A New View From Dubai

T Magazine: The New York Times Style Magazine, releases the first edition of T Middle East and North Africa. Now THIS is an exciting development for humanity. You can accuse AOC of being too-woke, but if a new international magazine celebrates The Makers Generation in its first issue, Anne is thrilled to be on the frontline in a rapidly-changing, luxury-client landscape.

In this first issue, we touch base with model Yasmin Wijnaldum, learning how she balances the many — sometimes contradictory — claims on her psyche and journey to self-accualization on her own terms.

Next on the covers list is stylist, creative director, designer and former EIC of Dazed Magazine [2021-2025] Ib Kamara [IG]. This super-talented creative also maintains his relationship with the Off-White fashion brand, founded by Virgil Abloh.

Tarek Mawad [IG] captures Wijnaldum’s fashion story and interview and Kamara is lensed by Ellen von Unwerth [IG]. Now THAT’s a MEETUP!

The Times partner for the new T Magazine ME is ITP Media Group, headquartered in Dubai, as one of the largest media companies in the region. ITP maintains its focus on local Arab culture and creativity.

“Less I; More Us”

When former Dior creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, now in the same position at Fendi, says the luxury sector today must be dedicated to “Less I; More Us”, she is dead-on correct.

Not only are luxury clients realigning their priorities, but they have plenty of choices about the brands they want to support. China is creating its own portfolio of high quality fashion brands. China’s pipeline of preferred brands will focus on those which most understand China.

A debut issue focused on The Makers Generation is a timely one, led by important industry voices. Perhaps no voice is more consequential than China’s president Xi Jinping, who is devoted to Makers now and in China’s past history.

China Is in Motion and In Charge

The more Anne of Carversville learns about Xi’s determination to set straight the critical importance of women — and older women — in China, past and present, AOC understands his approach to complex topics like women’s empowerment.

China has many missions going on simultaneously. The restoration of women’s real history is a high priority, but so is global cultural outreach with the goal of learning much more about each other.

The Silk Road Spirit Is Flourishing

Jing Daily’s recent Dubai initiatives such as the Spring Festival Showcase at Mall of the Emirates, illustrate how Chinese media is facilitating a "cultural fusion" between Chinese New Year and Ramadan. The Xi Jinping mission is to make China’s people the third largest source of tourism in Saudi Arabia by 2030.

AOC recommends that Europeans and Americans working in the luxury sector become clear in their minds about China’s goals. As Chiuri says: “Less I; More Us”. Matthieu Blazy at Chanel agrees and so does Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton Men. Ghesquiere is certainly on board.

In this moment, I feel sorry for any male designer who can’t read the room. Even when he believes he is invincible. ~ Anne