Interview Trailblazer and Creative Leader Caroline Issa
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
