MacGuffin Issue 16: The Mirror

The stories behind everyday things. No. 16 theme's is The Mirror, exploring Self, Shadow, and Space through the many meanings and uses of reflection.

Published in Fall 2026 out of Amsterdam, Netherlands

“The tool of every self-portrait is the mirror,” observed filmmaker Agnès Varda. “Turn it the other way, and you see the world.” This issue of the magazine does exactly that, exploring a realm of seasonal darkness and manipulated sunshine, facial recognition and fit checks, Claude glasses and mirror balls, fleeting reflections and idealised selfies, narcissistic echoes and confessional essays. Featuring photographer Shahram Saadat, novelist Peter Delpeut, design educator Ghalia Elsrakbi, fashion researcher Aude Fellay, chemist-turned-curator Fulvio Ferrari, architect Sam Jacob, designer Sabine Marcelis, visual artist Iriée Zamblé, writer Kandace Siobhan Walker, and many more.