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Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
GU-Q's 20th anniv: Dean Safwan Masri looks ahead on expanding global impact and regional relevance
Hanane Djoua Doha As Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) celebrates its 20th anniversary, Dean Safwan Masri reflects on a journey marked by academic excellence, deep regional engagement, and a forward-looking vision that positions the institution at the nexus of global scholarship and local impact. In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Dean Masri underscored how GU-Q has evolved from its initial offerings into a dynamic academic institution, grounded in the Georgetown tradition while being responsive to the shifting needs of Qatar and the broader region. 'Over the past decade, Georgetown University in Qatar has grown in both depth and breadth,' said Masri. 'Our academic offerings have remained anchored in Georgetown's tradition of excellence in international affairs, while becoming more interdisciplinary and responsive to the needs of our region.' Expanding Academic Horizons Since launching its Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree in 2005, GU-Q has significantly diversified its programmes. Originally offering majors in Culture and Politics and International Politics, along with a Minor in Arabic and a Certificate in American Studies, the university has since introduced majors in International Economics and International History, and a Certificate in Arab and Regional Studies. 'We created a Certificate in Media and Politics with Northwestern Qatar a decade ago and recently launched a joint minor in Africana Studies,' Masri noted. 'We also introduced minors in Indian Ocean Studies and French, and a joint Certificate in Energy Studies with CMU-Q and TAMU-Q, with more programmes to come.' These academic developments reflect GU-Q's commitment to providing a globally relevant, comprehensive education that equips students with both intellectual rigor and real-world applicability. Scholarship with Purpose The university's growing portfolio of impactful research is another point of pride. 'I'm especially proud of the rise in impactful scholarship produced by our faculty—ranging from books and journal articles to policy-relevant research that speaks to global and regional issues,' Masri said. This academic output is matched by the university's efforts to bridge theory and practice. Experiential learning opportunities, such as the Community Engagement and Academic Internship programmes, allow students to confront real-world challenges. 'Our Innovation Lab is a great example,' Masri said. 'It transforms traditional academic breaks into immersive, hands-on career development experiences. This evolution reflects our mission to develop students who are not only academically strong but also socially conscious and globally minded.' A Synergy, Not a Balancing Act Masri rejected the notion that GU-Q must choose between maintaining global standards and serving local priorities. 'Maintaining Georgetown's global academic standards while contributing to Qatar's development is not a balancing act—it's a synergy,' he emphasised. He pointed to GU-Q's role in aligning with Qatar National Vision, particularly through research and partnerships that speak to local and regional needs. From public policy and migration to the legacy of the FIFA World Cup, GU-Q faculty and students are engaged in scholarship that matters. Strategic collaborations, such as the one with Education Above All, further highlight the university's commitment to accessibility and social impact. Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Masri envisions GU-Q building on its current momentum to deepen its contributions to the region and the world. 'One of my aspirations is to strengthen our research ecosystem further and create more interdisciplinary spaces where faculty and students can explore the challenges of our time,' he said. 'Another is to deepen our engagement with the Global South, ensuring that our students see themselves as part of global conversations that matter.' He emphasised GU-Q's unique positioning 'at the intersection of global scholarship and regional relevance,' calling for a continued focus on cultivating ethical leaders and critical thinkers who are prepared to shape their communities and the broader world. A Community of Purpose For Dean Masri, the 20-year milestone is not only institutional—it is also deeply personal. 'To lead an institution like GU-Q—where students, faculty, and staff are genuinely committed to the pursuit of knowledge and service—has been one of the greatest honors of my career,' he said. 'What I'm most proud of is the community we've built. Our graduates are shaping policy, leading organizations, and giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. We have become a home for dialogue, inquiry, and innovation.' As GU-Q marks two decades of transformative education, the institution stands as a testament to what is possible when global excellence meets local commitment. And if Dean Masri's vision is any indication, the next chapter promises even greater impact—rooted in purpose, driven by values, and inspired by the enduring Georgetown mission of service to others.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
The book behind the Met Gala: Monica L Miller's ‘Slaves to Fashion' and the politics of Black Dandyism
