The May issue of Paper Magazine is the first to bear the imprimatur of their new creative director (and fellow Tibor fan) Peter Buchanan-Smith. I am always at least a little excited about a fresh issue of a magazine, even if only because I am salivating at the chance for some new thing to grouse about, but well, I’m really excited about this new incarnation of Paper. Damn, it looks good.

The photography is outstanding – the spread for the Kelly Osborne article, shot by Danielle Levitt is terrific. Other photographers include Michael Schmelling (who photographs two different features) and Randi Berez‘s photos of El Morro, a trailer park in Southern California, are absolutely divine. (Admittedly, her work is just 100% up my alley.)

Aside from the photography, all the features are interesting and fresh. It’s the first time in a long time that I haven’t felt as though I am being dragged through lightly edited versions of the same barrage of press releases that I’m going to be hearing about in every other monthly that I happen to pick up. So, good job Paper! I can’t wait to see future issues.