Steve Madden bag gets heaved on to the ground, followed by an even bigger Betsey Johnson bag. My first thought was wow this woman has done some serious shopping, she must have visited the Betsey Johnson liquidation sale and bought the whole store! My second thought was this woman is tiny! The combined mass of all those bags is bigger than her. As I gestured to see if she would like some help I realized that she was in fact the real Betsey Johnson. Shit then got a bit awkward. She gave that look as if to say 'no I'm fine thanks'. I replied with the universal shoulder-shrug-whist-tilting-head-slightly-to-the-side motion. Let's just say I wasn't a zombie any longer.

True story.

On the Street in NYC & Welcome to the Future #129

I took this picture today in NYC (on my new phone). I couldn't help but notice how well dressed this couple was. The photo doesn't really do it justice but it looked like they just walked out of an 'Armani-cum-The Row' advert. 

© To me (M.Godwin) because I took the photo. Word

There will be no more circa 2001, Nokia 3315 for me. I'm rolling with the big guns now. Apps and all. I think 2 months is self-punishment enough for losing my Blackberry (more like having it stolen). Oh how I have missed email on-the-go and games that don't make me feel like I'm playing an Atari. I must say though that the tipping point for this purchase was when my previous phone decided it wanted to inflict self harm by being difficult to hold on to. It died a fiery free falling death onto the pavement. 

As my roommate so eloquently put it, "Welcome to the future".

Trust me, I'm glad to be back. 

Peace, Morgs