When Monica L Miller published Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity in 2009, few could have predicted that her academic study of Black style, identity, and resistance would one day shape the theme of fashion's most closely watched event. But this year, the Met Gala — known as much for its couture spectacle as for its cultural references — turned to Miller's work for inspiration, putting Black dandyism centre stage. Held annually to benefit the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Gala has in recent years looked to literature for thematic cues. In 2024, JG Ballard's 1962 short story 'The Garden of Time' offered a meditation on beauty, decay, and temporal fragility. This year, Miller, a professor and chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, served as an inspiration. Published by Duke University Press, Slaves to Fashion examines how, from Enlightenment England to contemporary culture, Black men have appropriated the codes of high fashion, often born from European colonial contexts, to construct alternative, powerful identities. 'Dandyism is by definition an act of refusal to fit into or even accept given or typical categories of identity,' Miller said during remarks at the Gala's press preview, as quoted in the Vogue. The book — which received the 2010 William Sanders Scarborough Prize for the best book in African American literature and culture from the Modern Language Association (MLA) and was shortlisted for the 2010 Modernist Studies Association Book Prize — maps a lineage of style that includes Julius Soubise, an 18th-century freedman who wore diamond-buckled, red-heeled shoes; American sociologist W E B Du Bois, who embraced the aesthetic in his youth; and contemporary figures such as rappers Sean Combs aka Diddy and André 3000. Yinka Shonibare, the Afro-British artist known for the photographic suite, 'Diary of a Victorian Dandy', also features in Miller's analysis. The dandy's wardrobe becomes, in Miller's reading, a site of cultural reclamation. 'Luxury slaves,' as they were once called in 18th-century England, were Black servants styled in aristocratic garb by their masters. But, Miller shows how these individuals subverted these symbols . 'Tweaking and reworking their uniforms,' she writes, they carved out new new class identities. On June 3, Yale University Press will release, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', a hardcover companion book for this year's Met gala. It has been authored by Miller, who is the guest curator for this year's exhibition, and Costume Institute Curator in Charge, Andrew Bolton. The book traces the legacy of Black menswear across three centuries —from hip-hop aesthetic and popular street trends, through its use during the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement. As conversations about race, representation, and cultural appropriation continue to evolve in art and fashion, the two books are a study on how style can speak volumes. Aishwarya Khosla is a journalist currently serving as Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express. Her writings examine the interplay of culture, identity, and politics. She began her career at the Hindustan Times, where she covered books, theatre, culture, and the Punjabi diaspora. Her editorial expertise spans the Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Online desks. She was the recipient of the The Nehru Fellowship in Politics and Elections, where she studied political campaigns, policy research, political strategy and communications for a year. She pens The Indian Express newsletter, Meanwhile, Back Home. Write to her at or You can follow her on Instagram: @ink_and_ideology, and X: @KhoslaAishwarya. ... Read More
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Miranda Kerr steals the spotlight in a sculptural black gown as she joins fashion's elite at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City
Miranda Kerr made a dramatic entrance at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday night, turning heads in a show-stopping sculptural black gown that fused high fashion with avant-garde elegance. The Australian supermodel, 42, looked nothing short of sensational as she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for fashion's biggest night of the year. Miranda opted for a daring strapless creation that featured exaggerated origami-style folds across the bodice and hip, paired with a wire-mesh veil worn over her face. The Sydney-born model completed her attention-grabbing get-up with floor-grazing statement sleeves that billowed as she posed for photographers. The striking ensemble showcased her toned physique and highlighted her statuesque frame. She accessorised the bold look with long black opera gloves, strappy stilettos and a dazzling diamond choker necklace. Meanwhile, her brunette hair was elegantly swept back into a sleek braided bun. A swipe of classic red lipstick completed Miranda's old-Hollywood-inspired glam look. She was joined by her tech billionaire husband Evan Spiegel, who cut a dashing figure in a tailored suit. Beaming from ear to ear, Miranda appeared to be in high spirits as she posed confidently for cameras, flashing her signature smile. She waved to fans and photographers alike, clearly soaking up the electric atmosphere of the star-studded evening. The former Victoria's Secret Angel radiated joy and confidence as she glided down the blue carpet, pausing to laugh and chat with fellow guests. Her cheerful energy was infectious - and it was clear she was enjoying every moment of the glamorous night out. The star-studded affair marked another standout appearance for Miranda, who has become a Met Gala regular over the years thanks to her sophisticated fashion choices and runway-ready poise. The annual invite-only event has a theme each year, with this year's theme as 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' inspired by Monica Miller's work, which includes her book Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Monica is the chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, as well as a professor at the institute. The 2025 gala theme focuses on menswear, 22 years after the 'Men In Skirts' theme - which was the first gala to focus only on menswear. According to Monica, Black dandyism is 'a strategy and a tool to rethink identity, to reimagine the self in a different context. To really push a boundary - especially during the time of enslavement, to really push a boundary on who and what counts as human, even,' via Vogue. The Met Gala 2025 will be co-chaired by Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour, with Lebron James as the honourary chair. Miranda joined a glittering lineup of A-listers, including Zendaya, who turned heads in a sharp white suit and wide-brimmed hat by Louis Vuitton, and Gigi Hadid, who dazzled in a custom gold halter gown by Miu Miu.
