New edition explores symbolic and visual meanings of gold through essays, photography, and art
Acne Paper has released its 20th-anniversary issue under the title Golden, marking two decades since the publication’s founding in 2005. The issue reflects on the magazine’s editorial legacy while using gold—both in concept and material—as its central theme.
Described as “a celebration of our editorial journey from 2005 to 2025,” the issue is intended to symbolize the value of the creative process behind Acne Paper’s evolution. “At least for us, [it] is worth its weight in gold,” the editorial team writes in the opening.
This edition brings together fashion stories, essays, interviews, and art portfolios that center around gold’s historical and symbolic resonance. Themes explore the element’s significance in ancient civilizations as well as its use in contemporary creative expression.
“In a time when uncertainty looms and shadows stretch long, we have chosen to surround ourselves with the warmth of hope,” the editors write. “The stories within these pages celebrate a brightness that reaches across history and throughout the world – from the mysteries of ancient civilisations to the most imaginative artistic creativity of today.”
The motif of gold—interpreted as both color and material—functions as the thematic link throughout the issue. “Gold, both the colour and the material, has served as our guide – a thread weaving through our written and visual editorials, be they humorous or poetic, personal or academic, godlike or very human.”
The issue’s cover features actress and model Raya Martigny, photographed by Szilveszter Makó. The publication notes that this sets the tone for the content within.
“Each contributor to this issue, whether a rising star or an established master, has poured their vision into this shared theme, creating a mosaic of inspiration that speaks about transformative power,” the editors add.
The Golden issue includes fashion and photographic contributions from Sarah Moon and Patti Wilson; Leslie Zhang and Audrey Hu; Sharna Osborne and Robbie Spencer; Paul Kooiker and Beat Bolliger; Vidar Logi and Edda Gudmundsdottir; Julia Hetta and Emman; Rafael Pavarotti and George Krakowiak; Julien Martinez Leclerc and Katie Burnett; and Szilveszter Makó and Lisa Jarvis.
