"Her graceful spirit shone through when Liz Tilberis unveiled her debut issue of Harper's Bazaar in the autumn of 1992. The magazine had long ceased to be the vanguard of sophisticated ideas, but with Tilberis at the helm it entered a new era of elegance "of mind as much of appearance" as she wrote in her premier editor's letter. With iron hands in velvet gloves she lifted the falling tittle back to its beautiful point, which was to engage by offering the best of the best, in all arenas.
Fifteen years later, the theme of elegance seems obsolete, eclipsed by the hype of sex, money and celebrity. The disposable ideals of our popular culture have obscured values that for centuries inspired man to high-mindedness. Elegance, not as in opulence, but as a natural attitude that enlightens our lives and makes commodities mere instruments of its expression, has become a rarity. Since it is not in the nature of elegance to impose itself, we decided to look it up.
Our quest was illuminated by our guest editor Lars Nilsson who, more than anyone I know, understands the world of refinement and the culture that has excelled in fashionable and artistic circles throughout 20th century and beyond. The act of sharing his considerable knowledge did not only elevate the fifth issue of our magazine, but is a portrayal of beauty in itself. If elegance refuses to be defined, we managed to get a glimpse of it in this very generous gesture.
Throughout the following encounters, dialogues and interpretations of our theme we came to realise that elegance belongs to the abstract. It is therefore impossible to give a concrete explanation of it. The mystery is its allure, transcended far above the chaotic world in which we live. There, in a beautiful balance between simplicity and magnificence, it cherishes the divine authenticity in all of us."
Thomas Persson / Editor-in-Cief and Creative Director
Voice Plus, Editor's Letter to the Fifth Issue of Acne Paper (http://www.acnepaper.com)
I say: Profoundly beautiful and full of meaning.. truly inspiring source, discovered by pure chance at a newsstand in Bangkok airport.. it was a blessing.. It resonated within me deeply and helped me formulate my own ideas with simplicity and new clarity.. just at the right time.. highly recommended to nurture divine higher self within..