Buzz Feed
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Here's What Every 2025 Met Gala Co-Chair Wore To The Big Event
After months of anticipation, the 2025 Met Gala is upon us. You may or may not know that every year's Met Gala theme is specifically tied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute's Spring exhibition, and for this year's exhibition the theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The exhibit is inspired by Barnard Professor of Africana Studies Monica L. Miller's 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Every Met Gala also has co-chairs alongside Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. Here's who they are and what they wore tonight: Colman Domingo (who wore two looks!): Sir Lewis Hamilton: A$AP Rocky: Pharrell Williams: Anna Wintour:
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Anna Wintour's awkward word salad response when asked about race leaves Met Gala 2025 fans 'dizzy'
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour 's awkward word salad response to a question on allyship left Met Gala fans 'dizzy' in a new video Monday. The fashion icon and Met Chairperson, 75, shockingly dropped her signature shades as she stopped for a chat with The Cut - which led to a rambling explanation when asked about allyship. Allyship refers to active support for the rights of a minority or marginalized group without being a member of it - which can refer to race, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality. When asked 'how do you use fashion to create allyship?' a stoic Wintour responded: 'I think fashion is a language. like music is a language 'And its a global language, so I think an event like tonight will have a global resonance. 'We have guests coming from all over the world so whether you're in India, in Asia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Cut (@thecut) 'Sorry, Japan or Europe or whatever, there will be many people here that you will know and recognize. 'So I think trying to reach everyone with the important message of this event is so important.' Fans were left baffled by the answer with one writing: 'She made us dizzy without telling us anything.' Others wrote: 'She has no idea what party she's at. She still had all day to have it written out for her. But love that he got something that resembled an answer. 'she didn't answer the question though. 'Did she answer the question? Allyship?' Fashion's biggest night out kicked off with plenty of glamour and glitz on Monday, May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Sadie Sink arrived in a dramatic black lace look, with her signature rock locks pulled back into a chic updo. Gigi Hadid glittered in a gold halter dress, complete with ruching along her waist. Teyana Taylor made a dramatic arrival in a burgundy and black suit and cape, complete with a feathered hat. Fans were left baffled by the answer with one writing: 'She made us dizzy without telling us anything.' Sydney Sweeney donned a figure-hugging sparkling black dress, featuring a large cut-out detail over her chest. The busty blonde's frock had a statement silver brooch along the neckline and textured short sleeves. The Euphoria actress wore her golden locks in an updo with several strands styled over her forehead. Meanwhile, Zuri Hall and Emma Chamberlain both opted for pinstripe dresses. The annual invite-only event has a theme each year, with this year's theme as 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' inspired by Monica Miller's work, which includes her book Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Monica is the chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, as well as a professor at the institute. According to Monica, Black dandyism is 'a strategy and a tool to rethink identity, to reimagine the self in a different context. To really push a boundary - especially during the time of enslavement, to really push a boundary on who and what counts as human, even,' via Vogue. The 2025 gala theme focuses on menswear, 22 years after the 'Men In Skirts' theme - which was the first gala to focus only on menswear. The Met Gala 2025 will be co-chaired by Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour, with Lebron James as the honorary chair.
