This issue of Ubikwist is devoted to the theme of WOMAN – and how women are shaping the world’s future into one worth saving.
Part of this is due to the roots planted by trailblazers spotlighted in this issue: the late, great Toni Morrison, whose literary legacy lives in the inspired work of phenomenal artists Vanessa German, Simone Leigh, Alexandria Smith, Torkwase Dyson, and Xaviera Simmons; filmmaker Melina Matsoukas, responsible for some of Beyoncé’s and Rihanna’s videos, now making her big screen debut as director of Queen & Slim, with a screenplay by Lena Waithe; Somalian activist Ifrah Ahmed, a fierce campaigner against female genital mutilation; Swiss muse/courtesan Susi Wyss, who chronicles her exploits among the rich and famous in her memoir Guess Who is the Happiest Girl in Town; former Prince muse and protégée Jill Jones; transgender actress and activist Ava Grey; and Sylvia Rhone, the American music executive who has been helping shape American music tastes through her leadership in the recording industry for close to half a century.
Elsewhere in these pages are fashion and beauty features highlighting the beauty of woman, as well as introductions to sustainable brands Dhara via Lucy Pinter and Room 502 from the venerable Sophie Theallet design studio. Not to be denied, interviews with up-and-coming actress Karla Crome, the singular Samirah Raheem, Sudanese president-to-be Aweng Chuol, the entertainment sensation Justine Skye, and the outspoken, influential dream hampton bring insight and nuance to the trials of ascendancy for women everywhere.
Some say the future is female. Ubikwist says, now and forever, WOMAN is past, present, and eternal.
Giannie Couji
Editor-in-Chief
Part of this is due to the roots planted by trailblazers spotlighted in this issue: the late, great Toni Morrison, whose literary legacy lives in the inspired work of phenomenal artists Vanessa German, Simone Leigh, Alexandria Smith, Torkwase Dyson, and Xaviera Simmons; filmmaker Melina Matsoukas, responsible for some of Beyoncé’s and Rihanna’s videos, now making her big screen debut as director of Queen & Slim, with a screenplay by Lena Waithe; Somalian activist Ifrah Ahmed, a fierce campaigner against female genital mutilation; Swiss muse/courtesan Susi Wyss, who chronicles her exploits among the rich and famous in her memoir Guess Who is the Happiest Girl in Town; former Prince muse and protégée Jill Jones; transgender actress and activist Ava Grey; and Sylvia Rhone, the American music executive who has been helping shape American music tastes through her leadership in the recording industry for close to half a century.
Elsewhere in these pages are fashion and beauty features highlighting the beauty of woman, as well as introductions to sustainable brands Dhara via Lucy Pinter and Room 502 from the venerable Sophie Theallet design studio. Not to be denied, interviews with up-and-coming actress Karla Crome, the singular Samirah Raheem, Sudanese president-to-be Aweng Chuol, the entertainment sensation Justine Skye, and the outspoken, influential dream hampton bring insight and nuance to the trials of ascendancy for women everywhere.
Some say the future is female. Ubikwist says, now and forever, WOMAN is past, present, and eternal.
Giannie Couji
Editor-in-Chief