Is the process as important as the outcome? It’s an interesting question and I suppose it depends on the context of any given situation. I truly believe that we do learn from our mistakes and so, with that adage close to my heart manifested in all that I do, it seems that I align more to the former rather than the latter notion. However, I will contradict myself here because sometimes when you’re making / creating something, it’s not until the very end that it all “comes together” to produce a stellar final result. Overall, perhaps it’s the circumstances that define the rules of engagement?

This issue is about both beginnings and ends, and in many ways the spaces in between. We explore the growing trends of green fashion and look at how sustainability is no longer an option but really a must in this industry. However, with designers like Stella McCartney and Gucci following suit, it means that definitions of “green” are changing. Pompidou opens an extensive retrospective of French designer Pierre Paulin, which looks at how he continuously used functionality, together with practicality, to create long-lasting pieces, most notably his chairs. We also take a look at the sheer ingenuity behind Japanese architecture: its clever use of space, light and shapes creates some of the world’s most unique buildings.

In photography, Photo London returns to the capital this May and we give you an overview of some of this year’s highlights. The stunning self-portraits of Alicia Savage depict a greater universality, while the work of Cara Barer demonstrates the artist’s fascination with experimentation; paper becomes her muse. Laurent Kronental presents a different view of Parisian social housing by showing its grandeur and design, and Christopher Payne’s images are a glimpse into abandoned interiors and how, in the process of breaking down, a new type of beauty emerges. Joshua Jordan, cover photographer this issue, portrays the fun, glamour and nostalgia of youth. Finally, the Last Words go to Francesco Pergolesi, who speaks about the process of looking through a detailed series Heroes, which examines interior spaces.