The Wick Culture - Portrait of Caroline Issa

Monday Muse

Interview Trailblazer and Creative Leader Caroline Issa

Interview

Caroline Issa

25 November 2024

Interview

Caroline Issa

25 November 2024

Magazine publisher, Chief Executive & Fashion Director of TANK Magazine, editor of becauselondon.com, creative consultant and style icon – Caroline Issa wears many hats, and all of them, with panache. Issa left a successful career in management consulting to join the magazine publishing industry in 2002 when she joined TANK, where she quickly became known for her intuitive eye and visionary approach. She has spent years consulting with luxury brands and collaborating with them too – she co-branded a capsule collection for Nordstrom, and has created special collections for the likes of L.K Bennett and Monica Vinader. The Montreal native shares her Monday morning routine, her favourite culture spots in the UK capital, and how her multicultural upbringing has shaped her creativity and style.

THE WICK: How does a typical Monday start?

Caroline Issa: A cup of tea made from tea leaves I got in Hangzhou, and three snooze alarms later, I’ll jump out of bed ready for anything.

TW: You are a truly global citizen – you have a Chinese mother, a Lebanese-Iranian father, grew up in Montreal and have lived in multiple countries. How has this influenced your work?

CI: Hugely. It took me a while to realize how lucky I am to have multiple, global perspectives and influences and to have it from countries with such rich heritage in culture. I grew up with a very Western view of the world, but I have strived to visit as many places on this globe to give me a very different perspective from that of the many preconceived notions I grew up with sheltered in Montreal. Additionally, I think that my mixed-heritage has given me so much joy in terms of meals. I have a very lucky palate.

TW: London has been your home for the last decade. What is your favourite Culturally Curious spot in the capital?

CI: It’s been my home in fact for over two decades. I don’t have a favourite culturally curious spot but many. Serpentine Galleries, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Chisenhale Gallery, The Showroom London, Bold Tendencies and Hannah Barry gallery in Peckham. And anything that Artangel puts on. I’m a greedy culture vulture.

TW: Your street style is always turning heads at fashion week. Which fashion designer do you see as working to fuse the art and fashion scenes in the most interesting way?

CI: Again, too many to narrow into – but Grace Wales Bonner, Roksanda, Marine Serre, Chitose Abe of Sacai, Renaissance Renaissance, Paria Farzaneh, Emilia Wickstead, Bella Freud, Gabriela Hearst, Amy Powney of Mother of Pearl, Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior… so many amazing women giving us essential, joyous collections.

“Surround yourself with a community who have your back, who can guide you and mentor you, and always be open to change.”

Caroline Issa

The Wick Culture - Immediacy, Spring 2024. TANK Magazine

TW: You are currently working on exciting conversations with global artists and cultural leaders at TANK – if you could have your last conversation with one artist alive or dead who would it be?

CI: Actually, my aunt, the curator Rose Issa. She has championed contemporary Middle Eastern, Iranian and African artists for over 40 years. She’s a fountain of knowledge, taste and stories.

TW: You’re often seen mentoring the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs. What’s the biggest piece of advice you give to young creatives looking to carve out their place in the industry?

CI: Lean into your unique perspective, and make sure when running a business you think about 1) people you work with, and 2) your cash flow.

TW: What’s next on the horizon for you, and what goals still drive your passion for the industry?

CI: TANK Magazine turns 27 in 2025, and we continue to work with beautiful brands telling stories that cut through to the reason why fashion is.

TW: What would be your top piece of advice for women in leadership positions in the changing world?

CI: Surround yourself with a community who have your back, who can guide you and mentor you, and always be open to change.

TW: Who is your ultimate Monday Muse?

TW: Francesca Albanese – she inspires me these days.